LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces Auto Parts Supplier of the Month For September, 2012

LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces Our First Automotive Industry's

Automotive Parts Supplier of the Month

Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL!

"LDJ Auto Body News has gone through some major renovations in the past 30 days.  We've added many great new concepts to our line-up to help our readers and those in our industry gain knowledge of things happening in our industry and we've added some exciting new regular features", said Dee Blackman, Senior Editor of the newsletter. "One of the things we are adding is our "Supplier of the Month" award that is given to auto parts and auto industry suppliers who go above and beyond the call of duty in their respective niche to provide a great experience for their customers.  In an economy where everyone is affected by price, it's important that we give recognition to those that do their best to offset the ever increasing prices for both consumers and businesses, thus affecting the industry as a whole.  We want to let people know that there are companies out there who go the extra nine yards to provide the best customer service while still keeping pricing at a minimum."  

A big congratulations to Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL for being named LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News' "Automotive Industry Auto Parts Supplier of the Month" for September, 2012.

Located at 5509 E. Broadway in Tampa, FL, Allen's provides new, aftermarket and recycled parts for auto industry businesses and consumers alike.  Their staff is friendly and knowledgeable and they keep a vast inventory of used parts.  Their huge inventory of mechanical parts and body parts is well maintained and impeccably organized.  "I have been doing body work for 40 yrs.", said Larry Blackman of LDJ Auto Body and Mechanical, Gibsonton, FL, "and I was extremely impressed by the organization of their parts inventory.  In our business, it is key that the used body parts we buy for our customers are in good shape and Allen's is the first place we call when looking for used parts.  They tell us when our order will be ready and we plan our job scheduling based on that time frame.  If Allen's tells us our order will be ready for pick-up at a certain time...it is.  That's as important to us as the price.  Nothing is worse than having to tell a customer that their vehicle will be late because your supplier didn't deliver on time.  That just doesn't happen at Allen's.  These guys do great work and we depend on them."

In addition to their parts supply, Allen's also offers auto repair services like parts installation, tune-ups, oil changes, and more, all of which are reasonably priced and expertly done by their staff of knowledgeable mechanics.   "It's a great place to do business and we even send our own customers there to buy their parts. There aren't many suppliers that I'll actually send my customers to," said Blackman, "When it comes to that, you have to really be the best. We don't make recommendations like that lightly.  This is a competitive business and you have to be careful when you recommend someone to one of your own customers.  There has to be an amount of trust there and that takes a lot of time to build.  Allen's is one of those places."

EDITOR'S NOTE

Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL is owned by Hoss who works the counter along wiht Dean, Brian, Mike, and Todd.  This hard-working team of auto professionals assembled by Hoss will provide you with a great customer experience.  Whether you are an automotive industry business owner or just the owner of your favorite vehicle, you owe it to yourself to give Allen's Used Auto Parts of Tampa, FL a try.  We highly recommend them for all your auto parts and service needs.  Give Hoss a call today....we promise you won't be disappointed.  Tell em Dee sent you!

Congratulations guys......and keep up the great work!

-Dee Blackman
 Senior Editor and Publisher
 LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News
 Happy Motoring!

More about → LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces Auto Parts Supplier of the Month For September, 2012

Women Gearheads? Do They Really Exist?

I just finished reading a blog article on Jalopnik.com, one of my favorite blogs, entitled "10 Ways to Inspire Women Gearheads" and I started thinking, there must be more women "gearheads" out there!  But, where are they and why don't we see a lot more of them?


My own experience isn't that different than most, at least I don't think it is.  My appreciation for cars dates all the way back to my very early childhood.  I was the "first born" of the grandchildren and, I suppose, a little bit of a disappointment to my grandfather, who obviously, would have preferred a grandson.... But, being the trooper that he was, and not about to let a little thing like the "Y chromosome" put a damper in his day, grandpa just decided to make the best of it!  He raised his little "tomboy" just like any other grandfather would. Point being, I learned to fish, hunt, and last, but not least, turn a wrench with the best of them!  Yup, grandpa loved his cars, and, by the time I was old enough to get a grip on my Craftsman 1/4" socket, so did I...

I think the stigma that the only people who like to get greasy or who give a damn about the foot lbs. of torque being produced by the rumble under their hoods are men, has always been something that men have been trying to create!  In fact, I'm not so sure that the stigma ever really existed... Somehow, all the hype about cars and motors and horse-power and other automotive cliche have managed to escape the gender war.  Now, admittedly, most mechanical ads and advertisements for auto parts and such will usually show a picture of a "male" working on the car or motor involved,instead of a woman, but, the reason for that is quite different than the fact that women are not really interested in cars!

My thoughts on this are that men are afraid to let women into that elite society of beer drinking and garage socializing because if they let us into that little niche, they won't be able to use the "honey, I'm heading over to soandso's garage to work on his whatever" to escape without the little woman! Right? Seriousy, think about it. If the "little woman" was just as juberant about tweaking someone's "ported head intake to exhaust ratio", she just might want to go with him! Now, that could cause some real problems if hubby was just lookin to get out with the boys and throw down a couple beers while watching the "rear end" of some blonde walkin down the street while making immature gestures and whistling noises.....LOL! :)

I think a lot more women are into their cars more than we think.  Maybe not quite into the nitty, gritty of high performance tuning and things of that nature, but, definitely into the way their cars look AND drive.  I have a couple girlfriends that can change oil with the best of em' and do so on a regular basis!  Probably more from a "saving money" standpoint than a "like to get greasy just for the sake of it", but, still they change their own oil and check the fluids and whatever else one does when taking care of those types of chores.  And, of course, there are lots of women who shop the auto parts and accessory stores for neat little things to "spruce up" ol' Betsy and just make her "look nicer".   Most of these stores actually cater to women for some of these items and you'll find lots of floor mats, seat covers, steering wheel covers and a host of other accessories geared toward women nowadays!  I've even seen complete "make-over" kits for cars with hot pink, flower covered, prints and other "girlie" type designs.

So, don't underestimate the power of your woman, guys!  If you really want us to get out there and get dirty with you, all you have to do is ask!  I'd venture to guess that at least half of the women out there have more automobile knowledge than they let on.  I think many women would be more than happy to join you at your friend's garage and do a little beer drinking while watching your drunken friends try and make their Honda's go faster!

Let's hear from some of our readers out there!  Tell us what you think!  Let's hear from some women gearheads too!  I'll be there's a lot more women around that can appreciate the smell of a good, "high-octane" top fuel nitro mix.  Hmmm, that might even make a good perfume idea!

Happy Motoring!

Larry and Dee

More about → Women Gearheads? Do They Really Exist?

2013 Shelby GT 500 - Mustang Lovers And Ford Fans Gotta Smile At This One!

OK, so I don't usually do car reviews.  I leave that to the real experts like Motor Trend and Car and Driver and the other select few journalists that are way better equipped to bring you all that great stuff.  But, every now and then this little gear-head gal finds something that just gives me goosebumps and I just have to throw in my two-cents! 

Now, for those of you that know me, I'm kind of a Chevy gal.  Camaro gal to narrow it down a bit....So, you can see why Ford's announcement of the 2013 Shelby GT 500 caught my attention, and the attention of muscle car and speed freaks everywhere, for that matter!  Even this Chevy loving, Camaro preaching grease monkey has to admit that this thing is a beast! 

This stunningly beautiful monster has been affectionately labeled "the widow maker" by even the big boys in automobile journalism. The heart of this new Ford stunner is a 5.8-liter, aluminum-block V8, complete with a larger, more efficient supercharger. Nearly the entire powertrain has been upgraded for 2013, including a new cross-drilled block and heads, updated camshaft profiles, a carbon fiber driveshaft and upgraded clutch, transmission and axle. The cooling system has also been upgraded, and the new six-speed manual transmission now has a final drive ratio of 3.31-to-1 – optimized to handle the massive amounts of torque put down by the new engine.  What that boils down to was Ford's claim of 650 hp and somewhere around 190 mph out of the box!

What's even more amazing is that upon further testing, Ford was wrong!  Yup, a little further investigating turned up the fact that Ford was slightly off in it's calculations.  This little puppy was recently certified at 662 hp and 630 lb. ft. of torque that will take you to a speed of around 200 mph!  And, that's just the way it arrives in your driveway!  I've got chills just thinking about the ride in this one!  See Ray Wert's 4/27/12 article in jalopnik.com, 2013 Shelby GT500 Actually Hits 662 HP.

Now that I've slowed my heart down a little, here's the answer to the inevitable question....how much is this gonna set you back?  Ford just recenly released the pricing of this incredible engineering wonder. The base price is $54,200 for the standard model and the $59,995 for the convertible, but if you want to add the SVT Performance Package, it jumps up by another $3,495. This package includes: Torsen limited-slip differential, 19" forged-aluminum front wheels or 20" forged-aluminum rear wheels, Bilstein adjustable dampers, unique rear springs, a unique instrument cluster, and an SVT gear shift knob. A glass roof will add yet another $1,995, while an electronic package adds another $2,340.

OK, so you might have to take your banker out to dinner and break out a seriously good bottle of vino to gain his attention and beg for a slightly larger loan on this one.....but, what an investment! 

My question?  Will Chevrolet come back with a trump for this one?  C'mon guys!  The new  Camaro ZL1’s LSA 6.2L supercharged V-8 engine producing an estimated 550 HP and 550 lb.-ft. of torque is nothing to shake a stick at for sure.....but, alas, we have been "one up'd" yet again.  But, I will keep the faith that our friends at Chevrolet will not let this be the last word in the newly founded "muscle car" wars!  AND, according to my favorite writer's blog, Jalopnik.com and Ray Wert, the Z28 is still comming!  Or, is the new Camaro 1LE actually the Z28 in disguise?

My guess....my love of Chevy and my beloved Camaro will have the last word here!  And so we will wait and see just what comes of this situation.  I'm not taking off my black silk Chevy racing jacket just yet!

I'd really like to hear from our readers on this one.  Chevy and Ford fans alike must have some sort of opinion here....so send me your comments!  I hear tale that GM would love to hear about what you'd like the Z28 to be too!  Send us your ultimate Z28 configuration and what you'd like to see when, and if, one gets unveiled! 

Happy Motoring!

Larry and Dee

More about → 2013 Shelby GT 500 - Mustang Lovers And Ford Fans Gotta Smile At This One!

Advance Auto Parts Still Has Lowest Prices On Auto Parts and Accessories!

Advance Auto Parts

The One Day Sale is over, but, you can still take advantage of Advance Auto Parts low, low prices!

April is National Car Care Month! 

To help you find everything you need to get your vehicles ready for Summer, LDJ's Online Store has put everthing you need in one convenient space, to make it easier than ever to do your vehicle parts, maintenance and accessory shopping.
 

Buy direct from Advance Auto Parts and save big money!  As always, LDJ's Online Auto Parts Store offers you "direct to the supplier savings"!  No mark-ups, no middle man.  You get the great prices you deserve and we put it all right here, so you can shop in the comfort of knowing that LDJ Auto has found the absolute, lowest prices and the very best deals out there, to make sure you get the lowest prices on the Internet.

Click on a link to go directly to the Advance Auto Parts Store, or, we've even listed the entire store inventory right here, so you don't even have to leave the page!  Use the promo codes listed and get the most unbelievalbe savings on everything automotive.  Use the search box below to find your parts by name, brand, or category!  It doesn't get any easier than this!  AND, you can order your parts online, and, have them ready for pick-up at your local Advance Auto Parts, so you don't have to wait for them to ship!  That's right!  Order today! Pick up today!  Install today!

Have questions about your parts or accessories? Mobile phone users, simply click on the link here to call and speak directly to one of Advance Auto's friendly AND knowledgeable staff to ensure you get exactly what you need!  Then simply have them get it ready for you to pick up at one of Advance Auto's 3,400 convenient local stores!

So, what are you waiting for?  Start shopping and start saving NOW! 

More about → Advance Auto Parts Still Has Lowest Prices On Auto Parts and Accessories!

The "HEART" of Custom Car Maintenance

1964 1/2 Mustang Project...A "Labor" of Love

Every now and then, I come across a story, that not only warms my heart, but, also carries with it, a glimpse of not only "the way things were", but, the way things should still be....

  

A couple of weeks ago, we received a phone call from a man who told me he had 1964 1/2 mustang that he was restoring and had run into a few problems that needed Larry's attention.  He had heard about us from a friend that we had done some work for, and wanted to get some prices on putting new quarter panels on the car.  Now, he already had my full attention, as the "original" 1964 1/2 Mustang is one of my favorite classic vehicles!  As all of our Ford Fans out there know, the era of the Mustang actually made it's debut that year.  And, well, the rest is just classic car history.....

I told him he'd have to bring the car in, as we'd have to see it in order to quote him a price on replacing the quarters and the next weekend, the car arrived at the shop.  As you can see from the pic, the car was in pretty good shape, considering it was manufactured in 1964!  As with most vehicles of it's age, there was some weathering and some light rust, but, for the most part she was in great condition for a vehicle that was almost 50 years old!  The majority of the rust damage was contained in the quarter panels which had several rust holes in the usual places.  Primarily in the lower quarter and around the windows.  Her owner had purchased new, aftermarket quarter panels to replace the originals and wanted a price on cutting off the original quarters and welding on the new ones, a job that my husband, Larry, has done many, many times in his almost 40 years of doing body work.  The man then explained that he and his son were doing the restoration together and that the car, when finished, would become his son's 16th birthday gift.  The owner is also a bodyman and painter and the project was a joint effort of him and his son's and they were trying to put this car together  by August.  He and his son have been working on this project, together, from the beginning.  They had already completely redone the motor, which is a real thing of beauty I might add, and they had all the parts ready for the interior too!  They had well over a year of locating parts, wrenching, wiring and, well, you all know the labor that goes into a restoration like this.  The man, an excellent bodyman, and a great painter too based on the pics he sent us of some of the work he's done, only needed help with the quarter panels as that is a job that requires an expert welder and the expertise of someone who is experienced in doing that particular type of work.  He also knew the job needed to be done properly to ensure the vehicle was safe.  The quarter panel section is one of the hardest panels to replace and requires cutting into the integral structure pieces of the vehicle and there's not a lot of room for error, especially on a vintage vehicle like this one. 

Larry began the job, cutting off and removing the original quarter on the driver's side of the vehicle. As with all 48 yr. old vehicle's, we found some hidden damage. The rust had eaten away the brackets that hold the window regulator and there was more damage to the wheel housing than expected. So he fabricated the bracket for the regulator and began the work of repairing the wheel housing, shown below.

The broken bracket needed repair.

The wheel housing was repaired.

 After re-working the wheel housing and welding the new regulator bracket into place, undercoating was used to ensure the rust would be containted.

The next step was to fit the quarter panel to the vehicle and ensure proper alignment with the car's original lines.  The early Mustang has a beautiful, well defined body line that gives the car it's signature design and also gives the beefy, muscle car that sleek, go fast look that made it one of the best selling vehicles of all time.  Lining up an aftermarket quarter panel to match the lines of the original body requires engineering skill and expertise that comes only with years of experience.  And, once again, Larry's skills paid off as the quarter panels were fitted flawlessly and welded into place.

The quarter is fitted and welded.

Undercoated and ready for the quarter.

Both sides of the vehicle required the same treatment and the driver's side quarter panel went on without a hitch!  As a side note, the aftermarket quarter panels purchased by the owner were KAPA Certified and of very good quality.

You can find great deals on all your aftermarket parts needs at Andy's Auto Sport.  Check out their great deals by clicking on one of the links in this blog. Andy's Auto Sport handles only the highest quality parts and accessories. 

You can find more great deals at Advance Auto Parts! Advance Auto Parts has over 3,400 locations nationwide. You'll always find the best deals on replacement parts and accessories.  Check out their entire inventory at our online store! 

This job was a special job here at LDJ Auto Body & Custom Shop because it was special to the people that brought it here.  We take pride in all of the work we do, but, we love to see families working together.  The special bond that comes from helping our kids learn and experience the satisfaction of taking something into their own hands and making something that they will love and cherish for years to come is something that we'd love to see more people experience.  The bond we create with our children and the things we teach them about life are more important now than ever before.  This man and his son will cherish the time they spent together on this project and hopefully, someday, his son will take the time to pass that on.  Today's world is a rough place and we only get one chance to motivate our kids to be the people we want them to grow up to be.  Watching this family work together and seeing the proud look on this kid's face as he saw his dream car getting closer to being finished was priceless. 

I can't wait to see the pictures of this car when it's completed and the owner has promised to send them to us.  We wish them the best of luck and I'll be sure to share those pics with you when we get them!

Working on projects like this one are a great way to spend time with our kids.  Whether you spend time fixing up their first car or just teach them the basics of how to maintain their own vehicle.  The size of the project isn't important.  It's the time spent with our kids that makes the differnce.

Remember, April is National Car Care Month!  Check back soon for some great car care tips here and at our sister blog, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News! And don't forget to check out the great deals and specials at our Parts and Accessories Store.  You'll find the latest deals and coupons to save lots of money at Advance Auto Parts!  You can check out the best accessories for your truck at our Truck Owner's Only page.

Till next time, happy motoring!

Larry and Dee Blackman

LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop

ldjautobody@yahoo.com

More about → The "HEART" of Custom Car Maintenance

LDJ's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces New Feature Writer / Editor!

I am really excited to tell you all about our new, feature writer! I'd like to introduce you all to Betty Skidmore. Betty is our new feature writer and editor here at The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance AND LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News!

Betty, like the rest of us here, is a big custom car and motorcycle enthusiast. We're happy to have her shed some new light here! She's a great journalist and will be doing weekly articles at both of our blogs, so make sure to sign up for email updates so you don't miss any of her great humor and well researched articles. Our women readers will enjoy her advice on "do-it-yourself" projects that would make any of our men proud! 

I'm going to try and convince Betty to tell you the story of how her ex-husband helped her "choose" the bike he bought for her, but, I know I certainly would never be able to tell it like she does!  I'm sure she'll share that and many more of her great stories with you!  All kidding aside, Betty is a great asset here and we're all very proud to have her on the staff. 

Betty's first article here on cleaning that awful oxydation off your headlights is a great example of some of the things you can look forward to. Toothpaste Betty?? Who would have ever thought!

Make sure to send your comments and suggestions! As always, we love to hear from our readers. Let us know what's on your mind and we'll do our best to accomodate any requests.

Don't forget to check out the latest article at, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News for some great information on auctions. Spring is a great time to add to your collection of toys and auctions are a fantastic and fun way to find some unbelievable deals!

Also, don't forget to check out our brand new Parts and Accessories Store and our new Truck Owner's Only page! Here you'll find the best deals in auto parts, truck parts, and accessories. We do our homework so you don't have to! We'll post the latest, greatest offers and coupons to help you save on all your auto parts and accessory shopping!

Check back often for the latest news from Betty, Dee, Larry and the crew!  Till next time, we'll leave the light on for ya!

More about → LDJ's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News Announces New Feature Writer / Editor!

The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance Welcomes Our Newest Writer!

I am really excited to tell you all about our new, feature writer!  I'd like to introduce you all to Betty Skidmore.  Betty is our new feature writer and editor here at The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance AND LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News!

Betty, like the rest of us here, is a big custom car and motorcycle enthusiast.  We're happy to have her shed some new light here!  She's a great journalist and will be doing weekly articles at both of our blogs, so make sure to sign up for email updates so you don't miss any of her great humor and well researched articles.  Our women readers will enjoy her advice on "do-it-yourself" projects that would make any of our men proud!

Betty's first article here on cleaning that awful oxydation off of headlights is a great example of some of the things you can look forward to.  Toothpaste Betty??  Who would have ever thought!

Make sure to send your comments and suggestions!  As always, we love to hear from our readers.  Let us know what's on your mind and we'll do our best to accomodate any requests.

Don't forget to check out the latest article at our news blog, LDJ Auto Body's Car, Truck, and Motorcycle News for some great information on auctions.  Spring is a great time to add to your collection of toys and auctions are a good way to find some unbelievable deals!

Also, don't forget to check out our new Parts and Accessories Store and our new Truck Owner's Only page!  Here you'll find the best deals in auto parts, truck parts, and accessories.  We do our homework so you don't have to!  We'll post the latest, greatest offers and coupons to help you save on all your auto parts and accessory shopping!

Check back often for the latest news from Betty, Dee, Larry and the crew!

More about → The Art of Custom Car and Motorcycle Maintenance Welcomes Our Newest Writer!

Help Us Improve Our Blog Site to Better Serve Your Needs! Please Fill Out the Short Survey Here!

More about → Help Us Improve Our Blog Site to Better Serve Your Needs! Please Fill Out the Short Survey Here!

New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?

Let's face it, in today's economy, money is tight! We're all trying to cut costs and pinch pennies where possible. So, when your vehicle breaks down or is damaged, is it better to use new or used parts to do your repairs? 

There are some obvious answers to this question. Things like brakes, windshield wipers, and other safety related repair parts should always be new! These parts are usually not that expensive and buying used would be ludicrous! But, when it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, transmissions, and even motors, you can definitely save yourself some money by purchasing used auto parts.

There are actually three different grades of auto parts.  New, meaning that the part has never been used. Used, which means that the part has been taken off of another vehicle.  And then there are "re-built" or "re-manufactured" parts. 

New parts are certainly the best way to replace most component parts of your car.  Aftermarket parts suppliers have a match for almost any part you can think of.  Our affiliated parts suppliers have almost every part you can think of that will bolt right on to your vehicle.  These are the most cost effective and definitely our choice over new OEM, used or even re-built.  These parts can be purchased on-line and sent directly to our shop.  We'll call you when they come in and schedule your appointment at that time!  Check out the link below for some great prices on aftermarket parts for your vehicle!




Re-built auto parts are used auto parts that someone has re-built or re-manufactured and replaced the main components so that the part is "just like" new! This means that someone has taken the "old part" apart and removed the broken portions of the part and replaced those parts with new ones.  Re-built or re-manufactured parts usually come with a warranty that is very similar to the warranty on a new part. Unlike used auto parts, which may or may not have a warranty.

So, how do you decide if you should be purchasing new, used or rebuilt? Things that affect the safety of your vehicle should always be purchased new!  Things like windshield wipers, brake pads, belts, and hoses are inexpensive and just not worth the chance of using used parts. 

When it comes to things like water pumps, alternators, and starters, used or rebuilt parts will almost always save you money.  However, whether you use rebuilt or used does make a difference here.  Replacing a water pump on many vehicles requires a lot of labor and can be very expensive.  Sometimes upwards of $500 or $600 dollars.  If this is the case with your vehicle, we would definitely recommend going with rebuilt.  The reason for this is pretty simple.  If the job requires that much labor, it is safe to say that you won't want to be doing it twice!  Also, a repair shop is not going to warranty the labor on the job simply because your used part went bad, so the wise decision here is to go with the rebuilt part.  The same is true for alternators and starters.  Both of these parts get a lot of wear and tear and it's simply not smart to put a used one back in your vehicle.  Also, some alternators and starters, just like the water pump, are very expensive to replace due to labor costs.  So, the smart shopper will also purchase these rebuilt. 

The real decision making regarding used vs rebuilt comes when it's time to replace major components, like your transmission or motor.  Both of these components are very expensive, and for your average vehicle owner, unless the part is covered under a manufacturer's warranty or some other kind of warranty, or, for some reason, an insurance company, purchasing these auto parts new is simply cost prohibited.  So how does one decide whether to go with new or rebuilt? 

Again, the answer here revolves around cost.  A rebuilt motor or transmission is going to cost you more money than a used one.  Rebuilt parts will definitely save you money over the cost of a new one, but, depending on the model you're looking for, they can still set you back cost wise. 

In many cases, you can find some great deals on used parts at a salvage yard.  Good salvage yards will test these parts before putting them up for sale, and, in many cases, will even offer a "replacement warranty" on the part. Replacement warranties are exactly as the name implies.  They will replace the part if it goes bad within a certain period of time.  The key here is to find the best deal on a part that has the longest warranty period.  The other key factor here is the "milage" on the part.  Most salvage yards will keep a record of how many miles were on the vehicle they removed the part from.  So you can determine the amount of usage that the part has seen before you buy it.  Of course, the lower the milage, the more expensive the part!  However, milage is not the only determining factor you need to consider.  If it's possible, try to find a motor or transmission at the yard that is still in the vehicle!  Being able to see the vehicle that the part is comming out of will give you an idea of what kind of use the part has gotten.  After all, finding a used motor with extremely low milage means nothing if that motor sat for years in a vehicle that wasn't running for a long period of time!  The motor could have corrosion built up just from sitting around.  Same goes for the transmission.  Seeing the vehicle also gives you an idea of why the motor or trans are for sale.  If the car was involved in an accident, you can tell if the motor or trans might also have been damaged in the accident by where the car was hit.

If you can't find one that is still in the car, truck or suv, it is necessary to rely on the records of the salvage yard to make your decision.  Reputable salvage yards will tell you the reason for the salvage and the number of miles listed on the odometer when they pulled the part.  Look for the lowest milage available and then the price.  Remember, you get what you pay for!  AND, since there is significant labor involved in replacing either of these components, you should spend the maximum that you can afford to pay for the part and always make sure there is a warranty on the part!  The longer the warranty the better off you'll be.

The last parts we'll cover here are body parts.  You can purchase almost any body part at a salvage yard.  Doors, hoods, trunk or (deck lids) and even roof panels and quarter panels are available at your local junk yard.  Once again, unless an insurance company is paying for the part, buying these parts new from a dealership is cost prohibited for most of us!

Body panels do not come with warranties!  Unless, of course, they're new and even then, they are only warranted against factory defects.  The thing to remember here, is that there are "after-market" body panels available for most vehicles, especially if they are a little older.  After-market body panels come in different grades, but, the two most important differences are "CAPA certified" and "non-CAPA" certified.  CAPA certified parts meet the standards of the Certified Auto Parts Association of America and are made to the same standards as OEM.  Most insurance companies will insist on CAPA certified replacement body parts.


Aftermarket parts are always significantly cheaper than OEM parts, and, more often than not, less expensive than purchasing used parts from a salvage yard.  Aftermarket parts do have to be prepped and painted, as they come from the factory in black, which is then "scuffed" or "sanded" and then primed and painted to match the existing vehicle color.  Always remember to add in the amount you will need to spend for painting when planning out your job using aftermarket parts.

At LDJ, we're always looking for ways to save you more money! You can supply your own aftermarket parts and save yourself the mark-up of us keeping the inventory.  The affiliates listed here offer great prices on aftermarket parts! You can place your order, have them shipped to us and we'll schedule your appointment when they arrive!


Used parts from a salvage yard are also a good value.  However, many salvage yards are going to be asking premium dollar for good quality used parts.  Most times, the used parts sold, are, of course, factory OEM parts.  Also, unless you get lucky enough to find a body panel in the same color as your car, it will also need to be painted. If there is any body work to be done to the used body panel, that will need to be factored in too.

Making the right decision about the parts used in the repair of your vehicle is key to saving money on your repair bill!  Feel free to call us at any time to speak to one of our technicians about your repairs.  We are there to help you make the decision that is best for you!

Hope you find this information helpful on your next repair! We look forward to helping you keep your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle in tip top shape!


Larry and Dee Blackman
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL
(813) 644-4497
www.facebook.com/ldjautobody

More about → New Auto Parts vs. Used Auto Parts....What Should YOU Use?