Auto Part Store Category: JunkyardAuto Part Store Tags: 50658, auto parts, car parts, IA, junk cars, Nashua, and Used auto parts store
If your trusty ride is acting up and you're looking to save some hard-earned money on repairs, or maybe you've got an old car ready for its next life, then Wilken Auto Salvage Nashua might just be the place for you. Located right in Nashua, Iowa, this local spot is a real gem for finding quality used auto parts and for vehicle recycling. Let's dig into what makes Wilken Auto Salvage a go-to for many car enthusiasts and everyday drivers.
History and Ownership
Wilken Auto Salvage in Nashua, Iowa, got its start in 1985, setting up shop to serve the local community's auto parts needs. It's part of a family legacy in the automotive industry, with a related business, Wilken & Sons Auto Salvage, having been around since 1955 in Britt, IA. The current Nashua location, found at 1157 275th Street, Nashua, IA 50658, keeps that family tradition going. You might have seen “9793” mentioned somewhere, but that's a little mix-up; the correct spot is right there on 275th Street.
While specific founders for the Nashua location aren't explicitly detailed, the broader Wilken & Sons family, including Jackie, Sherry, their son Andy, and daughter-in-law Sara Wilken, are deeply involved in running these operations. These folks have been in the business for decades, showing they know a thing or two about cars and getting folks the parts you need.
Many salvage yards in Iowa, much like Wilken Auto Salvage, have been around for a long time, often since the mid-20th century. This long history means they’ve seen a lot of cars come and go, and they’ve learned how to keep up with what folks need.
Services Provided by Wilken Auto Salvage Nashua
Wilken Auto Salvage, also known as Wilken & Sons Auto Wrecking, offers a bunch of services to help you out, whether you're fixing a car or looking to get rid of one. They're a full-service wrecking yard that focuses on getting you back on the road without breaking the bank.
Service What it Means for You Salvage and Recycling They're pros at taking old vehicles apart to recycle the materials and find good used auto parts. This is great for the environment and your wallet! Used Auto Parts Sales Looking for a specific part you need for your car or truck? They have a huge selection of quality used parts for all sorts of makes and models. Vehicle Pickup Services Got a junk car that won't move? They can arrange to pick up your vehicle and bring it to their yard. Super convenient! Scrap Buying They buy scrap vehicles and metal. If you're wondering, “How much can I get for my junk car?”, they can give you a price. Check out their scrap prices on platforms like the iScrap App. Buying and Selling Used Cars
If you have a junk car, or a vehicle that's seen better days, Wilken Auto Salvage is in the business of buying those for salvage and recycling. They'll assess your vehicle's value based on its condition and the used parts they can get from it. While they're great for getting cash for junk cars, their primary focus is on selling used auto parts, not whole used cars. So, if you're looking to sell your car, they're definitely an option, but don't expect to buy a ready-to-drive car from their lot. If you are looking to sell your car, you can sell your car online today through various platforms.
Shipping Parts
While they have a strong local presence and are set up for direct sales from their location, there isn't clear information available on whether Wilken Auto Salvage ships parts. Your best bet is to give them a call if you're not in the immediate area but still want to see if you can get that specific part you need.
Hours of Operation
It’s always a good idea to know when to drop by! Wilken Auto Salvage is open for business during these hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM CST/CDT
- Saturday: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM CST/CDT
They're closed on Sundays, so plan your treasure hunt accordingly! For a smooth visit, remember that the best hours to visit a used auto parts junkyard or salvage yard can often be earlier in the day.
Vehicle Types and Popular Parts
Wilken Auto Salvage prides itself on a wide selection of used vehicles ready for parts. They maintain an extensive inventory of late model vehicles, which means you're more likely to find parts from newer cars and trucks. While they don't list every single make and model online, you can generally expect to find parts from popular domestic and international brands like:
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Toyota
- Honda
- And many others, depending on their constantly changing inventory!
If you're hunting for a specific part, the best way to find out if they have it for your vehicle is to call them directly. That's the quickest path to figuring out if they have the part that will get your car running right.
Most Popular Auto Parts
While every day is a bit different at a wrecking yard, some parts are always in hot demand. Based on general trends at salvage yards, here are some commonly sought-after items you might find at Wilken Auto Salvage:
- Body Panels: Think doors, fenders, hoods, trunks, and bumpers. These often get dinged up in accidents, making them popular for replacement. You can often find OEM bumpers for trucks at junkyards.
- Engines and Transmissions: When your powertrain goes kaput, a quality used engine or transmission (mechanical device) can be a lifesaver for your budget.
- Electronic Components: Radios, infotainment systems, even control modules – these are often snatched up for upgrades or replacements.
- Interior Components: Seats, dashboards, steering wheels – perfect for restoring an old classic or sprucing up a daily driver.
- Wheels and Tires: A fresh set of wheels or good used tires can make a big difference, both in looks and performance.
- Suspension Components: Parts like struts, shocks, and control arms are always needed due to regular wear and tear. You can often get OEM used suspension parts at salvage yard.
- Exhaust Systems: Mufflers, pipes, and yes, even catalytic converters, are common replacements.
With their focus on late model vehicles, Wilken Auto Salvage likely has a good stock of these high-demand components.
Auto Parts Prices
What about the cost? Well, Wilken Auto Salvage doesn't put their price list online. This is pretty common for many salvage yards because pricing can depend on a lot of things – the part's condition, how rare it is, and what kind of car it came from.
For the most accurate and recent pricing on any used auto parts you need, your best bet is to give them a call directly or swing by their location.
Contact Wilken Auto Salvage:
- Phone: (641) 435-4077 or toll-free at (888) 435-8222
- Address: 1157 275th Street, Nashua, IA 50658
Service Area
Wilken Auto Salvage in Nashua, IA, serves a wide range of folks from surrounding cities and towns. If you live in one of these areas, you're likely within a good driving distance to find the parts you need:
- Cedar Falls, Iowa: A lively city known for its university.
- Waterloo, Iowa: A city with plenty of history and attractions.
- Waverly, Iowa: Home to a college and scenic parks.
- Fredericksburg, Iowa: A smaller town with a strong community vibe.
- New Hampton, Iowa: The county seat, offering a blend of small-town charm and local businesses.
This broad service area means that many people looking for affordable car repairs or unique finds can turn to Wilken Auto Salvage.
Parts Interchange System
Ever wonder if a part from one car will fit another, even if they're different models? That's where an interchange system comes in handy. While Wilken Auto Salvage doesn't advertise a fancy digital interchange system online, rest assured, they've got the know-how.
Most experienced salvage yards rely on their staff's deep knowledge and internal resources to help customers find compatible parts. Their team can often tell you if that engine from a wrecked Ford will fit your truck, or if a certain door panel is the same across different years. With the recent purchase by S&T Collision, their access to used parts and operations has likely gotten even better, potentially improving their ability to match parts for you.
Feature Wilken Auto Salvage Practice (Nashua, IA) Digital Interchange System Not explicitly advertised; likely relies on internal knowledge and databases. Staff Expertise Highly experienced staff to assist with part compatibility. Post-Acquisition Benefits Integration with S&T Collision may enhance inventory and part sourcing capabilities. Warranty Information
When you buy used parts, especially for something as important as your car, you want to know if you're covered. While specific warranty details for the Nashua location of Wilken Auto Salvage aren't clearly spelled out in public information, it's good to know that many auto salvage yards do offer some form of warranty on their used parts.
For instance, a related business, Wilken and Sons, Inc., in Kensett, Iowa, offers a 90-day warranty on mechanical parts. This suggests that Wilken Auto Salvage in Nashua might have a similar policy. To get the exact lowdown on their warranty offers – like how long it lasts, what it covers, or if there are any extended options – your best bet is to give them a call directly before you head out.
Entry Fee and Tools Needed
Good news! Generally, most salvage yards don't charge you just to walk through the gate and browse. While there's no specific mention of an entry fee for Wilken Auto Salvage, it's safe to assume they follow this common practice. However, if you're ever in doubt or looking for special discounts, a quick call is always smart.
Tools to Bring for Pulling Parts
If you're planning to venture into the yard to pull your own used auto parts – which is a great way to save even more money – you'll want to come prepared. Wilken Auto Salvage expects you to bring your own gear, just like at most self-service yards. Here's a list of essential tools to pack:
- Socket Set: This is your bread and butter for loosening bolts.
- Pliers and Wrenches: For gripping, turning, and tackling those tricky nuts and bolts.
- Tire Iron or Lug Wrench: If you're going for anything connected to the wheels or suspension.
- Jack and Jack Stands: Absolutely crucial for safely lifting and supporting a vehicle if you need to get underneath.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes from debris and your hands from grease and sharp edges. Safety first, folks!
- Wire Cutters/Strippers: If you're messing with electrical components.
- Pry Bars: Handy for interior trims or body panels.
Always think about the specific part you're going after and what tools that job might require. A little planning goes a long way in a wrecking yard!
Cash for Junk Cars
Got an old clunker taking up space in your driveway? Wilken Auto Salvage is in the business of buying junk cars. They'll assess your vehicle based on its condition and the value of its salvageable parts and scrap metal. This means you can often get cash for your unwanted vehicle, even if it's not running or has been in an accident. They may even offer towing services to haul your vehicle to their salvage yard.
Most scrap yards like Wilken Auto Salvage are happy to buy vehicles in almost any condition because they specialize in vehicle recycling. Whether it's missing a wheel, has a blown engine, or is just plain rusted, they'll likely take it off your hands. It's a quick and easy way to turn that old ride into some extra pocket change. For an idea of how much you can get, you might want to explore topics like $500 cash for junk car buyers near me.
News and Notable Information
Big news for Wilken Auto Salvage! In June 2024, the Sudol family took over the ownership, a notable change reported by the New Hampton Tribune. This change could bring new energy and expanded services to this well-established operation.
Wilken Auto Salvage operates as both a scrap metal yard and a leading auto salvage yard. They're always updating their scrap prices, with the most recent update reported in May 2025 – so they're on top of their game in the metal recycling world. This means they're a reliable spot for both finding used car parts and offloading your scrap.
Other Junkyards Near Wilken Auto Salvage
While specific details about other junkyards *in Nashua, IA* itself are limited, the area around Wilken Auto Salvage is definitely car-centric. You'll find that Wilken & Sons, an interconnected business, operates from the same location, offering more options for used auto parts.
If you're on the hunt for other salvage yards nearby, your best bet is to use online directories like Google Maps, Yelp, or specialized auto salvage locators. When you're comparing places, think about what's important to you:
- Variety of Parts: Do they have a good inventory for your specific make and model?
- Pricing: Are their prices competitive?
- Customer Service: Are the staff helpful in guiding you to the right part?
- Self-Service or Full-Service: Do you want to pull the part yourself or have them do it?
For a broader look at where to find places like this, you can always check out junkyards by location.
Common Questions About Wilken Auto Salvage
Here are some common questions folks ask about places like Wilken Auto Salvage:
-
What are the operational hours of Wilken Auto Salvage?
They are open Monday to Friday from 7 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday from 7 AM to 11 AM CST/CDT. Closed on Sundays. It's always smart to call ahead to confirm, just in case!
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What types of vehicles and parts are available?
They have a wide inventory of late model vehicles, meaning you can find parts for various cars, trucks, and vans. Common items include engines, transmissions, body panels, and more. Their stock changes all the time, so call for specific inquiries.
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Do I need to bring my own tools to pull parts?
Yes, absolutely! Always come prepared with your own tools like a socket set, wrenches, jack, and safety gear like gloves and glasses.
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Do they help with pulling parts?
Generally, at a self-service salvage yard, you're responsible for pulling your own parts. However, staff are usually available to point you in the right direction or offer general advice.
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How do I ensure the parts are in good condition?
Inspect the part thoroughly before you buy it. Look for rust, cracks, dents, or missing pieces. If it's an electrical or mechanical part, try to test it if possible, or at least look for signs of excessive wear.
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Can I return or exchange parts?
Policies vary, so it's critical to ask about their return/exchange policy before you buy. Many salvage yards have an “all sales are final” rule for used parts.
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What safety precautions should I take?
Wear sturdy shoes (no flip-flops!), gloves, and safety glasses. Be aware of your surroundings, as there can be sharp edges, loose metal, and uneven ground. Follow any rules given by the staff for a safe visit.
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