About Chesney Auto Salvage: A Family Legacy Since 1965

Chesney Auto Salvage isn't just any salvage yard; it's a piece of Duluth history! Founded way back in 1965 by the one and only Jerry Chesney, this business has been run by the Chesney family ever since. That's over 55 years of helping folks find the parts they need and giving old cars a new purpose. It’s a real family affair, with Jerry and his grandson, Codie Chesney, keeping things running smoothly. This kind of dedication means they know their stuff inside and out.

Located at 6250 Beaver River Rd, Duluth, MN 55803, this place spans a massive 40 acres. Imagine that! That's a whole lot of cars and trucks, ready to lend their parts to keep your ride on the road. For more local options, check out other Salvage yards in Minnesota.

Services Offered at Chesney Auto Salvage

Chesney Auto Salvage is a full-service junkyard, meaning they're not just a “pull your own part” kind of place. They’ve got a massive inventory and a team ready to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Think of them as your go-to experts for all things used auto parts. Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

With most employees having been there for over a decade, you can bet you'll get some wise advice and experienced help when you visit. They know their stuff!

A Treasure Trove of Vehicles and Parts

At Chesney Auto Salvage, their 40-acre lot holds over 7,000 vehicles! That's a huge supply of potential parts. They boast more than one million auto parts ready to be pulled and sold. No matter if you drive a classic muscle car or a modern SUV, chances are they’ve got something for you. They carry parts for a wide range of makes like Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Dodge, Honda, and many more. Their computerized inventory system helps them find the part you need super fast, and if it's not on their lot, they can even search a nationwide part locating network to get it for you.

Most Popular Used Auto Parts

Just like at any good wrecking yard, certain parts fly off the shelves because they're durable, affordable, and just plain smart to buy used. Here’s what's often hot:

• Engines and Transmissions: Often the most expensive repair, so finding a good used motor or transmission can save you a fortune. Chesney Auto Salvage keeps these in high demand.
• Body Panels: Fenders, doors, hoods, and bumpers are popular for collision repairs. They offer that perfect OEM fit and sometimes even the original paint match!
• Electrical Components: Things like alternators, starters, and dashboard clusters are costly new, but you can find them in great shape at a salvage yard.
• Suspension Parts: Control arms, steering racks, and axles are built tough, making used versions a solid choice for repairs.
• Wheels and Rims: Sprucing up your ride or replacing a damaged wheel? Used wheels and rims are a budget-friendly way to go, especially for alloy or specialty options.
• Exhaust Components: Catalytic converters and mufflers can cost a small fortune new, so used options are highly sought after.

Remember, all salvaged parts come with a 90-day warranty, and they even offer extended warranties for extra peace of mind. That’s a pretty sweet deal when you’re trying to find high-quality used auto parts.

Warranty and Peace of Mind

When you're buying used parts, it's natural to wonder if they'll last. Chesney Auto Salvage gets it. That's why they stand by their products with a standard 90-day warranty on all used parts. This warranty means you've got three months to make sure that part works like it should. For those who want even more protection, they offer extended warranty options. Just ask them directly about the costs for those extra plans.

You can reach them at (218) 721-4874 or (218) 206-6390 if you have questions about specific parts or warranty details.

Got a Junk Car? Get Cash!

If you're looking to get rid of an old car, truck, or van, Chesney Auto Salvage is ready to help. They pay top dollar for scrap vehicles. This is how they keep their massive inventory stocked with fresh cars for parts. So, if that old clunker has seen its last ride, don't let it just sit there. Give them a call, and they'll likely take it off your hands, no matter the condition. It's a great way to make some quick cash and free up some space.

Tools for the Trade: What to Bring When You Visit

While Chesney Auto Salvage is a full-service yard and can often pull parts for you, if you plan on doing some self-service or just want to be prepared, here’s what you might want to bring:

• Basic Hand Tools: A good set of wrenches (socket and adjustable), pliers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, and maybe some penetrating oil to loosen stubborn bolts.
• Power Tools: A cordless saw (like a Sawzall) or a cordless impact wrench can be a lifesaver for tougher jobs, but always check their rules on what tools are allowed.
• Safety Gear: Work gloves are a must to protect your hands, and safety glasses are crucial for your eyes. Seriously, don't skip these!
• Comfort Items: Rags, water for hydration, and maybe some rubber gloves for greasy electrical work.

Always remember to ask about specific rules for tools when you get there. You can get more detailed advice on what to bring to a junkyard to make your visit smooth and successful.

Finding Your Part: The Interchange System

Ever wonder how a salvage yard can find the right part for your car, even if it came from a different make or model? That’s where an “interchange system” comes in handy. While Chesney Auto Salvage doesn't explicitly use that term, they effectively do the same thing with their high-tech systems:

• Computerized Inventory System: They use a fancy computer system to keep track of their over one million parts. This means they can quickly check if they have the exact part you need in stock.
• Nationwide Part Locating Network: If the part isn't on their 40 acres, they can search a vast network across the country to find it for you. It’s like having connections everywhere!
• Online Part Request Form: You can simply fill out a form on their website, and they'll get back to you about availability.

This means they can usually help you find compatible parts, even if your specific year, make, and model isn't sitting on their lot.

Serving the Northland and Beyond

While located in Duluth, MN, Chesney Auto Salvage serves a wide area of customers. Folks from nearby cities and towns often make the trip for their great selection and service. This includes residents from:

• Superior, WI (just across the border!)
• Cloquet, MN
• Hibbing, MN (a bit further, but worth the drive for big savings!)
• Hermantown, MN
• Proctor, MN

They also serve communities along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior, like Two Harbors and Silver Bay. So, if you're in the greater Duluth area, they're your neighbors ready to help!

News and Notable Mentions: Carhartt's Nod of Approval

Chesney Auto Salvage isn't just known locally; they've even had some national spotlight! In 2017, they were featured in a cool documentary produced by Carhartt, the workwear company. This video highlighted the business's long history and, more importantly, the special bond between founder Jerry Chesney and his grandson. It was a heartwarming piece about family, dedication, and keeping things running in Duluth. As a reward, they even got a custom hand-painted sign! It's clear they're not just about metal and parts; they're about people and community.

While there isn't much recent news beyond this cool feature, it shows that Chesney Auto Salvage is a recognized and respected business in the automotive recycling world.

Other Salvage Yards in Duluth, MN

While Chesney Auto Salvage is a top dog in the region for used auto parts, Duluth does have other businesses that handle vehicle recycling and scrap metal. Here's a quick look at a couple:

• Azcon Metals: Located at 630 Helberg Dr, this place is mostly a scrap metal and recycling center. They might take old cars, but they typically focus more on the metal itself rather than selling individual auto parts like Chesney does.
• Bay Side Recycling Corporation: Also a recycling center, they focus on metal and may process vehicles. Again, their main gig isn't usually selling specific used car parts off the shelf like a dedicated auto salvage yard.

So, while these other spots are great for general recycling, if you're specifically hunting for a used engine, a door panel, or an alternator to fix your wife's car, Chesney Auto Salvage is your best bet with its vast inventory and dedicated parts service.

Common Questions About Chesney Auto Salvage

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of your visit:

1. What types of products does Chesney Auto Salvage offer?
   They offer a wide range of salvaged auto parts from over 7,000 vehicles, plus late-model repairable vehicles.
2. What tools or equipment do they provide?
   They primarily focus on providing the parts themselves and won't typically lend out tools for you to pull parts. It's best to bring your own!
3. What is their history?
   Founded in 1965 by Jerry Chesney, it's been a proud family-owned and operated business for over 59 years.
4. What kind of warranties do they offer?
   They offer a standard 90-day warranty on all used parts, with options for extended warranties for extra peace of mind.
5. How do I request a specific part?
   You can use their online part request form or call them. They use a computerized inventory system to find your part quickly.
6. What are their business hours?
   Chesney Auto Salvage is generally open Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Always a good idea to call ahead to confirm before you visit!
7. What other services do they offer besides part sales?
   They are a full-service vehicle recycler, serving the public, dealerships, and repair shops, and they buy junk cars.