Wrecked Salvaged Cars & Motorcycles » Salvage Research http://auto-salvage-project.com Salvaged Car Motorcycle Resource & eBay Buyers Guide Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:54:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Motorcycles: Fuel Efficient and Cool http://auto-salvage-project.com/motorcycles-fuel-efficient-and-cool/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/motorcycles-fuel-efficient-and-cool/#comments Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:21:28 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/?p=88 In this day and age of high unstable fuel costs, the motorcycle has made a strong resurgence due in part to its 40 to 60 miles per gallon. When properly maintained, a motorcycle engine is very efficient and lets face it... a lot cooler to drive then a sub compact car.

Buying a rebuildable motorcycle is a great way to save money. Motorcycle repair, too, can come in handy. Do you have a bike in storage that you haven't dusted off for awhile? There's a good chance you can be among those restoring motorcycles so that you can ride your old road hog again. Here are a few basic steps to get your bike going:

Check Fuel
Drain the old fuel completely from the system and put in fresh gas before your turn the engine, especially if it the motorcycle has been sitting for a long period of time and did not have fuel stabilizer added before storage. Better to be safe then sorry.

Engine Oil
Replace engine oil and filter. Inspect the old oil and filter for any residue or metal shavings that would indicate internal engine problems.

Check the Battery
Make sure leads are not corroded and that the battery will fully charge and then hold a charge and replace if necessary.  Again for the price of a new battery, replace it if it's questionable.

Inspect The Chain
The chain is what transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel and is thus one of the most if not the most important wear item you need to inspect to ensure your safety.  Verify the chain tension and alignment as well as sprocket wear. Replace where needed and keep chain properly lubricated with manufacturer recommended lubricants and procedure.

Fluid Levels
Brake, clutch and coolant levels should be checked as necessary. Make sure you replace missing brake fluid with a new container of the same brand you used last time. Let your bike idle for a few minutes before you take off so that all fluids circulate properly.

Tires and Suspension
Inspect everything thoroughly before you take your first ride. If you kept your bike stored upright on a kickstand, make sure your tires aren't cracked, marked, or flat. In addition, check to make sure tire wear and air levels are good.

The above notes are a few suggestions to get your restored motorcycle going and in running order again.  Always consult a professional mechanic to ensure your bike is safe and road worthy before taking it on the open road. So go ahead and take your old bike out of storage or buy a rebuildable and get back on the open road. Check out our Salvage Motorcycle eBay Store to get the best deals on repairable and rebuildable motorcycles and choppers.Other Interesting Posts:

]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/motorcycles-fuel-efficient-and-cool/feed/ 0 Volkswagen Service Manual and Maintenance http://auto-salvage-project.com/volkswagen-service-manual-and-maintenance/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/volkswagen-service-manual-and-maintenance/#comments Mon, 20 Oct 2008 02:06:28 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/?p=68 Everytime I buy a vehicle I always order the FSM (Field Service Manual) to go along with it.  When I bought my wife a VW New Beetle it was the same story.  People don't seem to see the value of buying a service manual or any additional tools to help diagnose issues with a new or used car.  For any Volkswagen I recommend buying the VW Service Manual and a VAG-COM.

The VW Service Manual will give you all the information on how to properly maintain and fix your Volkswagen.  Sure there are sites on the Internet with how-to's, but nothing beats having authoritative documentation with step by step instructions along with illustrations.  If anything else, the FSM will give you a better understanding of your vehicle and help along with performance mods and enhancements.

The VAG-COM is an aftermarket VAG-tool compatible with VW, Audi, Skoda and Seat vehicles.  This tool, which is comprised of a hardware cable and software, turns a laptop into a full diagnostic scan tool.  Don't even waste your money on an OBD-II scan tool if you own a Volkswagen.  My VAG-COM paid for itself on the first diagnostic use when it properly and accurately identified a failed MAF sensor, which I purchased off eBay for a third of what the dealer was charging.  For any of you keeping tabs, that's no charge for simply plugging in the car to the VW proprietary scan tool at the dealer, purchased the correcting identified replacement part for a third of the dealer cost, then with the service manual I installed in myself in a few minutes.  Return on investment was immediate. 

Although this article is specific to Volkswagen's, the same is true for all makes and models.  The more educated you are and the more information you have available to you, the more successfully you will be at maintaining your vehicle.

 

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/volkswagen-service-manual-and-maintenance/feed/ 2 Parts Cars: Salvage Cars Parts http://auto-salvage-project.com/parts-cars-salvage-cars-parts/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/parts-cars-salvage-cars-parts/#comments Fri, 26 Sep 2008 03:43:57 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/?p=60 Parts cars are sometimes the best and least expensive way to get all the parts you need to repair the salvaged car, truck or motorcycle all in one shot.  Most of the time it is cheaper to build one complete vehicle out of 2 or more parts cars.  If the parts car is local and you have the means to pick it up, these can go very cheap on eBay.  You have to be prepared though...

First of all it is a parts car so don't expect to drive it back home or drive it ever for that matter so you will need to make arrangements to get it home.  Getting a BMW parts car for a steal of a deal is no good if you bust the budget shipping it home.  Best experience I've had is to have a list of parts I need for a restoration or rebuild of a project vehicle: car, truck or motorcycle.  Once you have your full list you can shop for parts cars that match your list and criteria rather then sourcing all the required used auto parts seperately. 

eBay is by far the best place to find great deals on parts cars.  The selection of parts car auctions is great and changes daily so you can keep coming back or set alerts to receive updates and summaries of new listings.  When shopping from eBay, make sure you have all the details of the vehicle BEFORE you bid.  Once you bid and win it is a binding contract.  There are some good eBay stores that sell parts cars with no reserve that sell for very reasonable and sometimes unbelievable prices.  These stores are nice to keep in your favorites as they sell volume so deals are there to be had.

Take a look through our indexed eBay parts cars and salvage projects.  You never know what you'll find.  The last parts car I bought through eBay was a Jeep Wrangler I wanted for the frame.  I got the straight frame I wanted and parted out the rest through eBay.  I actually made a profit selling off the Jeep parts I didn't want or need.  So what are you waiting for?  Happy Parts Car hunting!

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/parts-cars-salvage-cars-parts/feed/ 0 Custom Built Chopper Motorcycles http://auto-salvage-project.com/custom-built-chopper-motorcycles/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/custom-built-chopper-motorcycles/#comments Sat, 30 Aug 2008 14:26:07 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=33 You can get some great deals on totaled motorcycles so why not take that opportunity to build yourself the perfect custom built bike?  You can now buy custom built chopper motorcyles rolling frames that take all the guess work and difficult engineering out of the equation.  These are especially great for the backyard mechanic or those of us that may not have all the fabrication knowledge or tools to put a frame together or correct a tweaked frame.

Totaled motorcycles with damaged frames can be bought for excellent deals.  Search eBay for a "parts motorcycle" where your plan is not to ever title the bike as salvaged.  The other part is to search eBay for "chopper rolling chassis" or something similar.  It's best to lock in your rolling chopper chassis before you actually buy your totaled parts bike so you can buy a more targeted bike with the parts you really want.

Now that you have the parts bike and your rolling chassis the fun starts.  You have all the basic components to put your own custom built chopper together.  Using eBay you could easily complete this project over the winter months and have yourself a kick ass bike for the next summer.  That being said, I'm on the hunt... would be interested in hearing stories and pictures of anyone who has gone through this process.

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/custom-built-chopper-motorcycles/feed/ 0 OBD-II Scanners http://auto-salvage-project.com/obd-ii-scanners/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/obd-ii-scanners/#comments Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:38:38 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=30 All cars built since January 1, 1996 have OBD-II systems. Manufacturers started incorporating OBD-II in various models as early as 1994. The root of this development and implementation was the passing of the congress clean air act (1970). Progression of sensor and emissions technology also required more sophisticated computers to manage the information and controls. OBD-II is an expanded set of standards and practices developed by SAE and adopted by the EPA and CARB (California Air Resources Board) for implementation by January 1, 1996.

One tool every backyard mechanic should invest in is a good OBD-II scanner. An OBD-II scanner can save you time and money when troubleshooting car troubles or to get information on the health of your next salvaged car or truck restoration.

Every OBD-II error code is a warning that something could be very wrong inside your car. It can tell the difference between a broken gas cap and a more expensive fuel pump or oxygen sensor problem, but you will still have to investigate the error. Investment in a good FSM, Field Service Manual, for the make and model of the vehicle you are working on is paramount to match up the error code pulled from the OBD-II. Matching the error to teh FSM should give details and possible resolutions. The Internet is also a valuable resource.

Keep in mind that OBD-II is a standard in only the broadest sense, and some carmakers use proprietary codes and keep their meaning secret. Although it can't compare with the dealer's more sophisticated device, there's a lot you can do with a $100 auto scanner or kit that uses a notebook or a PDA. The bottom line is that an OBD-II scanner is essential equipment for today's shade-tree mechanic.

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/obd-ii-scanners/feed/ 0 Repairable Harley Davidson Motorcycles http://auto-salvage-project.com/repairable-harley-davidson-motorcycles/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/repairable-harley-davidson-motorcycles/#comments Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:06:38 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=23 If you are interested in restorable Harley Davidson bikes and Harley parts then you may want to purchase a Harley Davidson parts listing books. The first parts listing book for this bike trade name covers parts that were used in Harleys between 1909 and 1932. This manual volition include parts for side auto models, duplicate theoretical accounts and single theoretical accounts of Harleys produced during this clip period. The 2nd volume in this parts listing series covers Harley Davidson theoretical accounts that were produced between 1930 and 1949.

Antique Harley bike decalcomanias and spines are another point that you may desire to add to your shopping list. These parts are very cheap and they are still relatively easy to find. Online auction bridge land sites are great topographic points to happen vintage Harley decals, as are Harley trade shows and flea markets.

If you are interested in really alone old-timer Harley Motorcycle parts then you may desire to look for one of a sort products. One point that tin liven up your Harley aggregation is a Harley Davidson police force siren. Most of the Sirens that you can happen on the secondary marketplace still work, and those that don't work can usually be repaired.

Shopping for repairable Harley bikes and parts is not hard to do. Harleys have been interlaced in bike civilization since the beginning. You can find the best deals on restorable Harley's and Harley parts in almost every portion of the world. If you can't find the parts or rebuildable Harley locally, then try online auctions.

Check out some books that will help after you've purchased your Salvaged Harley Davidson:

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/repairable-harley-davidson-motorcycles/feed/ 1 Buying Tips: Repairable Motorcycles http://auto-salvage-project.com/buying-tips-repairable-motorcycles/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/buying-tips-repairable-motorcycles/#comments Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:35:35 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=9 Salvage title motorcycles are bikes that have been wrecked and bought from the owners by a salvage yard or insurance company. At this point, the bike is declared a "write-off" and loses the legal title.  This effectively reduces the motorcycle to a collection of used spare bike parts.

The new owner will have to have a new title created which will be marked as "salvage" by most state DMVs. Some state DMV's will allow the bike title to reclaimed as "clean" after a vigorous inspection, but this is more an exception to the rule. In the end, the wrecked motorcycle is marked as a salvage title, which will forever affect the value.

A "write-off" means the cost to fix the damage is more than the value of the motorcycle. A "write-off" or "total loss" can be declared by an insurance adjuster looking at superficial damage.  It's always buyer beware as there are sometimes hidden issues with a salvaged bike that the salvage yard might not know about.  It's your due diligence to inspect all aspects, get as much history on the bike as you can and ask lots of questions.  Ask if you can open the bike up to see if there is any internal damage. 

You must research registering a salvage motorcycle before you buy. If the red tape and inspection to reclaim the title is more time, work and money then you can afford it might be worth it to buy a clean titled bike. There might be expensive parts required to pass a safety check that aren't available used. Your insurance company might not insure your newly titled salvaged motorcycle or the cost of insurance so expensive it just wouldn't make sense.  Always check with your insurance company before making a buying a wrecked or salvageable motorcycle.

You really can save money and get a good motorcycle buying salvage, but it's easy to get wrapped in a money pit.  The main point is to do your research and be especially wary of the "to good to be true" deals out there.  For those of us that do find the "golden egg", enjoy!

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/buying-tips-repairable-motorcycles/feed/ 0 Auto Body Repair: Frame Straightening http://auto-salvage-project.com/auto-body-repair-frame-straightening/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/auto-body-repair-frame-straightening/#comments Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:49:07 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=6 Not everyone has the garage, tools and know-how to take a bad wreck and turn it into a gem. However the specialty tools that were once only affordable by large companies are now making their way into homeowner garages and shops. You can now pick up a frame straightener used for between $2000-$8000 depending on the make, model and options. Now I'm not saying this is for everyone but if you were every thinking of getting one it will pay for itself in a few jobs for sure.

First off, get the proper training. If you think you can just throw one of these in your garage and start straightening you're in for a mighty surprise and more damage then good. Check your local trade school or community college for classes or go chat with your local collision center mechanics. They love to talk about their tools ;o) The following is a pretty neat video that will give you a rough description and idea of frame straightening a wrecked car.

I am not affiliated with the product in this video, but found it to be helpful in researching affordable frame straighteners. Nice little unit for the home shop.

 

This next video is a training video, part 1, of the BlackJack Frame Straightening machine.  This is the "cats meow" of the frame straightening units.  If there's interest I'll post all the parts with comments and tips, or check out all 5 training videos from YouTube.com

I think I'll follow up this on this post as a mini series for auto body and salvaged car rebuild tips and techniques I've found helpful while doing research on the net. In the meant time I hope you stay tuned and while your waiting for the next post check out our store for the best deals on repairable cars

Tools of the Trade

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]]> http://auto-salvage-project.com/auto-body-repair-frame-straightening/feed/ 0 Buying Salvaged Cars & Trucks http://auto-salvage-project.com/hello-world/ http://auto-salvage-project.com/hello-world/#comments Wed, 28 May 2008 00:22:03 +0000 autocyclesalvage http://auto-salvage-project.com/salvageblog/?p=1 Buying a salvaged car can be a great deal or your worst nightmare. If you have the skills and tools to buy a rebuildable car then you most likely have the know-how and ability to find a good deal and turn it around for a profit or buy a very inexpensive repairable car or truck for yourself. If you are buying a salvaged, rebuilt car or truck then the following article will shed a bit of light.

What is a Totaled or Salvage Title Car?
Insurance companies often declare accident-damaged vehicles as total losses rather than pay for repairs. A car can be totaled by accidents, fire, vandalism, hurricanes, or other natural disasters. The typical rule is that if the cost of repairs will exceed 75% of the pre-damaged value, then the vehicle will be totaled.

In cases such as those in which a large number of vehicles are damaged at the same time, as in a flood or hurricane, an insurance company may survey only a few vehicles and then, to save time and expense, declare large groups of similar vehicles as total losses.

Oftentimes there are vehicles among the group that actually have only minor damage, or no damage at all. In some states these vehicles end up with salvage or flood titles. Rebuilding such vehicles may only require some minor body work and paint.

In some states, if a car has been salvaged after reaching the point of no return, the title should contain a comment saying that the car is a salvage car. In many states, this is not required and a salvaged car may carry a clean title. Because of these geographical inconsistencies in law, many car dealers move totaled cars to states where they can get a good title and then sell them without any hassle.

What happens to wrecked vehicles?
Insurance companies sell wrecked, recovered, and damaged vehicles at salvage auctions where they can be purchased by individuals, used car dealers, and rebuilders.

Salvage auctions are conducted on regular schedules by professional auction companies in cities in every state. Most are open to the public. Such auctions are good place to pick up wrecked and rebuildable cars but remember that there will other people attending and looking for good deals too.

Buying rebuildable cars & trucks
Buying rebuildable cars and trucks can be risky if you don't know what you're doing. It's difficult in many cases to be able to determine the full extent of the damage or estimate the cost of repairs. Vehicles that may seem driveable may actually have hidden damages that could be costly to fix. What initially seemed like a great deal might turn out to be just the opposite.

There can also be safety problems. Airbags may be missing or disabled. Anti-lock brake systems may not work. Seat belts may have become unsafe. Warning indicators may not work. Steering system and wheel alignment may be damaged.

In Summary
There are pros and cons to buying a salvaged vehicle. Tread lightly and safely, inspect all points and become a material expert so you know what to look for in the vehicle. Don't get caught up in the emotion of a potential good deal. If you are not a material expert in rebuilding salvaged cars, bring someone with you who is or you might not have a good experience.

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