How to Scrap a Car for Money

Scrapping your own can pay you more than selling it to a scrap yard.

In 2009, more than 14 million cars scrapped in the U.S., 4 million more than the number of cars sold that year. This statistic can be attributed to a general downturn in the economy, high gas prices, the government's Cash for Clunkers program and the high price of scrap metal. Some of these cars were sold to commercial scrap yards intact by the owner. While many people liquidate a car this way, some tool-savvy consumers scrap a car themselves to make more money. Doing so requires storage, car disassembly skill and the patience of your neighbors while you complete the task.

Instructions

1. Cancel your insurance on the vehicle and request a check for the unused premium. Consult with your homeowner's insurance provider to verify your liability is covered by your home policy if a neighbor child gets hurt climbing on the car.

2. Search Internet auction and classified ad websites to see if your make and model are represented thoroughly. If there are too many available parts as with a more common vehicle, you may have trouble selling parts through these websites.

3. Drain all fluids from the car. Either siphon gas from the tank using a gas siphon or remove the tank by unbolting and cutting the straps from your tank. Consult your manual to get details of tank removal. Save your excess gas for your lawn mower.

4. Jack the vehicle on high-quality, permanent jack stands. If they are good enough, sell the wheels and tires on an Internet auction or classified ad website or place an advertisement in the newspaper.

5. Remove your catalytic converter. It is typically near the engine in the exhaust system before the muffler begins. A used converter, because of its gold, platinum, palladium and rhodium content, will often sell for as much as you can get for the entire vehicle at a scrap yard.

6. Contact auto glass companies in your area to see if they buy windows or windshields. If not, sell the doors and windows to a scrap yard for resale.

7. Remove the stereo system and sell it locally or on an Internet auction website. Remove all wires, amplifiers and subwoofers, if applicable, and bundle them together in a package price.

8. List the seats on Internet auction or classified ad sites. While these can be more challenging to remove due to carpet or being bolted to the frame from underneath, depending on the model, they may have substantial value.

9. List the engine and transmission, especially if in working order, on the same Internet websites. Post a flier at car-parts stores and put an ad in the newspaper. Most interested parties will remove these items or have a mechanic do it for them.

10. Tow the remaining items to a metal scrap yard for sale by the pound. You may be required to remove non-metals such as interior parts and the headliner to get the best price from these facilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your vehicle covered and clean to maintain value.

• Consult with auto-parts stores to see if they purchase cores such as alternators and power-steering pumps. They may direct you to a remanufacturing location.

• Have a professional remove your air conditioning system to avoid violating state or federal ozone laws. These have value, too, but must be handled correctly.

• Be careful removing gas tanks or fuel pumps, as gasoline is extremely flammable.

References

• Cars Direct: How to Sell a Used Car for Parts
• Cars Direct: How to Sell a Broken Car: Three Best Selling Tips
• MSN: Selling or Scrapping a Used Car; James Ruppert; Aug. 7,2009
• Auto Blog: Report: Number of Cars in the U.S. Dropped by Four Million in 2009 - Is America's Love Affair Ending?

Resources

• Scrapmyjunkcar.com: FAQ
• California Department of Motor Vehicles: How To Dispose of a Vehicle Valued at $500
• Sellyourcatsdirect.com: We Buy Scrap Catalytic Converters Nationwide