Some people recycle aluminum, paper and plastics. I recycle vehicles, and use them. My initial recycling projects were classic American heavy iron vehicles. I was not aware I was recycling vehicles in those days. Those cars were varying degrees of success in vehicle restoration and hot rodding. I found the various GM vehicles easiest to work on. At the time the vehicles were affordable and parts were plentiful from area salvage yards, auto parts stores and aftermarket sources. By my late 20s I had unknowingly recycled a '77 Nova, a '70 Monte Carlo, a '67 Cutlass Supreme and a '72 C-10 pickup truck.
There were several cars I had I did not recycle; an '81 Town Car and a '93 Metro. Neither did I recycle my '94 Altima or a '92 Accord. These cars I drove until repairs mounted higher than I was willing to pay for. Looking back the Altima would have been a good recycle project. I gave that car to a very sweet lady. I got it back when she married me. Some years later I sold the car to a friend for $400.00.
Over the years I have refined my vehicle recycling. Some vehicles are better candidates than others. There are two classes of vehicles I prefer to recycle.
The first class of vehicles are domestic light duty trucks and vans. Light duty trucks and vans are generically known as half ton, three quarter ton and one ton vehicles. The reason I like these is because millions of these vehicles are on the roads, many in commercial use. Parts are readily available and mechanics are familiar with these vehicles. By familiar I mean they know the quirks and shortcomings of these trucks and vans. Also, the designs of these are, despite what some opinions claim, fairly solid. No plumber, electrician or yard crew will have a truck or van that is overly complex and difficult to repair and maintain. These vehicles have to do well with maintenance cycles that are minimal to abusive.
The second class are vehicles that are popular with non commercial use. Two common vehicles are the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. There are others out there I am sure. I picked up an Acura MDX when I realized many parts from a Honda Pilot carry over to the Acura. The MDX is no Accord or Camry, but it is a reasonably common car.
There are a couple of points I ignore when buying a new project vehicle. Paint condition is something I am not concerned with. Cars with good paint are generally in a condition that requires a down payment and a monthly note. I avoid cars and trucks with visible body damage though. Some of the most costly automobile expenses are to repair body damage. To me, these repairs often return the lowest yield.
If I see different gaps in the doors, hood and trunk lids I suspect frame damage or at least a repair from a wreck. In Houston it is hard to buy a used automobile that has not been wrecked, so inconsistent gaps in doors and hoods are factors but not a deal breakers. At least I know what I am getting into.
Speaking of wrecked cars, no matter how badly I need a vehicle I refuse to buy anything six months or longer after a Houston flood. Electrical problems are resilient and costly to repair. Its a gift that keeps on giving. A flooded vehicle to me is not salvageable or recyclable.
Buying a used car with brand new tires bothers me. If the tires are "seasoned" they can reveal the condition of the steering components, struts or shocks and alignment. When I see a used vehicle with new tires I always suspect there hide needed maintenance or repairs.
The biggest hurdle I have with waiting for funds to build for repairs and enduring the problems until the repairs are made. Part of the trick is knowing how long worn parts can last. The repairs most vehicles require are basic maintenance that has been neglected. Brakes, shocks, struts, tires and other things are generally viewed as wearable components. So to are bearings and front end components. Many vehicle owners sell off their vehicles when the second wave of repairs start making themselves apparent.
I found the Honda Accord with its inline four cylinder an easier car to work on than my V6 Camry. Most mechanics I knew thought well of Honda cars.
From my mechanic days I was familiar with Chevy pickup trucks. They are basic vehicles, easy to work on with plenty of inexpensive parts.
We changed out many of the front end components on the Accord. A mechanic I had used previously wanted about $1,000.00 to replace just the bearing assemblies. I changed out the bearings plus all the parts mentioned in the caption at one forth the cost. I don't mind some one making an honest profit but...
My father in law and brother in law were instrumental in this repair. There is something humbling and right about accepting help. Ultimately helping and being helped are vital components to being in society. The urban frontier has many fronts, and no one can cover all of them. Being on the urban frontier requires individuals, even self made people, but with a sense of community.
Later I paid a mechanic I trusted to change out the obviously wore out rack and pinion. That task was more than I wanted to take in my compressed schedule. The point is maintenance and repairs can be managed and eventually the vehicle becomes serviceable. In the end, a recycled vehicle can delay the vehicle from winding up in a landfill. It's not for everyone, but i have done well so far.
Thanks for reading!
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