Well, i consider myself a pro of junk yards as i have been to a plethora of them myself. Carry the main hand tools and pry on a large wagon. The kind that kids wheel behind them work fine as long as they have large pneumatic tires. Bring steering wheel pullers and other things like that. Some friends of ours bring their work truck with a big acetylene torch in the bed. Also, wear a pair of coveralls that you dont mind getting dirty or torn. We bring a mechette where ever we go b/c most of the cars we see are in more than 30 years of briars. Usually the yards that you say "WOW the EPA would really crack down on this place if they knew about it" are the best ones because in most parts, the owners dont know all of what they have, and dont know good prices for things.
Insurance is a big thing. I have been to many a yard where the owners either have to be sweet talked into letting you into a yard, or they will go with you to only see the cars (not pull parts)because of the insurance. Also watch the ones that are very overpriced. If you see that there are a lot of nice pieces laying in the passenger seat all ready to go, chances are, someone has come along before you, taken off the pieces, only to find that the pieces they want are of astronomical prices.
Just be sure to protect yourself when you are there. After putting a nail through my boot here
www.classiccarsrotting.com i learned to watch where i step. Snakes, spiders, briars, sinkholes, and the like are also to be watched.
Except for this place
www.pullapart.com , i have never been to a yard that was full of people. Pullapart is nice because it has set prices for all of its parts. No haggling, but at least you know what you have to pay before you get to the counter. Places like a place called Gibbs Junkyard near Anniston AL, are the places i love. 2 whole mountains of cars of all types (including 2 ISUZU troopers)
There is also a place on HW 109 going toward Uwharrie that has some scouts, and broncos too. Pretty nice place.
One more thing. When in a yard, as tempting as it may be, even if no one is around, dont smash windows of cars, slash tires, or anything like that. That also makes people close down yards. Oh and dont try to stash parts in pockets to try to sneak them out. Most yards do check pockets and toolboxes for parts. This is any easy way to get thrown out and an entire day of yarding and pulling is wasted.
HTH (cause this is a lot of info!)
-J <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
