Expert: Jan Hayner - 5/28/2007

Question
Jan

I have a garage full of car parts and no one wants them. I
don't want to dump them and put more garbage in the land fills. I tried selling them and had other people try sell stuff on ebay. I even tried selling the parts in Hemmings and other car magazines. Finally, since most of the parts are from Early 1920 Model T fords I tried donating them to several car museums.  So with all your contacts and background where can I sell or donate these parts. I know you are creative and can figure something out -

thanks

Ken

Answer
Hi Ken;
I hope my answer does this question justice; you are a very nice person to want to donate the car parts. I can't understand why more of them didn't sell on ebay, especially for the vintage that you have. Here are a few ideas that may help you.

Try donating them to Youth camps.
Rawhide Boys Ranch
New London, WI.
1-800-729-4433
A boys ranch for underpriviledged and kids that get into trouble. Owned and operated by John (Jan) Gillespie and Bart Starr (Sherry)(Yes, the Green Bay Packers Bart Starr).
It is a toll free number, there is a chance that if they can't use them they may know of someplace close to your home that can.

You can also run a search on Yahoo using 'donate old car parts' for a place closer to where you live. This will give you a long list of youth camps and organizations that will put them to good use. You also get a tax write-off for this donation and you don't have to use it all in one year either.

Car Parts Auctions
These are an up and coming thing. They have been around for years, but there is a renewal of interest. Check on Yahoo for one close to you.

Auto Flea Markets
If you enjoy people and don't mind hauling them, you might be interested in setting up at some classic and older car shows. Most of them have a section that is available for the sale of parts for any kind of car, motorcycle etc.
Check the car shows in your state for more information. If checking on the Internet use 'classic car shows (your state)'

Sell to a Dealer of old Parts
It might pay to contact the organizer of the car shows too. They know a lot of people and may know a dealer that would be willing to purchase the 'lot' of items and will come right to your home to get them.

I hope this gave you some good ideas and maybe some good contacts. If you don't already have a list, make a partial list (at the very least) in case they ask you to mail one with the things you have to offer.
Good Luck and Happy Selling or Donating whichever the case may be.