Rusty Heaps

Wow, no response? Surely someone has answers/ remarks.

You are correct, it is Sonny’s. Sonny passed away a couple of years ago and his brother runs the place now. He isn’t as knowledgeable about the old stock as his brother was. Yes, it is in Blaine, TN . 1375 Smith Hollow Rd. Yes, you can roam the yard. Pull your own parts. Even purchase a basket case with bill of sale should you find one that has enough parts to merit such. Don’t expect Chevrolet older than 1960, the older ones are gone. Nor Pontiac or Oldsmobile of the 50s, 1 and 2 respectively. He has several Fords, a couple of dozen Buicks, a few Cadillacs, some orphans, all from the ‘50s, and a good showing of muscle car era. Bring plenty of tools, insect repellent, and possibly mud shoes. Also a small pail during blackberry season. Do expect to bleed for your parts. Much of what you see in the photos are blackberries. They’re open Monday through Saturday.

I could use the chrome escutcheons and nuts behind the radio knobs.

I sure do wish that the ‘51 Special wasn’t on the other side of the country. I could use a lot of it. Seems there’s never a close one.

Could you please send a pic or two, so we could know what you are looking for. Either style shown here? The pair are not the 5” pattern, if I’m not mistaken, and still sport the old Western Auto bias ply tires.

I’m in need of lower seat shell pieces for my ‘52 Special. Who reproduces them? Also is there a sheet metal alternative for custom projects, such as the mid fifties Chevrolet shell.

If I were willing to travel cross country, I could have a matched pair!

P.S. He has a decent project ‘46? Packard Clipper tour back in front of his office. Sorry, no pics.

Spent some time visiting with Clark Denton, the owner of Denton’s Auto Parts. He’ Convinced that no one is buying old car parts and as he is swiftly approaching 85 years old, he is considering closing down. He said that he is no longer able to walk the yard any more. The fate of a few hundred cars could be unpleasant for those of us who are still searching for parts. I therefore ask you to call or visit him with requests for parts. Otherwise we may lose another yard. Unless one of you would like to make him a fair offer and be the proud owner of a Tennessee junkyard.

If you are interested in rat rodding one, I’ll trade you. A ‘53 Special 2dr sedan for the convertible! A win for both of us!

Thanks for looking Pete.

I’ll settle for even a broken grill bar that could be mended for a filler.

I loved the hint. I may have to drag that one out and listen to it. Been a while.

There are never too many out there. Unfortunately fewer prospects every day.Perhaps I’m too much of a softy when it comes to these older cars, but I can’t stand to see a viable driver scrapped.

If the mindset that this is a parts car we’re more prevalent, none of the cars that I own would have survived the litmus test.

That car is too nice to part out, especially when there are still so many parts cars in junkyards and parts available through others who have them. Let’s try to put more of these classics on the road, not the scrap heap.

I have a nice set of hubcaps, not sure what year they are for, but they have been in storage for many years and would make a good set for a driver, or repaint the red and polish them to show. $80 + shipping. PM me for more info

Aren’t ‘51-‘53 the same? I know they are on the Special series. If so , I may have spotted one in the junkyard I haunt.

Shipping will probably cost a small fortune.

I have a donor car that has the 263, but I am in a quandary about pulling the engine and transmission from a mostly complete car, even if it is a bit rusty. I do want to drive a straight eight car. I’ve never had the experience. That’s why I bought the ‘52 in the first place. I’ve driven several V8 vehicles over the years. The 1952 Special coupe is less common than the 1953 Special 2dr sedan.

I would assume that they are all the same for ‘55-‘57, and all body makes. I can look for one the next time I’m in the junkyard for more parts. Where are you located? Tell us more about your car and yourself.

Okay, so I probably wouldn’t want the 322 with three deuces on Craigslist and try to back it up with the standard transmission that is original to the car. Better to find a 264.

I’ve not been able to convince myself to pull parts from the ‘53 for the ‘52. I have found parts for the ‘53 instead. Perhaps I will consider hotrodding the ‘52 instead. Now for some pics

Other than the motor mounts, is there much difficulty in putting the nailhead in the ‘52 Special? I’m under the impression that one can use the stock standard transmission from the ‘52. Which bell house should one use? The ‘52 or ‘55. Also, will any nailhead from ‘55 fit? Other tips?

I’m sorry, I should clarify. These photos are not from Denton’s, but from another yard nearby, Sonny’s. I should have stated that to begin with.