Fun at the Salvage Yard: Part 1

The feeling I get after I pay for that $2 stamp on my hand that says I paid and walk outside to see wrecked cars all the way to the horizon is similar to going to a playground as a kid. It's a gearhead's playground. Wanna just work on motors, take them apart, and just learn? OK.

I was extremely blessed to have found an A-1 Cardone MAF sensor. What is it? Well it works for the Lexus LS400 up to 1995 (which is strange if you think about it - they had different MAF sensors in 1995 as opposed to before). It also works for the Toyota Supra, including the early 1990s (yes, the twin turbo too) and the generation before. It has an aluminum casing that actually comes stock in some first generation LS400s, I believe, but it has a special sensor by Fuji. The one you would find in a 1994 LS400 would have the LS400 MAF sensor.

Are you ready? New, it costs $460 at Rock Auto, a website known for cheap parts.

I paid $35. Now, I got extremely lucky. Don't expect to go to the yardyand boom, you got one. I just happened to get there the first day the car was put out and it had been modified. I grabbed some other things as well. When you go, look for cars like the SC400 if you need motor parts for an LS400, for example. They share the same motor.

Anyway, the junkyard. One of the many things it's good for is coming up with totally unique ideas such as using headlights from car X on car Y or trying to find ones that would fit with some fabrication. That's where a lot of fun lies and you can create some really awesome unique vehicles.

This isn't to mention that you will occasionally find jewelry under the seats. Man, I feel like I should be getting paid for my secrets! You're gonna find change for sure. I've found silver earrings.

Nowadays if I need a wheel cover or even seat covers, I'll get those from the yard too. You can get a $200 set for like $20. Even a custom fitted one. Wide rear view mirror? Coming right up. And it's all dirt cheap. Rims and the list goes on.

Thanks for reading. I'm going to make this a series because I go to junkyards a lot. It's how I make my money, actually. I sell auto parts. Now you know what I do.

Stay safe - adios!

- Rokas Kirvelis