tailfin58 Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 George Curboy's Auto Salvage in Sturbridge, Mass.(01566)is closing the gates and will start crushing the remaining inventory afterover SEVENTY YEARS in business. Last chance to grab some parts or complete cars is this month as crushing will start this week (1/02/07). Owners have been friendly and you are allowed to pull your own parts...pricing has been very reasonable as well, my buddy has made 5 trips and has yet to reach the $500 mark,of course he's also brought a dozen Dunkin Donuts each time too !Yard at one time had 6000+ cars over 135! acres and even a Private Airstrip !Inventory Consists of Primarily American makes from 1940'sthru 1960's with a few earlier and later and a little bit of foreign stuff as well.99% of the cars are NOT canidates for restoration. Lots of Convertibles leftfor parts as well as All makes of GM Mopar and Ford, it seemed to mee there were more than the usual percentage of Mustangs,Corvairs (incl wagons and vans)and Studebakers. Also a smattering of other Orphans like Hudson and KaiserPhone nummber is 1-508-347-9650 and they are starting to crush so hurry up before it snows !Old Aerial Photo shows only one part of Curboy's yard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 2, 2007 Author Share Posted January 2, 2007 I have just created for the first time <gulp!> two Google picasa Web albums that show some of the cars...but am unsure how to link them here ???? They are public albums under my CaptainTailfin identityhttp://picasaweb.google.com/CaptainTailfinhere are links to two other photopages showing some of the remainig cars EARLIER THIS YEAR http://www.flickr.com/photos/willingtoncadillac/sets/72157594407263992/show/http://www.flickr.com/photos/improbcat/sets/72157594360083396/show/So call before you travel long distances...for short distances just grab some CASH and GO GO GO !!!! When they're gone they're GONE FOREVER ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave@Moon Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Those are some very well done photos! <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I hope they help some of this rare tin to be saved. The Jeepster parts especially should find a good home! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 The money made from crushing the remains will be offset by the cost of getting rid of the tires. Wonder if the day will ever come when used tires have value, just finding some one that would take them for free would be a blessing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest aussie610 Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The money made from crushing the remains will be offset by the cost of getting rid of the tires. Wonder if the day will ever come when used tires have value, just finding some one that would take them for free would be a blessing. </div></div>Try talking with the earth shelter people (Underground houses), Some of them use tyres in the construction of their wallsGotta be worth a try Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 2, 2007 Author Share Posted January 2, 2007 Yep hope fully...cause once its gone it GONE FOREVER..There was at least one 70's style Jeepster that I saw (sort of a Lime Green metalic if I recall on the runway near the red Javelin)and a couple old Willys Station wagons as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Cullen Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 I wish I was closer. I could easily buy and tote off a good chunk of change worth. Lots of NE rot, but lots of good parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Used tires do have value. Whole they are used to keep river banks from eroding as well as hillsides when they are stacked like cinder blocks and pinned in place.Shredded (with the metal removed of course) they make excellent mulch for playgrounds and it is also used as mulch around plants in areas where termites are a problem.Another use for the shredded tires is in riding arenas. It lessens the impact on horses legs and the rider should they fall off, and trust me...we all fall off sooner or later. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It drains well and is not slippery even when wet and is pretty much dust free when dry, unlike other materials. And unlike other materials it does not breakdown quickly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Moskowitz Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Susan, the tires may have "value" but there is a disposal fee. I seem to recall that we were charged $2.00 or $2.50 per tire in Indiana and I think most states there is a similar fee. Bob, is right, the owner of the junkyard will incur a substantial cost in having the tires disposed of properly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Susan, the tires may have "value" but there is a disposal fee. I seem to recall that we were charged $2.00 or $2.50 per tire in Indiana and I think most states there is a similar fee. Bob, is right, the owner of the junkyard will incur a substantial cost in having the tires disposed of properly. </div></div>If this yard really is 70 years old the ground must be a toxic waste zone, can't see how the owner would get out of this deal with any money. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted January 2, 2007 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Tailfin, thanks for the heads-up. I am seeing a 54 Buick in one of the sets of photos. Do you by any chance recall what series it was IE Special, Century, Super, Roadmaster or Skylark he he yea right, and anything about the condition. Was this the only 54 you saw. Do they have them catalogued or anything. What is typical price for a car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 3, 2007 Author Share Posted January 3, 2007 Dear Mr Earl, Sorry I don't recall too many details on the '54 Buick, actually the picture was taken by my friend Jeff Burland. Its pretty hard to tell from a front view only, and although I don't recall any others I didn't cover the whole yard and was mostly paying attention to the Caddys... Whole cars sold that I know of have mostly been in the $300- $500 range...course it probably depends on what your after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novaman Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Wish it was possible for me to save that '64 Chevy II 2 door hardtop (10th photo in the to crush set) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shop Rat Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Steve, You are correct there is a disposal fee most times. We luck out here, about once or twice a year we can take used tires to the local DOH and they will haul them away for free.I found a unique use for one of Bill's damaged Legends racing tires. I bought a new plastic oil drain pan and had him drill the edges in three places and bolt it to the tire. It makes a wonderful raised food bowl, and napping spot, for my Dalmatian. After she eats her food in the morning she curls up in it for a nap. It is the only food bowl she can't play with and tear up. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 Did not see any easily recognizable Packards out there. Did anyone spot any???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolidAxle Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Steve, You are correct there is a disposal fee most times. We luck out here, about once or twice a year we can take used tires to the local DOH and they will haul them away for free.I found a unique use for one of Bill's damaged Legends racing tires. I bought a new plastic oil drain pan and had him drill the edges in three places and bolt it to the tire. It makes a wonderful raised food bowl, and napping spot, for my Dalmatian. After she eats her food in the morning she curls up in it for a nap. It is the only food bowl she can't play with and tear up. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>Susan,We also can dispose of tires for no cost. Our local township (in Ohio) allows up to 8 tires per month (on or off of rims) to be dropped off at a central location to every resident. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West Peterson Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 No. But near the end I saw several photos of an extremely rare 1958-59 VW Karmann Ghia convertible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlK Posted January 3, 2007 Share Posted January 3, 2007 yeah I saw that one two, but I think it is to far gone to do anything but part it.I hate to say that about a convertible but............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No. But near the end I saw several photos of an extremely rare 1958-59 VW Karmann Ghia convertible. </div></div>What makes it any different from all the others built? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave@Moon Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No. But near the end I saw several photos of an extremely rare 1958-59 VW Karmann Ghia convertible. </div></div>What makes it any different from all the others built? <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> </div></div>The first Karmann Ghias (1956-59) have a slightly lower fender/headlight profile that technically didn't pass U.S. lighting standards. It was raised for 1960. 1958 was the first year for convertibles, so it could only be a '58 or a '59. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pakkrat Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 I would have gave a hundred to just be able to pull emblems for a day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 You can sell almost any 50's convertible to someone who will restore it. As long as most of the convertible-specific parts are there, that's all that matters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 4, 2007 Author Share Posted January 4, 2007 Alk,Did not NOTICE any Packards at Curboy's, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were a later style one or two from the Fifties Hiding in there somewhere.... I did NOT see the Entire yard, but hope to get back this Saturday for another (last?!?)<gulp> look. Two friends are headed there again, today so I hope to be able to give an UPDATE on how fast the decimation is proceeding....Like I said prior, if your within a mild distance.... Grab your tools and Cash and JUST GO !Tailfin '58 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 From the original post, it seemed like they would start hauling away and crushing STARTING a couple of days ago, not be closed and done by now. I do think that Karmann Ghia needs saved, but it may already be gone. I don't collect them, but there can't be more then a handful of them in the U.S. dating from that early period. What "kind of" bothered me, is the same thing I have seen in midwestern yards that gone out of business, usually due to locations issues - is that there are whole cars that could have been restored or rendered a LOT MORE parts in years past, that are now too far gone, now crushed. But, you go to the yards in their heyday and they throw out ridiculous high prices for parts and there they sit, year after year. (You might buy a whole car for $700 as a project and they want $250 for a door or fender, for example - or $50 for a simple stainless trim piece) The old car hobby is expensive enough, if you are looking for parts at a salvage yard, you are trying to save some money and restore a worthwhile car, so it is too bad that these owners held out so long and now it's too late. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasBorchers Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Hello !Even in Germany we have heard from this yard with the 6000 cars and that they will be destroyed in the future. I am very sad about this and if I would live in USA, I would pick up some cars for me. The cars are looking so sad, they have waited for their rescue and now they have no chance to survive...Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest leadsled1953 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 do you have an address so i can mapquest it.hey my wife wanted to know why i didnt leave already to look for parts <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1937hd45 Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would have gave a hundred to just be able to pull emblems for a day. </div></div>I'd give a hundered bucks just for the rights to pull every battery cable and easily stripped wire out of the wrecks! The yard is about 2 hours away, maybe I'll call. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Cullen Posted January 4, 2007 Share Posted January 4, 2007 If anyone finds any Lincoln Zephyrs or parts for them please contact me, If you can possibly retrieve anything for 36 Zephyr, I'll buy it from you for a fair profit for your effort, and arrange for shipping or whatever it takes. If there is a 36 - 37 Zephyr with the defroster/heater assembly intact, I'd be very greatful if someone could grab the whole thing, controls, exchanger, ducts, etc. Even good pictures would be appreciated. Interior door handles, trim, window cranks, bumper guards, e-mail me if you find something or can send pictures. There are many Zephyr owners in the New England area, it's very likely that this yard has already been purged of any Zephyrs or parts, but who knows what could be hiding "way out back". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 5, 2007 Author Share Posted January 5, 2007 I spoke THIS AFTERNOON, January 4th, with a friend from the Cadillac LaSalle Club who made his SIXTH Visit today. Arriving out front he saw a "Closed" sign in the drive way.....but noticed the loader still operating in the distance...Parking inside, he approached the office and was told to go ahead and keeppulling parts...... the Closed Sign is ONLY for the Regular Customers shopping for newer Late-Model crash parts. OLD CAR Parts Salvagers (saviours ?) are still WELCOME !Crushing is indeed proceeding... but NOT at a break-neck pace...yetAlthough we had previously heard a rumor of a SECOND crusher coming it was not yet in evidence...In further GOOD NEWS one of the '52 Pontiac Converibles was recently SOLD!as was the light blue '51? DeSoto convertible. Also Just the Front half of several 40's Cadillac Hearses will be traveling to a new owner near the Canadian Border.Incidently what I thought was a '48 Cad Hearse, turned out upon closer inspection to be the front half (...okay front third !....) of the '46 Hearse pictured.this portion reportedly sold for less than $200 with 42K orig miles...To BiggarMike I Will check with my friends about the presence of any Lincoln Zephyrs....It is true that some yards don't have reasonable prices until the Bitter Endall I know is that they are pretty reasonable now...its true enough most yards would be better off trying for "Safe Hits" instead of "Home Runs" ... but it is also true that collectors sometimes assume with out making a Reasonable CASH Offer or Friendly Counter offer.My strategy is try NOT to Dicker on your First visit (buy something small)But BUY something... you will be more and more welcome on each subsequent visit and in a BETTER position to bargain when you are finally ready to pony up for that complete car hidden out in the far treeline.Happy Hunting !Cap'n Tailfin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontiac59 Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 Nothing worse than talking a guy to death for three hours and not buying a thing. I always buy something small regardless of the price. You're paying the guy for his time, not just for the part.Prices get reasonable at the end because you're often buying from the scrapper who's already paid up front for the stuff and if he can sell a car for as much or more as he'll get for it and not have to handle it, it's easier to plop it on your trailer. I got two more cars out of a local yard that way and sold both ('53 Chevy convert and rough '53 Skylark) pretty fast, they were about the two best I ended up buying out of there. Between the two (including a second trip to get the nose to the Skylark) I paid all of $350. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest BJM Posted January 5, 2007 Share Posted January 5, 2007 That's good advice - to at least buy something to create a relationship. Yes it is too bad that I am too far away. It is possible to still pull a lot of trim and such off, and the crusher still gets paid for old mangled bodies too far gone. I like to hear the success stories about front clips being saved. Some of those 40's Cadillac grilles and fenders are getting hard to come by. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 6, 2007 Author Share Posted January 6, 2007 Dear BiggarMike,Sorry my friends did NOT report seeing any Lincoln Zephyrs....Heck, I hardly ever see them at Shows ! Cool Cars though !Plan on heading off for a return trip tommorow to try and see the WHOLE Yard before it's gone...Tailfin58 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stang32 Posted January 6, 2007 Share Posted January 6, 2007 I wanted to go out there today to check out mustangs but beings as they close @ 1 it is not worth me taking a 2.5 hrs drive for only 1-2 hrs of viewing/pickingI hope ot go out there one day this coming week, I assume they are closed sundays right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 8, 2007 Author Share Posted January 8, 2007 After another Fruitful Trip to Curboy's Auto Salvage onthe beautiful warm (65 degrees!) Saturday of January 6th 2007I have added some more photos and commentary to my third web albumhttp://picasaweb.google.com/CaptainTailfinThe Owner said to keep on coming and buying until its goneCurboy's Auto Salvage 508-347-9650http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en...mp;ll=42.112232,-72.054691&spn=0.110789,0.2314&om=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave@Moon Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 That rear bumper w/ overriders one the Mk.1 1600 MGA looks pretty straight. Ditto for what I could see of the front, and it appears to still have most of it's running gear. The Mk.1 GT6 looks like a few bits and pieces could be salvaged as well, although it's tough to tell if there's any of it's running gear still around. Just the core charges one would get for sending a set of running gear from one of these 2 off to be rebuilt could make this a worthwhile trip for someone!If that MGA has 4 wheel disc brakes it's quite the rare prize (a "1600 Deluxe"), and could be worth restoring even in that pathetic condition. It would be an awfully rare bird if so, however! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 So,So Sad <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />Did ya notice the portholes were turned backwards in the 54 Special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kghia Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 Is the Ghia Convertible still there? I'm just getting in on this thread.tailfin58 the pictures were great, thanksJeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tailfin58 Posted January 8, 2007 Author Share Posted January 8, 2007 Kghia Yes ! it is still there , pictures in Vol. 3 were taken Saturday Jan 6th of 2007 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Cullen Posted January 8, 2007 Share Posted January 8, 2007 Thanks for checking, I wish I could get there, I know I could spend some money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John348 Posted January 21, 2007 Share Posted January 21, 2007 Well I got a report from a good friend of mine today, who visited the yard yesterday 1.19.07 and he said it was pretty much gone! He traveled down form Maine, and we got together at the "Big E" Sawp Meet.The crusher was going at full speed and the "Air Strip" was removed of all of those vehicles in the photo. John <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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