Junk yard bumps...how bad (or good) are they?

[kaliona]

There are a couple junk yards in my area that supposedly have some '67 bumps in them. What have you seasoned restorers found with junk yard bumps? I'm sure it's hit and miss, but what condition are they normally in? I'm looking for heater knobs, an air cleaner, a spare tire carrier, maybe some window cranks and door handles. It's a 60 miles one way trip to this particular junk yard and I don't want to waste my time driving out there if all I'll probably find is the frame and body panels. I just have a feeling there are enough bump owners out there that would decend on these trucks like vultures once they hit the junk yard. If I do make the run out there, any tips on what I should grab if it's still on the truck, whether I need it or not for a '67 F100?

[cdeal28078]

That is a question that can only be answered by somebody that was at that yard looking at bumps yesterday. If it is a pull apart type yard with the inventory online with a date the truck come on site it will give you some idea.
As for what I've found? Arm rests from 70's vans that were perfect. Wiper delays, switches, rear bumper brackets, etc. You just never know until you get there. Call them up and ask how long the trucks have been in the yard. If they've been there 6 months they are probably just a shell. Been there two weeks and you don't have a lot pf people in your area fixing up bumps you might be alright. Then again they both might have been totaled and burnt before being junked. Good luck
clint

[Calfdemon]

Yeah, it is completely hit and miss, but can definately be worth the gamble. I have gone to the local junkyards and found a bunch of great stuff, and then I have gone other times and struck out. It is just the chance you take, but usually you at least find something you need or can use. Had great luck this past weekend and they were bringing out a 69 Ranger as I was there. As soon as it was in its spot, I was able to get the headlight bezels, a great old-school rear bumper, and a perfectly straight tailgate. I did not go there looking for any of that stuff, but it just landed in my lap. I am still kicking myself for not getting the grille. But after fighting with the rear bumper (which was needed) for a while, I did not have the energy or patience to attack the grille (which was not needed). Point is, you never know until you make the trip, but when you score, it is a great time!

[rjewkes]

Saddest thing ever isn't a shelled or burnt one neither, it's one in premo conditrion even better than the one you own/drove to the lot in and they can't or won't sell a whole vehicle to you. so you have to part it out.

[HIO Silver]

Recent scores?! Yessiree.... sets of west coast and jr. west coast mirrors, chrome wheel arch trim, tailgate decor panel and trim, and undented headlight doors. My latest awesome finds is an OEM 1.125-inch front sway bar (off a Dentside but it fits Bumps!), and a set of ADDCo sway bars off a Bump.

In addition to the above, I'm always on the lookout for Autolite 4100s, nice emblems, and contour (aka 'sport') bumper brackets but it's like finding hens' teeth.

[mjhaltom]

Just remember that most worn out parts wear out on every truck, so in many cases unless they have been replaced the junkyard parts will also be worn out. Even with that problem rearing its ugly head pretty often, my restored 71 F100 is made from no less than 50 trucks...I am definitely a scounger.

[tsherry]

The bumps and dents in our local yard shouldn't be there at all, 75% of the time. When they do actually deserve to be there, it's due to out-of-region rust. (truck is from somewhere else).

Most of the trucks that I've pulled parts from are nicer than the one I'm working on (when I drug it home in 05, anyway). Most were parked and forgotten, and sold for $300 scrap value at the local yard. Some were obviously in running condition. Most have 352's, but there are plenty of 390's and many, many 460's. This won't last forever. Sooner or later, the supply will dry up, after they've all been stripped and crushed. They rotate new inventory about every 2 weeks, and it's not a small yard. I consider the operation a metal eating machine.