First ever trip to the scrapyard Today

Ok well I think i have been "scrapping" for about 4-6 weeks, but I had not taken a load to the scrap yard yet. At first i was only saving the copper and aluminum from items i found and disposing of the other parts. This was because i only have a 4 cylinder Camry and I would always see under prices they would list per 100 pounds or per ton. then about a week ago i actually ran across an older gentleman who was a scrapper and picking up items and i started asking questions. he told me they will take everything lol. I started thinking about all the microwaves, metal cased electronics and other items i removed the copper and aluminum from but disposed of the other metal, and wanted to kick myself. not to mention the many bed frames and other items i didnt even pick up , because i didnt think i could fit in my car. He showed me a nice little trick that helps solve that problem also.

Ok well i was looking at the stuff in the garage this morning and just anxious to see how much this was worth i decided to make my first trip. I wouldnt say i had a whole bunch of stuff because i definitely could have fit more in my car if i had too. I left home thinking i might bring back $12 to $16 ended up with $35 and some change. Its not much , but more than i was expecting, and without really trying that hard in that one week of adding metal to my scrapping. I AM HOPING when i finally take my copper and aluminum in to be recycled i am equally surprised. Definitely will be picking up the ferrous metals from now on

if a trailer hitch and a trailer, or a pickup are not in the picture, I'd at least be looking for a luggage rack to put on top that thing ; )

i had thought about a trailer hitch and the $182 trailer from harbor freight, but had not checked up on if its a good idea or not with the 4 cylinder ( I-4)

Originally Posted by Bear

if a trailer hitch and a trailer, or a pickup are not in the picture, I'd at least be looking for a luggage rack to put on top that thing ; )

wow just checked out the luggage rack thing, cost about $35 for the bar type, and about $85 for a basket type, definitely the least expensive option to increasing my hauling capacity lol

Originally Posted by 99problems

wow just checked out the luggage rack thing, cost about $35 for the bar type, and about $85 for a basket type, definitely the least expensive option to increasing my hauling capacity lol

There is someone who built a really big box out of plywood and 2x4s around here and fixed it to a luggage rack. It extends a couple feet out from the roof in the front and back.

Originally Posted by ryanw

There is someone who built a really big box out of plywood and 2x4s around here and fixed it to a luggage rack. It extends a couple feet out from the roof in the front and back.

anybody know who it was. i would like to see it.

I think its time to look on craigslist for an older small pick up truck. Like an S10, doesn't have to be fancy its a scrapping truck.

if nothing else I'd be making a rack out of those bedframes ; ) Those are great little hobby rails, and used properly(such as NOT in a bed! haha) they are worth lots more than scrap

If you can come up with just the hitch then put an ad on CL or FreeCycle for a small boat trailer, slap a piece of plywood on there and take off ; )

Go with a cheap mini-van!

Ride in style baaaaby!

Sirscrapalot - Can neither confirm nor deny he rocks a mini-van..an likes it.

Originally Posted by BRASSCATCHER

Still using my 98 Sable. You will be surprised what you can fit in a car when you want to get paid...lol. And when I ride in style its the Odyssey with a blanket thrown in the back so it stays clean and Mrs Brasscatcher is kept happy since thats her ride.
Yes I rock a mini-van once in a while SirS, and not ashamed to admit it

the older gentleman scrapper who gave me a few tips and pieces of information, was driving a 95 honda accord, he had taken the bottom parts of the seat out the backseat, he had the trunk packed, he told me its like a rubiks cube. i think its more like tetris lol

I think everyone starts scrapping to make extra money in the beginning. Not to invest in something that may or may not pay off later.

I wouldnt worry about the size vehicle you have. Make what you can with what you have. As your profits go up and the extra money allows, expand in order to increase your earning potential. It's just my opinion, I am who believes in financing nothing. Keep at it and as Mick said, set aside a percentage for investment in your scrap business. I too started with "free" items and $40 loads. Not "big" yet but I am getting close to covering all of my monthly household expenses woth my part time scrap business, which was my initial goal, so that both my and my wife's income goes directly into savings and other various investment accounts.

Originally Posted by 99problems

yep, and the fact that at first i wasnt even picking up ferrous metals, and those pieces of metal that came off stuff i was disposing of.



wow $300 van, you bought it from a friend? I am scared when i see $500 cars thinking they will end up costing me an extra $500 in the first month from repairs alone.

no. saw a non working advertisement on craigs near christmas time. iniatially wanted 600 but we bargined and i towed it home. i was the 3rd owner and the 2nd was the one who tinkered with it and caused it to not run. cost me about $50 to get er going again. with the seats out it was like a longbed truck. drove it to san diego and even texas a couple times.

i actually have another van i picked up for less then that one. dreading fixing it as i have to drop the engine to change the head gasket. Toyota

so wait..your saying Size doesn't matter? Darn it...


Sirscrapalot - /Zing!

i started in a $300 van i bought. fixed it up and it was a champ. made me alot of money before i retired it a couple months ago. i sure do miss it,