Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing In Hartford SD

Welcome to the ultimate guide for Salvage yards in South Dakota, focusing on one of the most unique spots in the region: Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing. Located at 26240 463rd Ave, Hartford, SD 57033, this isn't just your average junkyard. It's a place where history meets recycling, offering a vast treasure trove for car enthusiasts and anyone in need of used auto parts.

About Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing: A Legacy in Steel and Chrome

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing began its journey in 1955, founded by Donnas Oakleaf. He was a Midwest farmer who started this business to support his family. Donnas quickly became famous for owning South Dakota's first car crusher. But here's the cool part: while he crushed many vehicles for scrap, he had a soft spot for certain cars. He deliberately saved a whole bunch of his favorite rides, creating what is now a fantastic vintage collection right there on the property.

After Donnas passed in 1955, his sons took over. They kept the tradition alive, refusing to crush many of those classic beauties. This helped turn Oakleaf Old Cars into a well-known spot for both viewing amazing vintage cars and finding hard-to-get used auto parts. Today, this salvage yard is recognized for its huge inventory of classic cars and their parts, going all the way back from the 1920s up to now.

Like many other salvage yards in rural South Dakota and the upper Midwest, Oakleaf Old Cars grew from a family side hustle into a full-blown auto recycling operation. It's a testament to how these businesses often mirror the hard work and dedication of farming families.

Key Information About Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing

Feature	Details
Establishment Year	1955
Founder	Donnas Oakleaf
Successor(s)	Donnas Oakleaf’s sons (Family-operated since)
Notable Facts	Owned South Dakota’s first car crusher; preserved a large collection of vintage vehicles
Address	26240 463rd Ave, Hartford, SD 57033 (Also listed as 26246 in some cases)
Current Focus	Vintage car parts, classic cars, salvage, and exhibition

Services Offered at Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing isn't just about selling parts; they offer a variety of services for classic car lovers, hobbyists, and folks just looking for a good deal on used parts. Here's what they bring to the table:

Service Category	Details
Parts & Supplies	Classic & Antique Auto Parts: Their specialty! Find parts for vehicles from the 1920s to today, covering both foreign and domestic models. Used, Rebuilt, and Aftermarket Parts: Beyond vintage, they offer a wide selection of used and rebuilt auto parts for many types of vehicles. Hard-to-Find Items: If you can't find a specific part, they're willing to track it down for you.
Vehicle-Related Services	Auto Crushing Service: Yes, they still crush! They handle auto crushing and recycling vehicles responsibly. Classic Cars as a Hobby: They support enthusiasts by providing parts and info for those tough restoration projects.
Sales and Buying	Selling Used Cars or Parts: Their main gig is selling used and vintage auto parts from their massive inventory of vehicles. Buying Vehicles: With over 15 acres of parts vehicles, it's clear they buy cars for salvage or parts. If you want to sell your car, it's worth contacting them!
Shipping and Logistics	Shipping Parts: They ship parts using popular carriers like UPS, USPS, and freight, plus local delivery. Self-Service vs. Full-Service: While not clearly “U-Pull”, their helpful and knowledgeable staff suggests they offer strong customer support, more like a full-service junkyard.

Customer Experience: Friendly Faces and Full Yards

When you visit Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing, you can expect a good experience. Their team is known for being fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. They're committed to helping you find exactly what you need for your classic vehicle restoration. With over 15 acres of parts vehicles, you're looking at a huge selection for almost any classic or vintage car need. If they don't have a part in stock, they encourage you to call them; they'll do their best to find it for you.

Explore Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing

Take a peek inside this awesome wrecking yard with this video! You'll get a real feel for the vastness of their inventory and the classic rides waiting to give up their parts for your next project.

Vehicle Types You'll Find

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing is like a time capsule for vehicles. They primarily focus on classic and antique vehicles, but don't count out newer models! Their massive inventory includes both foreign and domestic makes and models, such as Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. Whether you're hunting for an antique car part or something for a late model vehicle, they've got you covered.

• Antique and Classic Auto Parts: This is their bread and butter, making them a top spot for enthusiasts.
• Newer and Late Model Vehicles: They also carry parts for more recent cars, ensuring a wide range of options.
• Auto Crushing Service: They also help manage end-of-life vehicles through their crushing services.

Popular Auto Parts: What Folks Are Looking For

At any auto salvage yard like Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing, some parts are always in high demand. These are usually the ones that are expensive to buy new or are critical for getting your ride back on the road. Here's a rundown:

• Engines and Transmissions: These are super popular because a used engine or transmission can save you a ton of money compared to new ones. They're essential for your vehicle to run!
• Body Panels and Bumpers: If you've had a fender bender, used body panels and bumpers are a smart choice to fix up your car's look and safety without breaking the bank.
• Suspension Components: Parts like shock absorbers, struts, and axles are often replaced to keep your ride smooth and safe.
• Seats and Interior Components: Need to spruce up your car's inside? Used seats, dashboards, and other interior parts are a cost-effective way to customize or repair.
• Wheels and Tires: Looking for a fresh look or just a replacement? Used wheels and tires are common buys to improve your vehicle's appearance and performance.

For more insights on finding quality parts, check out our guide on how to find high quality used auto parts.

Pricing and Contacting for Parts

As of now, there isn't a public price list online for Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing. This is pretty common for junkyards with such a vast and constantly changing inventory. They emphasize their massive inventory of vehicles, from the 1920s to today. If you need specific part prices, your best bet is to contact them directly. They're ready to help you find and even order a part if they don't have it.

Contact & Hours

• Phone: 605-528-6718
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 26240 463rd Ave, Hartford, SD 57033
• Hours:
  • Tuesday–Saturday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Sunday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
  • Closed Monday

Serving the South Dakota Area

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing serves a wide area around Hartford, SD. Folks looking for used auto parts often travel from nearby cities and towns, including:

• Sioux Falls, SD: The biggest city in South Dakota, just a short drive away.
• Brandon, SD: A nearby suburban area.
• Madison, SD: A town in Lake County.
• Brookings, SD: A larger town also within reach.
• Marion, SD and Salem, SD: Smaller towns also benefiting from Oakleaf's services.

Interchange System: Finding Your Perfect Part

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing boasts over 15 acres of vehicles, spanning almost a century! This huge inventory means they have a practical “interchange system” right there in the yard. Their knowledgeable staff are pros at helping you find compatible parts, even across different vehicle models or years.

Feature	Description
Inventory Size	Over 15 acres of parts vehicles, from the 1920s to the present.
Staff Expertise	Knowledgeable, hands-on team focused on helping customers find compatible parts, often using visual inspection and classic auto part references.
Custom Sourcing	If they don't have it, they'll “find it and order it for you” – a big help for those hard-to-find components.
Customer Interaction	Direct contact is encouraged for personalized service to find the right part for your ride.

While they might not have a fancy digital database for every single part, their huge selection and expert staff act as a powerful, hands-on interchange system, especially for vintage and classic automobiles.

Warranty Information: Peace of Mind for Your Parts

When buying used auto parts, knowing about warranties is key. While specific warranty details for Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing are not widely publicized, it's worth noting that Oakleaf Auto, a related business nearby, offers a 90-day warranty on most parts. This is a good standard for the industry and provides some peace of mind for your purchase. For precise warranty information on parts from Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing, it's always best to call them directly.

Entry Fee: Dive into the Inventory

Good news! There's no specific information about an entry fee to visit Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing. Given that it's a large salvage yard and auto parts supplier with over 15 acres of vehicles, it operates more like a business where you come to buy parts, not a museum that charges admission. Always a good idea to call ahead if you have any questions, though!

Tools and Equipment for Your Junkyard Adventure

If you're planning a trip to a wrecking yard like Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing to pull your own parts, you'll need the right gear. Most junkyards don't provide tools, so bring your own!

Recommended Tools to Bring:

• Socket Set: Essential for bolts and nuts. Bring various sizes (¼, ⅜, and ½-inch drive sockets) in both SAE and metric.
• Ratchets and Wrenches: For tight spots where sockets can't reach.
• Extensions: To get to those hard-to-reach fasteners.
• Breaker Bar: For stubborn bolts that just won't budge.
• Hammer and Pry Bar: Useful for leverage, but use caution!
• Electric Impact Gun: Great for speeding things up, especially for heavy bolts.
• Vice Grips and Wire Cutters: Handy for gripping and cutting wires.
• Torx Set: If the vehicle has Torx head bolts.
• Gloves: Always protect your hands!

Remember to always check with the specific salvage yard about any prohibited tools like torches or grinders before you visit.

Cash for Junk Cars: Selling Your Ride

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing is not just a place to buy parts; they're also in the business of acquiring vehicles. As a well-established salvage and wrecking yard, they likely buy cars from the general public. While their official listings don't explicitly say “cash for cars,” this is a very common practice for businesses like theirs. They accept vehicles in various conditions, from rare classics to newer models, and are equipped with the heavy machinery (like their historic car crusher!) to handle them. So, if you're looking to sell your vehicle, give them a call to see how much money you can get!

Other Junkyards in Hartford, SD

While Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing is a unique gem, it's good to know about other options in the area. Another prominent automotive business in Hartford is Oakleaf Auto. They are very close by, located at 26246 463rd Ave, Hartford, SD 57033.

Oakleaf Auto vs. Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing:

• Oakleaf Auto: Focuses on a wide range of new, rebuilt, and aftermarket auto parts for both late model and classic vehicles. They offer a multi-part search tool online, shipping, and a 90-day warranty on parts.
• Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing: Specializes more in providing parts for classic vehicles from its vast inventory (1920s to present). They are known for their collection and ability to help find hard-to-find classic parts.

Both businesses serve the automotive community in Hartford, catering to slightly different needs.

Common Questions About Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing

1. What types of vehicles and parts do you have available?

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing specializes in classic and vintage vehicles from the 1920s to the present day, including both foreign and domestic models. Their expansive inventory, covering over 15 acres of parts vehicles, means they offer a vast selection of used, rebuilt, and aftermarket auto parts. This makes them a prime spot for collectors, restorers, and hobbyists seeking rare or hard-to-find components for their specific vehicle needs.

2. Can I search your inventory online?

Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing and its related business, Oakleaf Auto, provide ways for customers to search for parts. While direct online searching for every single part might vary, customers can definitely inquire by calling their knowledgeable staff for assistance. If a specific part isn't immediately found, their team is committed to helping you locate or order it, ensuring you get the part you need.

3. Do you offer shipping and delivery options?

Absolutely! Oakleaf offers convenient shipping services through well-known carriers such as UPS, USPS, and freight companies. For those closer to home, local delivery options are also available. This is a huge plus, especially for customers who don't live near Hartford, SD, making it easy to receive their needed car parts.

4. What are your business hours and contact methods?

You can reach Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing at 605-528-6718. Their hours are generally Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, keeping Monday closed. Email is also an option at [email protected], and in-person visits are always welcome.

5. Do you buy old cars or provide vehicle crushing services?

Yes, Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing operates as an auto crushing service, meaning they do accept unwanted, old, or non-running vehicles for salvage and recycling. This is a great way for individuals to responsibly dispose of their vehicles, and you might even receive some money for your junk car. It's best to call them directly to discuss requirements and current offers.

6. What warranty or guarantees do you offer on parts?

For peace of mind, Oakleaf (specifically Oakleaf Auto, a closely related entity) provides a 90-day warranty on most of their used parts. This is a standard and reputable warranty period for salvage yards, giving customers confidence in the quality used auto parts they purchase. For clarity on any specific part, direct inquiry is recommended.

7. What tools and facilities do you or similar junkyards typically have?

A large salvage yard like Oakleaf Old Cars & Crushing is equipped with serious gear to handle its operations. This includes heavy machinery like cranes, forklifts, and car crushers for moving and processing vehicles. They utilize inventory management systems to keep track of their vast stock and have dedicated areas for dismantling, recycling, and preparing parts for sale. With professional staff and facilities for shipping and receiving, they ensure an efficient operation to help you get your vehicle back on the road.