Backyard Mechanics Become Millionaires - Well, Not Quite

The onset of the internet has changed the lives ofSome parts are searched by perspective buyers
virtually everyone in the world. It's the simple fact thatbased on the price of used parts versus the new price
any individual with a computer and internet access canover at your local parts supplier. Others are merely
connect with any other individual no matter where theypurchased as cores, or parts to be rebuilt and then
are located. We have watched mom-and-popresold as such. Other pieces and parts, especially from
businesses explode. We've seen large corporationsvintage and antique cars and trucks are sought out
expand into markets they never would have realizeddue to rarity or even complete obscurity.
with this amazing new connectivity. The internetThe vintage and antique parts in particular can
however has made its largest impact on the individualscommand top dollar. A classic car buff in need of a
who never thought they could or would beparticular rare item will do almost anything; or should I
businessmen. Online forums made famous by auctionsay pay almost anything to get that necessary part in
sites like eBay and classified ads like Craigslist havehis possession no matter how large or small. Classic
totally revolutionized the way and individual can buyand antique vehicles are labors of love and to their
and sell almost any item. Almost overnight, privateowners, and the sky is the limit when there are missing
owners of all types of goods can become successfulpieces to the puzzle. On any given day, you can find
businessmen and at the same time rid their garage ofthousands of parts listed for auction or a flat price
unwanted merchandise. The saying "one man's trash isclassified ad on eBay. eBay in particular, is almost
another man's treasure" has achieved new, almostsingle-handedly responsible for starting the "everyone's
unprecedented meaning. That's where auto partsa seller" mentality. This concept has really hit home in
come into the picture...the wonderful world of auto parts. There are probably
It used to be that the old radiator with the small leak,counted home mechanics who have scratched their
the alternator or starter in need of a rebuild, the driver'sheads and wished eBay and other internet sites just
side door with the corroded molding, or the hoodlike it were around a decade earlier.
ornament on the floor of your garage would find itsHave you checked your garage lately? There may be
way into your garbage can during a spring cleaning.some valuable used vehicle parts right under your
Those days are long gone... at least they are long gonenose. A little rust or even a dent doesn't necessarily
for those backyard mechanics with enough computermean it is worthless. Before attempting to sell any old
savvy to list the parts online for sale. Just a few yearspart, I'd recommend researching its value on you
ago, who would have thought these old parts wouldfriendly neighborhood auction site or even on some
have any value whatsoever other than maybe sellingauto classified sites. This is a great way to gauge if
them for scrap. But times change, and some parts canyou're used car parts are merely diamonds in the
command a fair market value even if the part is inrough or simply ready for the trashcan.
need of repair, a new paint job, or a complete rebuild.