How to buy junk cars and make money

Junkyard Life is always hunting for car deals. We shop driveways for dilapidated vehicles covered in tarps or dirty with debris or covered in tree sap. All telltale signs of a non-running vehicle. We bought this 2002 Honda Civic because it had a tarp covering the back window. The tarp was sagging into the Civic, showing evidence that the tarp had been there awhile. The reason for the tarp? A large tree limb fell on the roof, breaking the back glass and denting the roof. The owner, at first reluctant to sell, was ready to make a deal six months later. For $300, the ran-when-parked Honda found a new owner in Junkyard Life. We needed to do some major cleanup. A junkyard rear window glass, seatbelts, new wipers, and a new fuel pump were the major items replaced. The Civic was back on the road after the roof was pushed back into place using Porter power hydraulic tool. The lesson here is to look for a deal. They are parking in driveways and yards all over your town. A little sweat equity and little money add up to a profit if you decide to flip the project and not turn it into your daily driver. We see it as a win-win scenario. You may hit some snags along the way, but the more you practice the junk car craft, the more you will learn.

2002 Honda Civic in as-found condition, minus blue tarp that was covering damage.

How to buy junk cars and make money

• Always look for a diamond in the rough. Scan driveways and yards for vehicles that have been parked for a long time. Dirt, debris on top, dingy with grime or damage?
• Inquire with owner, and ask if the vehicle is for sale
• Make your best deal. You will learn over time how to factor in the unknown expenses in the price or just offer scrap value. Many will be glad you took their eyesore away. Always another deal down the road.
• Sweat equity: cleanup the vehicle, determine what need to be done to get it running. Buy junkyard parts if possible.
• Mechanical: fuel systems, tank, fuel pump, brake lines, etc. Vehicle needs to be road worthy or sell as parts/project to make your money.
• Keep a good attitude. You will encounter headaches. Besides the automotive grinding and busted knuckles, paperwork and trips to the DMV will become regular occurrences if you decide to hustle junk cars.
• Don't try to hit a home run every time. Make some money and move on.

Jody Potter — Junkyard Life Watch more Junkyard Life on YouTube If you got time, we need your help hiring a cheap camera holder and dog food. Your views, and likes help us. Thanks! Buy a Junkyard Life TSHIRT

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Budget Buick Build Before & After: Cherry Avenue Auto Parts Junkyard Part 4

Need a reason to visit a junkyard? Buy a busted Buick. Watch Junkyard Life put this grandpa-fresh LeSabre back on the road. We won the bid on a wrecked 2000 Buick LeSabre with $650 at a local Birmingham, Alabama wrecker auction. The Buick came home on a wrecker, but as a bonus, we had keys and the 3800-V6 engine runs. Well, sort of. The bent Buick has a torn up radiator, so we didn't let it run for long to avoid overheating the engine. This purchase would be prime flipping material – the Double Aught Budget Buick Build – if we could locate all the parts and put it back together. (Note: Save time, money, and headaches when you buy projects that run.)

MAKE A LIST

We jotted down a list of damaged parts and a scoured websites, such as Facebook Marketplace and the local Pull-Your-Own yard. The key to a budget build is finding straight body panels that have matching paint to what you are working on. This saves big money. 

JACKPOT!

We found Cherry Avenue's listing on Facebook Marketplace. Their Buick parts car was the same color as our car! That's a major bonus. Bolting on same color parts saves a ton on paint expense. Even with the saving, we did spend $450 in parts for a $650 car!

DISMANTLE

Cutting away the bent parts and removing the damaged pieces left the front end of the Buick nearly naked. We found color-matched hood, fender, grill, and bumper cover at Cherry Avenue Auto Parts. We also snagged a replacement frame horn piece that was crunched in the front end collision. The new boxed frame horn structure (unibody does not have traditional frame) would need to be welded into place. A few other parts, headlight, air intake box, and radiator were located at the local you-pull-it yard.

A FAMILY THAT JUNKYARDS TOGETHER...

I try to include my family in the many automotive projects that funnel across my driveway junkyard. This time my youngest daughter, Noelle, pitched in with some underhood wrenching to put the airbox and wiring back in place on the 3.8 liter Buick engine. My son, Joe, you may remember him from the Project $300ZX (https://youtu.be/kRqUlRAHbiQ), helped out at the you-pull-it yard grabbing a radiator and a headlight. 

Teach them how to do stuff and they will do stuff. It's simple. And you're helping yourself, down the road, at the same time.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER

The fun begins when you put the final pieces of a puzzle together. But there is always a few problems to solve. The Buick's factory aluminum hood did not want to line up with the fender edges. Metal against metal. Bam! No good. A degree in Alabama Auto Mechanics was needed. A chain hoist and a tree were used to pull the understructure into position. When all aligned, bolted, and welded in place, the fenders were mounted. The hood, headlight, grill, and bumper cover were easy additions. 

Almost as good as new! 

Grandpa-fresh

The Double Aught Budget Buick Build name is a nod to the 2000 model year, which introduced the redesigned LeSabre's front-wheel-drive, full-size, 3800-V6 to another decade of sensible transportation. You know your grandpa would give the Buick LeSabre a 4-star review every year. From 1992 thru 2000, the Buick LeSabre maintained a legion of buyers eager to hold the keys and place this full-size people mover at the top of the best-seller list.  

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Leave us a comment. Do you think we did ok? After all said and done, about $1,200 was spent to get the Buick back in shape for the road. Have you worked on a similar project? We're always under a budget constraint at Junkyard Life. We cheap because we have to be out of necessity.

Do you have a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

WATCH MORE FROM CHERRY AVENUE JUNKYARD:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

 

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Junkyard Tour: Cherry Avenue Auto Parts, Birmingham Alabama - Part 3 - VIDEO

Hunting for parts at Cherry Avenue Auto Parts in Birmingham, Alabama turned into a guided tour by "Baz" Sultan, the 19-year-old son of, Paco Sultan, the owner. "Baz" tried to show me, Jody Potter, and Ron Kidd all the old school iron on the yard. In modern day junkyard lingo, the "old" stuff is from the 1980s. Ha! We wanted more and despite the sweltering heat and tall weeds we did scope out a 1975 Datsun 280Z, and a 1971 VW Beetle. For those just joining us, in Part 1, we saw a 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and a 1968 Pontiac Grand Prix in Part 2. Go back and watch if you missed out. Our main reason for visiting Cherry Avenue Auto Parts was to buy parts for our 2000 Buick LeSabre. We bought a wreck at the local auction and needed to find a replacement grill, fender, header panel, headlight, and support structure under the left fender. I found Cherry Avenue's listing on Facebook Marketplace. Their Buick parts car was the same color as my car! That's a major bonus. It saves a ton on paint expense. The Buick gets repaired in the next episode. Stay tuned! Watch Part 1 Watch Part 2

Do you have a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com

Junkyard Tour: Cherry Avenue Auto Parts, Birmingham Alabama - Part 2 - VIDEO

We continue our quest for Buick parts and classic cars at Cherry Avenue Auto Parts in Birmingham, Alabama. Our guide, "Baz" Sultan, gives us the deluxe tour of the 3.3-acre yard with more than 1,000 vehicles. "Baz" has lived his entire life in Alabama and learned the valuable lesson of hard work from his parents. His father, Paco, runs Cherry Avenue Auto Parts. "Baz" has a dream of owning his own car lot when this was recorded in August 2019. His determination to be successful is evident in his words. We were inspired by "Baz" and his dreams.

While Ron Kidd and I (Jody Potter) were busy touring the yard, Blake, an employee at Cherry Avenue Auto Parts, is hard at work dismantling the junkyard jalopy. It's a 2000 Buick sedan that is a runabout used on the yard to fetch parts and tackle work. The jalopy has no doors, trunk, and only 110,000 miles on the odometer. Blake said the A/C still worked. In a short time Blake had the 3800 Buick engine cradle on the ground, as Paco lifted the body in the air with a forklift. Our day at Cherry Avenue was full of surprises. More old cars will be uncovered in the next episode. Stay tuned!
Watch Part 1 here: https://youtu.be/AhT4M621rRQ
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HAPPY NEW YEAR AND MORE JUNKYARD LIFE
Follow us for more from our Junkyard Life Rusty Gold Rescue Team! We are always hunting old cars mysteries and stories from the cool people who keep the world from becoming boring. Junkyard Life: The Story Beneath the Rust.

Do you have a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com and Ron Kidd at Kidd403@bellsouth.net.

Junkyard Tour: Cherry Avenue Auto Parts, Birmingham Alabama - Part 1 - VIDEO

Junkyard Tour of Cherry Avenue Auto Parts in Birmingham, Alabama on a hot summer day in 2019. Baz Sultan, the son of owner Paco Sultan, gave Junkyard Life an exclusive tour of more than 3-acres of the property. Of course we were looking for junkyard gold in the form of 1960s muscle cars, but were happy to stumble across several relics from the 1970s.

Baz, only 19 years old but full of energy and optimism gave us some insight on what it's like running a junkyard. Baz plan is to operate his own car lot, selling nice, clean, drivers, while his father continues the auto parts business.

Our true reason for landing at a junkyard on the western side of Jefferson County Alabama was an ad on Facebook Marketplace. A recent auction purchase, a 2001 Buick, needed some front end parts. Cherry Avenue Auto Parts listed a Buick in the same, not-so-uncommon gold color with parts for sale. Two Junkyard Life galoots, Jody Potter and Ron Kidd, scampered out, tools and camera in hand to get the goods and a story.  >>Watch video for Part 1.

Do you have a junkyard or a junky yard?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com or Ron Kidd at Kidd403@bellsouth.net.

Driven out of the junkyard: 1993 Calypso Green Mustang LX

 

Finding and driving your first car out of a junkyard! Yes! CJ Sanderson found a 1993 Calypso Green Mustang LX in a family-owned salvage yard comprised mostly of Ford products. The discarded Mustang didn’t run in "as found" condition. His father, Chris Sanderson, was eager to extract this rare horse with a chain and a trailer. However, 16-year-old CJ convinced his dad that they should try to get it running right where it sat, in the pony car retirement home, for the sake of a better story.

CJ with his first car, and first project car Mustang, driven out of a junkyard.

Calypso Green stands out even in an aerial pic of the junkyard.

Disable Stable With three generations of Ford tough determination and knowledge, the Sanderson family, of Fultondale, Alabama, grabbed some wrenches, fresh gas, fresh battery and willed the 2.3 liter 4 cylinder to move under its own power. The Mustang cranked! CJ drove the horse out of the ‘Disable Stable’ and into the garage where the serious Pony car wrenching takes place. (Note to self: Cool name for a Mustang salvage yard)

The gutted Fox body was taken apart in preparation for paint.

CJ and his grandfather, Darrell, tackle many of the Mustang details together.

First car CJ Sanderson’s first car totally has a cool factor to make any car guy jealous. Let's meet the car. Behold! A rare 1993 Calypso Green Mustang LX! Although not born a factory 5.0, during the Pony’s re-birth a massive 351-V8 found a home between the fenders. More horses for the Horse Of Courses.* This 351 looks right at home in CJ’s car. Bigger cubes and fuel injection makes for a fun Fox. CJ and Chris didn’t stop there. A Ford Lightning lower intake and the Ford Explorer upper intake should blend the fuel and air quite well. Shaken and stirred.

Bored to a 357-cubic inch V8, CJ is stoked about the Mustang's new engine. 

The Mustang's engine bay is getting close to completion. 

More better! One thing Mustang enthusiasts point out is that in the final model year for the Fox body, Ford decided to go with hypereutectic (cast aluminum) pistons. Unlike the forged units that lived through a lot of nitrous between 1986 and 1992 model years. This didn’t bother CJ because his 351-cu. inch block is bored to a 357-cu. inch using forged pistons and balanced I-beam rods. This power plant has plenty of muscle-flexing action. Don’t spend much time worrying that a stock T-5 may not hold up to this massive power. CJ ditched the automatic that backed the original engine and opted for an indestructible ProMotion Powertrain. This T-5 is guaranteed to hold up to 600hp or one teenage car guy. Whichever comes first. For rolling stock he is currently running Weld Wheels, but plans to convert to five lug axles and run a rare set of Saleen rims. This kid never stops! That is also why a rear disc brake conversion is also in his near future!

CJ and his dad, Chris, (in front of the Fox body) discuss plans to enter the Calypso Green Mustang into the 2023 World of Wheels car show.

Envy? The paint and body work turned out sensational. What a stunning color. Calypso Green was used for just three years during the Fox body era, 1991-1993. Known to Mustang professors as Bright Calypso Green (Code PM). It was no beauty secret that the interior option was often paired with Opal Grey (Code 6). Ford did that very much on purpose because it was undeniably a beautiful color combination that let your eyes think they were at a party. A classy party. That was also the last year for the body style famously known as The Fox Body. So basically, an end of the run Fox Party! 

Progress on the 1993 Mustang interior is moving fast. Custom Gauges, Jegs high back sport seats were added up front and Corbeau seat covers in rear. Cup holders replace ash tray and a power point and USB charge plugs added to rear of console.

Ford Family Growing up in a car enthusiast family. CJ Sanderson never stood a chance of growing up to not be a car guy. Whatever path this sharp young man chooses, he will travel in style. That will never change the heredity-induced deep love of all cars–especially Fords. Destiny in CJ’s case was pretty obvious. When we came to visit this project one thing we loved was the three generations of Sandersons involved in this hobby. CJ is the son of Junkyard Life Brother Chris Sanderson who is known for his Mustangs and other creative Fords. Chris’s parents, Darrell and Teresa Sanderson (CJ’s grandparents), are lifelong Mustang collectors and passionate Ford enthusiasts. CJ’s little sister is named Shelby. Even the family dog is named Sally. Coincidence? No. This is a Ford family.

Chin spoiler and cowl hood ramp up the performance look.

Why we love this kid CJ is very grateful for the help and support that he has from his family. There is something special about one’s first car, even more so a Mustang. This one has a great story with three generations of Ford passion. CJ gets to enjoy being the king for a few more years until his little sister Shelby gets her 1990 LX 5.0 drop top on the road, but until then…CJ rocks the Calypso! Thank you for letting us be a part of this awesome story!

Ron Kidd — Junkyard Life

The Mustang LX has a bit of a stance. Lift blocks in rear may be coming out.

Junkyard Life’s Calypso (and CJ) Fun Facts:

• Jacques Cousteau’s ship was named Calypso. 
• Contrary to popular belief, CJ’s initials do not stand for “Cobra Jet” – they stand for “Christopher John.” That really is hard to believe in a family with a reputation of Ford inspired names.
• The interior options were limited if you were lucky enough to score a Calypso car. Opal grey (6) or Black interior (variety of RPO codes) were the choices.
• In Greek Mythology Calypso could mean “Concealing the knowledge.” That seems appropriate because you would not suspect a giant 351 was under the hood.
• By 1993 the Fox body was in its 15th and final year.
• Sources seem to agree that in 1993 there were 62,077 hatchback Mustangs rolling off the line. However, some sources say this color was rare on 5.0 GTs and 5.0 LXs.
• Ford played with the name of this color before in history, but oddly before 1991 they never declared it to be anything green. 
• Being the last of the famous Fox Body run from 1979 to 1993, Ford decided to sneak in hypereutectic pistons instead of the very solid forged ones used on the fuel injected cars. People love to remind 1993 owners of this. High doses of nitrous would turn the non-forged motors into a big rock. Not an issue on CJ’s car. Remind him all you like. 
• Junkyard Life can’t stress enough how cool it is to want to DRIVE your Mustang out of the junkyard and over the horizon to a new life. Way to go, CJ!

Editor’s Note: “More horses for the horse of courses” is yet another reason that Ron is not allowed to watch TV while writing a car story. Our apologies to Mr. Ed.

CJ's Mustang has a factory sunroof.
That sunroof along with the Calypso color sold him on this Fox body.

This Mustang will have more downforce via the Steeda Aero Spoiler.

Up front is a Makers Garage LX chin spoiler.

The Hoosier slicks will give way to street rubber, Saleen rims, and 5-lug axles for daily duty.

This project Calypso LX has a few more weeks until completion and debut.

This Fox body build carries on a family tradition.
Wrenching, learning, and making memories. Father to son.

Do you have a classic or muscle car barn find?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  
Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com
and Ron Kidd at kidd403.rk@gmail.com

VIDEO: 1968 Corvette 427 Big Block Barn Find Rescue

Part 1: Big Block Barn Find Story HERE

Part 2: Big Block Barn Find Rescue of a Legend Story HERE

Do you have a classic or muscle car barn find?
Send us details and we’re on the way!  Send emails to Jody Potter at junkyardbull@gmail.com or Ron Kidd at Kidd403@bellsouth.net.