NEW to scrapping

[Jdan1930]

I am new to scrapping anything, Have sold a few cans but never anything else.
What I came across - I got 3 old ( mid 70's) Ford vans - these are the ones that I guess were custom back in their day. would it be better to just run them across the scales or take a few things off? They all have some type of mag Wheels, Ladders on the back and a luggage rack on top ... Would it be best to chop up the ladder, i am guessing they are alumin.
Any kind of suggestions would be most appreciated. I am in no hurry to haul them off so I have all kinds of time to do what I need to do to them.
THANKS for your time.

[MattInTheHat]

look up the parts online and see if there is a demand for them
maybe check ebay for sold items.
mag wheels are worth at least $10 each in scrap
what is broken oin them that makes them scrap? the engine, tranny, and rear end could be worth something. hot rodders love the ford 9 inch rears

[sledge]

Welcome aboard. If they are 1974 or newer.. They should have converters on them. Be sure to check for those goldmines 1st. But you have one hell of a score- chances are- they will roll across the scales at over 5,000 lbs EACH. I agree with the other posters here- look for in-demand parts, put out some feelers to see if their is an interest in parts off of it, if not- no sweat! The Ladders most likely are aluminum, may also have aluminum running boards- easy removal and here sheet aluminum pays .50 cents a lb, much better than the .10 cents a lb you'll get pulling them across the scales.

Be sure to pull alternator, battery, (AC pump if you can get to it) Starter, Any wiring in the harness if you wish, also if check the carburetor-- they may be in demand for that era as well.

They just don't make vehicles now like they did then. I remember cruising the roads with my mom as a kid in her Green Pontiac Bonneville, wish I had that puppy now to roll across the scales- Solid Steel and built like a TANK!

The ADDED bonus of Vans- any weight you take off- you can PACK a van with anything else metal- so if you are hunting for scrap metal out there- Washers, dryers, refrigerators, hot water heaters- all slide NICE into a van- Try doing that with an Escort- no dice!

Aaron