Auto Part Store Category: JunkyardAuto Part Store Tags: 15846, auto parts, car parts, junk cars, junkyard, Kersey, and PA
St Mary's Auto Wreckers: Your Go-To for Used Auto Parts in Kersey, PA
Looking for affordable parts to keep your ride rolling? Or maybe you've got an old clunker that's seen better days? St Mary's Auto Wreckers, located at 1388 Million Dollar Hwy in Kersey, PA 15846, is a local hub that has historically played a significant role in the automotive recycling industry for the area. While we recommend calling ahead for their current operational status, this guide will give you the lowdown on what a typical visit to a reputable salvage yard like this might entail.
About St Mary's Auto Wreckers
Many wrecking yards and auto salvage yards like St Mary's Auto Wreckers often have deep roots in their communities, sometimes operating for decades as family-owned businesses. They serve as essential players in the automotive recycling industry, providing crucial services by giving vehicles a second life through their parts, or ensuring they're properly recycled.
It's worth noting, however, that recent information suggests St Mary's Auto Wreckers may no longer be in business, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB). But don't despair! Even if this specific yard isn't currently operating, the information here gives you a clear picture of what to expect from other quality salvage yards in the region. Always call ahead to confirm their operating hours and services before you visit.
Services Provided by St Mary's Auto Wreckers
Before its reported change in status, St Mary's Auto Wreckers offered a range of services that are common to many comprehensive scrap yards and vehicle recycling centers. These services help both individuals looking to dispose of vehicles and those in search of parts to fix their cars.
Service Description Scrap Metal Processing They traditionally bought and processed various scrap metals, including copper, steel, stainless, and tin. This helps ensure valuable materials are recycled properly. Vehicle Purchase and Disposal St Mary's Auto Wreckers would acquire cars for dismantling and recycling. This is a great way for individuals to get rid of their unwanted vehicles, even if they're just junk cars. If you're looking to sell your car online today, facilities like this offer a reliable option. Parts Sales While not explicitly stated as their primary focus, their involvement in vehicle dismantling suggests they might have had used auto parts available for purchase, making them a potential source for that specific part you need. Tilt Bed Car Pickup Service For your convenience, they provided a tilt bed service for collecting vehicles. This simplifies the process for those needing to dispose of non-running or wrecked cars. When it comes to whether it was a “self-service” or “full-service” junkyard, the available details didn't specify. However, services like vehicle pickup and processing often point towards a more full-service approach. Unfortunately, there's no explicit information about them shipping parts; their focus seemed more on local collection and processing.
A Peek Inside the World of Auto Recycling
Ever wonder what goes on at a place like St Mary's Auto Wreckers? Take a look at this video to get a general idea of the processes involved in vehicle recycling and how a salvage yard operates.
Vehicle Types You Might Find
Even though specific details about St Mary's Auto Wreckers' exact inventory are hard to come by, most auto salvage yards keep a diverse collection of vehicles on hand for parts. You'll commonly find a mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs, and sometimes even vans. Popular makes often include reliable brands like Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Jeep.
It's generally rare to find very new or late-model vehicles at these types of wrecking yards, as those are more typically found at dealerships. If you're hunting for a newer ride, a dealership might be a better bet, but for solid, high-quality used auto parts, a salvage yard is your treasure chest!
Popular Auto Parts to Hunt For
While we don't have a specific list for St Mary's Auto Wreckers, the most sought-after used auto parts at any good salvage yard tend to be the ones that are pricey new but critical for your vehicle. Think of it as a smart way to save money on repairs.
Part Category Why It's Popular Engines and Transmissions These are big-ticket items. Getting a quality used engine or a used transmission can save you a bundle, especially if you're trying to figure out if it's cheaper to rebuild or replace. Body Panels Got a ding or a dent? Fenders, doors, hoods, and trunk lids are constantly in demand for collision repairs. Finding one in the right color can be a real score! Wheels and Tires Whether you need a spare or a whole new set, used wheels and tires are hot commodities. Plus, a good set of wheels can totally change the look of your ride. Electrical Components Items like alternators, starters, and even an AC compressor are often much cheaper used and can still provide years of good service. Interior Components Need a new seat, dashboard piece, or a working radio? Interior parts are great for restoration projects or just making your car a bit more comfortable. Axles and Suspension Parts For smooth driving and safety, parts like axles and suspension components are essential. Buying them used can be a very economical repair. Most Recent Auto Parts Prices
We know you're eager to find those bargain prices! Unfortunately, specific and current auto part pricing from St. Mary's Auto Wreckers wasn't available in our research. The best advice we can give you is to contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing on the car parts you're looking for. Always remember, prices at salvage yards can be significantly lower than new, making them a great way to save a buck!
Service Area of St Mary's Auto Wreckers
Strategically located in Kersey, PA, St. Mary's Auto Wreckers likely served a broad area, attracting customers from a variety of nearby towns and cities who are on the hunt for used auto parts or looking to dispose of an old vehicle. Common areas customers might travel from include:
- Saint Marys, PA: A significant economic center nearby.
- Bradford, PA: A city with a strong industrial background.
- Ridgway, PA: The county seat, drawing a local population.
- Warren, PA: Another city within a reasonable driving distance.
If you're in these areas and need to fix your wife's car using junkyard parts (or your own!), a trip to a local wrecking yard is often well worth it.
Auto Parts Interchange System
Good salvage yards, including St. Mary's Auto Wreckers (when operational), often use a smart system called an auto parts interchange system. This fancy term simply means they know which parts from one vehicle can fit another, even if they're different makes, models, or years. It's like finding out a puzzle piece from one box fits perfectly into another!
The most famous of these systems in North America is the Hollander Interchange. It helps places like St. Mary's Auto Wreckers:
- Identify Compatible Parts: They can quickly figure out if that shiny alternator from a Ford will actually fit your Chevy.
- Streamline Parts Search: This makes finding the part you need much faster and easier for customers.
- Manage Inventory: Many yards use computerized inventory systems to keep track of their vast selection of recycled auto parts, allowing them to help you find nearly anything you need.
While specific details for St. Mary's aren't available, most reputable salvage yards use a combination of digital tools and experienced staff to help you navigate their inventory of used parts and find the perfect match for your vehicle.
Warranty Information
When you're buying used parts, especially from a salvage yard, you always want to know about the warranty. Unfortunately, specific warranty information for St. Mary's Auto Wreckers isn't available. This is partly due to their reported operational status, which may affect any previous warranty offerings.
However, it's common in the industry for quality used auto parts to come with a standard warranty, often around 90 days. For example, Rick's Used Auto Parts, another reputable yard in the area, offers a 90-day warranty on all their parts. If a warranty is crucial for your peace of mind, make sure to ask any operational salvage yard directly before making a purchase. Learn more about used auto parts warranty and what to expect.
Entry Fee
Good news for your wallet! Typically, salvage yards like St Mary's Auto Wreckers do not charge an entry fee to come in and browse their rows of cars. They want you to come in, find what you need, and buy it! However, policies can vary, so it's always a good idea to confirm directly with the yard if you have any concerns. No specific information about an entry fee for St Mary's Auto Wreckers was found, but it's unlikely they had one.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Pull Used Auto Parts
Heading to a wrecking yard is like going on a treasure hunt, and just like any good adventurer, you need the right gear! While St Mary's Auto Wreckers likely expected customers to bring their own tools for pulling parts, here's a general list of what seasoned pros pack:
Recommended Tools for Customers to Bring:
- Socket Set: Bring both standard (SAE) and metric sets. Think ¼”, ⅜”, and ½” drives.
- Wrenches: Open-end and box-end wrenches are great for nuts and bolts where sockets just won't fit.
- Extensions and U-joints: For those tricky, hard-to-reach spots.
- Breaker Bar: This is your best friend for loosening stubborn, rusted bolts.
- Hammer and Pry Bar: For when a little persuasion (or brute force) is needed. Just be careful not to damage the part you want!
- Electric Impact Gun: If permitted, this can save you a lot of time and sweat, especially for engine or transmission swaps.
- Torx Bits: Some European and even American cars (like certain Jeeps) love these star-shaped bolts.
- Vice Grips: Super handy for gripping rounded bolts or holding things in place.
- Wire Cutters: Essential for disconnecting electrical components cleanly.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges, grease, and grime.
- Safety Glasses: Your eyes are precious! Protect them from flying debris.
Remember, most junkyards don't provide tools for customers, so being prepared is key! It's also wise to check out our guide on what to bring to a junkyard for more tips.
Prohibited Tools:
For safety reasons, most wrecking yards have rules about what you can't bring. These usually include:
- Torches
- Grinders
- Jacks (unless specified and approved by staff)
Always check with the specific salvage yard for their rules before you show up with your heavy-duty equipment.
Cash for Junk Cars
Historically, St. Mary's Auto Wreckers was in the business of buying vehicles for recycling and processing scrap metals. This means they likely offered cash for junk cars, much like other scrap yards do. They would accept vehicles in various conditions, valuing them for their usable car parts and raw metal content. So, whether your old car was a total wreck or just sitting there collecting dust, they were probably a good option for getting some money for it.
However, as mentioned, the Better Business Bureau indicates they may no longer be operational. If you're looking to sell your vehicle for cash today, there are plenty of other options, but it's important to verify the operating status of any business before making plans.
News and Notable Information
We searched far and wide, but unfortunately, no specific news articles or major notable mentions were found about St Mary's Auto Wreckers. The available information primarily confirms their name, address (1388 Million Dollar Hwy, Kersey, PA 15846), and phone number (814-834-2089). While they are listed as an auto salvage business, detailed news or specific offerings were not publicly available.
As noted earlier, the Better Business Bureau has indicated that the business may no longer be operational. This lack of recent news could be tied to that change in status. For the most up-to-date information, direct contact is always recommended.
Other Salvage Yards Near St Mary's Auto Wreckers
Even if St Mary's Auto Wreckers isn't currently open, Kersey, PA, and the surrounding areas are home to other excellent salvage yards where you can find great deals on quality used parts or sell your unwanted vehicle:
- Rick's Used Auto Parts: Located at 724 Brandy Camp Road, Kersey, PA 15846. Rick's is known as one of Pennsylvania's largest and most trusted salvage yards, boasting over 50 acres and more than 250,000 parts in their inventory. They even offer a nationwide part locator system and a standard 90-day warranty on all parts!
- Rick's Recycling: Also at 724 Brandy Camp Road, Kersey, PA 15846. This is recognized as the area's largest salvage and scrap yard.
- Rusty's Auto Salvage: This company serves the Kersey, PA area and is a great option if you're looking to sell your junk car, even if it's high-mileage, damaged, or wrecked. They often pay top dollar and provide fast, free removal services.
These alternatives ensure that you have options in the region for all your used auto parts and vehicle recycling needs.
Looking for more options? Check out other Salvage yards in Pennsylvania to find the perfect spot.
Common Questions About Visiting a Salvage Yard
Heading to a wrecking yard for the first time can feel a bit like stepping into a new world. Here are some answers to common questions you might have, keeping in mind the typical operations of a place like St. Mary's Auto Wreckers:
What kinds of vehicles does a salvage yard typically have?
Most salvage yards will have a wide array of vehicles, from older models to those just a few years old. You'll likely find a mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs, making it a great spot to find a variety of used parts.
How do I find the parts I need at the junkyard?
The best junkyards usually organize their inventory in a way that helps you browse efficiently, often by make, model, or year. Many have a digital system or a helpful staff member who can point you in the right direction. Don't be afraid to ask for help to find the part you need!
What tools should I bring to a junkyard?
Definitely come prepared! A good socket set (both SAE and metric), wrenches, a pry bar, a hammer, and some wire cutters are usually your best friends. And don't forget your safety gear like gloves and glasses. Think of it as bringing your own mobile workshop!
Can I use my own tools at the salvage yard?
Yep, that's generally the expectation! Salvage yards usually let you bring your own tools to pull the parts yourself. Just be sure to check if they have any special rules about certain power tools, like grinders or torches, for safety reasons.
How do salvage yards handle the removal of parts?
Most u-pull operations are set up for you to do the work. You spot the part, you pull it, and you pay for it! It's a great way to save money and get exactly what you need. For really big stuff like an engine or transmission, some yards might offer assistance or use their own equipment.
Are there any safety precautions I should take when visiting a junkyard?
Absolutely! Safety first, always. Wear sturdy shoes, protect your hands with gloves, and keep your eyes safe with safety glasses. Watch out for sharp edges, broken glass, and uneven ground. It's a fun place, but it's also a working yard! For more tips, check out our guide on safety tips for junkyard visits.
Can I purchase tools directly from St. Mary's Auto Wreckers or similar junkyards?
Typically, no. Their main business is selling used auto parts, not tools. While you might occasionally find a tool that was salvaged from a vehicle, it's not something they regularly stock or sell. Best to bring your own!
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