Did you buy a used car just a year back, only to have it crumbling down already? That’s probably because you bought one that was in bad condition. Most used cars will look shiny on the outside, but deep down inside, a cancerous decay spreads about.
As it is, used cars have a low life expectancy rate. Buying one in bad condition means it will only last for a year or two at max. After that, the car will start breaking down and reach the point of no return. That’s the point after which you spend more time repairing the car than actually driving it.
What’s more, you end up spending a lot of cash just to keep it from breaking down. All this, only to have the piece of junk barely perform at a below-average level.
With so much upkeep to pay for, holding on to a used car in dying condition might not be the smart thing. In fact, you might find that it’s more profitable to remove all the performance parts and sell them off. At least it’ll put some money in your pocket, and you won’t have to worry about the next repair job.
Are Used car parts worth any money?
Surprisingly, they are. Mechanics, garages, and dealerships will pay the market price for any functional car part. This can be the engine and transmission systems, the air conditioner, the audio system, or anything else that’s working at a decent level.
Many businesses will buy these parts from you at a cheaper rate and use them to fix another car. So it’s a win-win situation for both parties! You could even sell the seats if you have a vintage car or a vehicle that has an iconic status.
Even generic parts like wheels, tires and airbags can be sold off and used somewhere else. Finally, you can literally strip down your entire car and even remove the windows, windshields, body panels, doors, bumpers, literally everything! But to do that, you’ll need the right tools.
What are the tools needed to remove used car parts?
You might want to hunker up because you’ll be spending hours and hours doing backbreaking work in order to pull this off. However, with the right tools by your side, and a spoonful of dedication, you WILL make it work. Trust us; it’ll all be worth it in the end. Here’s what you need.
Pliers
Any car parts removal job is going to require a ton of pliers. You’ll need everything from a set of regular pliers to complex tools like type-side cutters. What’s more, you’ll also need some channel lock pliers, locking pliers, and needle-nose pliers.
Screwdrivers
You can’t do anything without a trusty set of Phillips screwdrivers. Also, make sure to bring a set of flat head screwdrivers for all those tightly fitted bolts and screws.
A hammer, medium size.
When dismantling your used car, you will come across many bonds that hold the car parts together. These bonds can be smashed and pommeled into engine fluids and grime. Bring your best hammer, there’s smashing to do.
Some C-clamps
You might come across some typical long parts while you’re on your car dismantling journey. Did you know that you can warp them if you hang them loosely while removing the screws? This is where the C-clamps come into play.
Ratchet Wrenches
Instead of bringing a traditional wrench for this job, we recommend you bring a set of ratchet wrenches. These wrenches can smoothly extract bolts even in extremely tight spots. What’s more, they’ll give a strong grip while you unscrew all those bolts.
Engine Pulling A-frame
If you’re going to salvage your car’s engine, you’re definitely going to need an engine-pulling A-frame. Don’t worry; you won’t have to bring this bad boy yourself, as you can find it in most salvage yards. Call ahead to confirm if they have it though. Also, you best get some practice on it before you actually use it to extract the engine from your car.
A battery
If you want to test out some of the salvaged electrical parts like radios and power door locks, you’ll need to bring your own 12-volt battery. Don’t forget the jumper cables with alligator clips too!
Where do I sell these parts?
The internet is a great tool for creating commerce and informal transactions. Platforms like Craigslist and Facebook marketplace are always booming with activity, so why not try there? Simply make a list of the parts you have, click some pictures, and create ads on these platforms. You’re bound to get a few responses sooner or later. Although we do advise some patience, this could take a while.
Alternatively, you could call your local mechanic or ask around in the nearby junkyard to see if they’re interested in some parts. What’s the harm in asking?
Selling your used car to a Junkyard.
What if you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to take out individual car parts? Don’t worry; Junkyards will buy your entire car for its parts, as long as you have a clean title. This basically means that there are no third parties claiming ownership of your car and its parts. Of course, you’ll have to sign this document off to the person who buys it.
Contact your local junkyard and see how much they offer to take the car off your hands. You might get paid less than you would if you were to sell the parts individually, but at least you won’t have to put in all that work.
Final Thoughts
It’s always a good idea to make your calculations before you decide to salvage your car for parts. Try to ascertain whether the car is worth more as salvaged material or as a transportation device. If the cost of maintenance and repairs outweigh its overall use, you’ll be better off selling those parts.
While it’s true that most used cars die out after a while, that isn’t always the case. Reliable platforms like Autozin offer good quality used cars in great condition. So, the next time you buy a used car, make sure you buy it from a platform you can trust.