[91astroluv]

What part(s) are you willing to use?
Salvage aftermarket or OEM?
and why? performance, cost, warranties etc.

I am asking because I think we can "SAVE" eachother from making
costly mistakes and disapointing results.

It would also make us who have made the mistake(s) feel better by helping others to not make
the same mistake(s)!

Also, any hints on what part(s) anyone going to a salvage yard should "scoop" up
for those parts that are doomed to fail or are really expensive?

I hope this thread will help those who live in apartment(s) or inner city(s) where they can't just
buy up part(s) van(s) and store them till the parts are needed. THey could score the part(s)
and store them.

I am really interested to see your responses (I'm going to the Salvage Yards tommorow).
Thanks and have a Vanner day!
Trip

 

[rev_les]

it often relates directly to how much reserve finances one has available....Sometime's I'd prefer a salvaged OEM part over a new aftermarket part, esp. regarding ignition parts on these.

 

[Big_kid]

Whatever I can get from Pick n Pull, I usually do. I didn't really want a used turn signal switch, but when mine went bad I didn't have the cash to shell out for a new one (nor could my FLAPS get me one). I'm not big on buying used consumable items (belts, hoses, brake shoes, etc). My trailer hitch came from there too.

 

[webcat]

Also, any hints on what part(s) anyone going to a salvage yard should "scoop" up

I collect a little bit of everything that makes the van start and run good , i prioritize by how much stuff costs , for example i like to get ignition modules which would be very exspensive to buy new , i also collect sensors and the connectors that go to them , for every part on my van i probally have three xtra parts lying around just in case ! I figure any part that you cant fab up is valuble .
i think electrical connectors is a good thing to collect and may often times be overlooked , you can use them for all sorts of things like connecting your meter or timing light or your stereo or any other electronics to make fast easy connections or removal

 

[astro355]

If I can help it, I never get any electrical items from a salvage yard. My crystal ball hasn't worked in years so I'm not going to guess. Items I do get from salvage yards would be body panels or any other hard parts without electronics. I have gotten a few engines and transmissions only because I was paid to. And I have the 9 inch that I bought because I have been rebuilding it.

If your van is stock, only use OEM parts. No OEM rip-off stuff. You will only spend more money do the road.

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

^I would have to agree with that. Any electrical stuff I would rather buy it new....although I have bought stuff off my buddies as they were parting out a vehicle and they new the part was good. Most my junkyards around here don't save you a whole lot of money anyways. Thinking of finding myself a parts Van in the near future as that would be the cheapest route for parts between my two Van's needs. :rockon:

 

[90lownslow]

thats the way to go

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

^Heck ya thats the way I'm going. I hope I can find a good canidate in the spring. :mrgreen:

 

[webcat]

Things i would buy OEM "off the top of my head would be" long block , gaskets , oil filter , oil pump ,transmission , starter , alternater , battery , plugs cap rotor and wires , ign coil ,fuel injectors and regulator , oxygen senser , AC compresser , heater blower fan and resister , water pump , power steering pump , radiator , fuel pump , belts , belt tensioner , anything related to the brake or steering systems , light bulbs , ign switch , heater core ...etc.
However , i have bought a couple of Autozone engines without any regrets , ran them real hard too , bought the first one for a G30 van for about $1050 and bought another for a G10 van that cost me about $1100 , if i buy a new engine for my express van i'll probally spend the xtra money and buy a OEM crate engine from GM because my Express van is my baby and i plan on keeping it for a long time !
A used transmission might not be so bad if you got it cheap and inspected it and knew where it came from but you would probally would want a couple xtras lay'in around in case it gives out . there not that hard to swap out anyway but since i live in a apartment i would probally be better off getting a OEM trannee and have a little piece of mind.

 

[webcat]

91astroluv :goodpost:

 

[rev_les]

I wasn't recommending shopping for electrical parts at the junkyard, but if money was really tight, I'd try a used OEM over an offshore new part, until I had the cash to buy the OEM part new.I mean, you know, an ignition module could just fall into your coverall pocket accidentally... :mrgreen: The bone yard is a great place to stock up on light bulbs and fuses too.hehe I'd trust a junkyard fuse over a Harbor Freight new one :rofl:

 

[webcat]

I dont run a EGR myself but if you did the egr electronics would be good stuff to pick up ,i dont remember how much they cost but i remember there really expensive!!!!!

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

I wasn't recommending shopping for electrical parts at the junkyard, but if money was really tight, I'd try a used OEM over an offshore new part, until I had the cash to buy the OEM part new.I mean, you know, an ignition module could just fall into your coverall pocket accidentally... :mrgreen: The bone yard is a great place to stock up on light bulbs and fuses too.hehe I'd trust a junkyard fuse over a Harbor Freight new one :rofl:

Now if I could find a junkyard in WI that will let you pick your own parts my answer to this question would be totally different. :lol:

 

[rev_les]

Now if I could find a junkyard in WI that will let you pick your own parts my answer to this question would be totally different. :lol:

Valid point,I prefer to do my own seek and rescue on parts.

 

[91astroluv]

91astroluv :goodpost:

Thanks!

But really your reply was pretty spot on astro boy!

 

[astro355]

Now if I could find a junkyard in WI that will let you pick your own parts my answer to this question would be totally different. :lol:

Dude, Rockford isn't that far away. Come on down!

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Ya, I'm either hitting up that junkyard you told me about or getting myself a good parts Van. Or my wife is on my azz to just buy a nicer Van in the spring, but what can I say I'm cheap and our old Vans are running good. :shrug: :lol: