This '70 or '71 Challenger...
This '70 or '71 Challenger has been extensively scavenged. Though the VIN was not present to yield confirmation, the freestyle (i.e., non-factory issue) 340 graphic and stripe provide tantalizing hints that it may have been a performance model. Sadly, the otherwise mint roof panel has been defiled with a pop-up sunroof.
In this day of million-dollar payouts for fast food coffee spills and vampire-like lawyers sucking the fun out of everything from three-wheeled ATVs to lawn darts, it is a rare treat to visit a salvage yard that actually invites you to walk freely amongst the ruins.
One of the best is Desert Valley Auto Parts (DVAP), where 30 acres of sun-parched Arizona desert floor plays host to no fewer than 5,000 pre-'80 cars and trucks. Yes, we said five thousand. we've seen DVAP's print ads for years and were enticed by the tag line: "pack a lunch, you may be here awhile." So we ventured to Phoenix to get a first-hand look and were blown away by the selection of vintage Mopar machinery.
The big hitch is while DVAP invites sightseers with open arms, tools are strictly forbidden; one of their grease ghouls will pull, saw, or hack your parts while you wait. Pricing is not exactly cheap. we were quoted $800 for a rust-free, early A-body floorpan, but considering they do all the dirty work, and the parts are generally super clean and rust-free, the prices are fair. DVAP specializes in all makes and models, but here are just a few of the Mopars onsite.
 In keeping with the strictly...  In keeping with the strictly business theme, DVAP policy is to remove the more desirable front clips immediately to facilitate their sale to needy parties the world over. This clump of E-Body fenders is a small sample of what's in stock. We checked them for Hemi, AAR, or TA-spec rolled fender lips, but found none. |  As the price of virtually...  As the price of virtually every E-Body soars out of sight, it's shocking to see how this '72 318 Challenger has been sliced and diced. The entire cowl, A-pillars, and engine compartment have been carefully excised. But the truth is, DVAP is a business, and it is no secret that most cars are worth far more in parts than as complete units. Besides, the harvest probably helped bring a more significant Challenger R/T back to life. |  Somewhere out there a '63...  Somewhere out there a '63 Max Wedge is probably back in action thanks to the sacrifice of this Dodge 440 four-door sedan. Silt clogs the cowl vents on these early B-Bodies and leads to world class firewall and cowl rust on otherwise solid cars. The clean condition of the front bumper suggests this was a fairly well-preserved example. But who wants four doors? |