I would think there has been scavenging parts from later model cars since Henry quit making the T and cranked up on the A... I had a friend offer up a 90 model Chevy full size van, I could have the parts I wanted and haul the rest to the s****per, and we would split the crusher haul.... I told him I didnt think this was fair, he could get more if he just called a wrecker, why split it with me? I had in mind to get the Tilt steering column, and the roof ( for filling an A sedan body). After I went to get the van, there was no tilt and it had a fibergl*** high top, which was no good to me. As it is, I have the van but dont have much to show for my effort. I'd appreciate any input for parts to scavenge for hot rod projects. So far all I've done was strip the aluminum running boards, ac***ulator, condensor and a aux trans cooler....along with the battery, cables and starter. Any parts that I should take, useful to sell or use down the road? I know I could have taken the first deal he offered, and made some cash, but I felt bad about ****ting the man...after all, I have to look him in the eye every day.... If you have anything positive to offer, I'd appeciate it...if you want to kick me for being a dumb***, go ahead, You wont get no cherry its been done before... Thanks for any advice
I ***ume you don't want the engine or trans? Is the rad worth taking out for s****? Do you need a storage shed ? When I worked in a garage we would have taken something like that and parked it out back, and threw all the old worn out brake rotors parts and s**** iron inside. When it was full pull it up on the car hauler and take it to the junk yard. That's all I can think of.
While virtually any late model vehicle can yield up some parts that are useful to a hot rodder, it will help to have a little more info: What kind of vehicle(s) are you building? You mention an A sedan but your post implies possibly other projects. What engine and trans combo is in this van? Is this van a mechanically solid rust bucket? A solid body with bad engine or trans? A rust bucket whose running gear is pretty well shot too?
get a pack of sawzall blades and slice off the good straight sheetmetal for use making patch panels.... i'm not current on Chevy van/truck suspension but maybe pull the rear axle and front end pieces if they're worth a darn for upgrading an older chevy/gmc truck.... power window regulators and motors, if they can be used to also upgrade old bowties..... seat/shoulder belts? they ought to be the right length for a pickup.... and, um, yeah.... i'm a scrounger when it comes to finding what will work on a car.....
I woulda just hauled the whole Damn thing to the Crusher & get what I could and used the $$ for some Real Hot Rod Parts.
When I worked in a garage we would have taken something like that and parked it out back, and threw all the old worn out brake rotors parts and s**** iron inside. When it was full pull it up on the car hauler and take it to the junk yard. That's all I can think of.[/QUOTE] I did that once, and hauled it to the s****per, on my race car trailer. The guy was going to be cute and stuck the forks in from the side and tried to raise it from the roof...the roof posts ripped off and bent the fenders on the trailer...the junk price didnt cover the cost of the trailer repair. Thanks guys for the replies. The guy quit driving it because the roof leaked. It has an anemic old 305 w/ a 700R4 trans and a 10 bolt 3:08 gear. I've got 10 bolts, the trans didnt shift into O/D right. I dont have an A sedan, but a friend does. I am working on an A truck, and I just bought a 55 Chevy...The 55 isnt a hot rod, I just plan to drive it awhile and its not really a project, yet. Thanks again for your help!
Master cylinder, dog house might be useful in someones g***er project. I am thinking if you had a mega engine setback it would be the bomb to be able to pull the dog house to work on the back half of the engine. Switches? Does it have light switches or a cigarette lighter? The cigarette lighter could be used for a power port or a cigarette lighter either one. Some fellas like a radio so maybe someone might want it if it is any good, speakers are useful for the same fellas that like a radio. What kind of back seats does it have? They may be cut down for hot rod seats.
The 700R4 is worth at least $100 for a core. The SBC is worth another $100 at least. The SBC and 700R4 would be nice in a 55
I like your thinking Randy! Down the road I'm dreaming about a 383, 700R4 , w/ discs up front and a swaybar and gas shocks, and a Vintage air system ...maybe a stereo w/ jump drive.... But right now, I'm planning to cruise with the ole suffering 6 cylinder and the slushbox trans, along with the drums ....hey, its still a modern car, compared to the " A" model days. Thanks for the advice!
Vans have narrow door latches that will fit early cars, easily removed power lock solenoids and wiring, conversion vans have all sorts of neat little lights and shelves and things in them (I love the overhead cabinets over the visor I found in one so much I may make something like it for my '50 Chevy), usually had a high end audio system, etc. The power window mechansims are also narrow and run staight up and down, making them a good candidate to adapt to another vehicle. The side and rear door hinges might be worth saving, too, they work like Model A hinges, although they're uglier. Also, the brake pedal unit in these G-vans is small and easily adapted to other cars to put a master on the firewall. I always save lock cylinders if there are keys.
If you've got room then save running gear. Electrionic stuff etc. You'd be surprised what i've traded for newer junk...
IIRC the computer is worth saving to sell, also, they have one of the better tunes for GM TBI setups.
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