Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker: Your Resource for Used Auto Parts in Flora, IL

Located at 381 Camelia Rd in Flora, Illinois, Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker has been a trusted source for affordable auto parts and towing services since 1991. With over three decades of experience in the automotive recycling industry, this family-owned salvage yard offers a wide range of services to vehicle owners throughout southern Illinois.

Establishment and Ownership

Established in 1996 according to business records, Dale’s Auto Salvage operates under owner Joe Martin with a small team of 1–4 employees. The business generates annual revenue under $500,000 and is officially categorized under Automotive Wrecking for Scrap.

While Dale’s may not match the size of nationwide salvage chains, its longevity reflects the typical pattern seen across the auto recycling industry, where many successful salvage yards operate for decades under family ownership. Similar businesses like Morrison’s Auto Parts in Wisconsin have been family-owned since 1958, demonstrating how these businesses often become fixtures in their communities.

Services Provided

As a scrap metal recycling facility and used parts yard, Dale’s focuses on converting end-of-life vehicles into valuable resources for the automotive repair market. Their dual focus on towing services and parts salvage allows them to serve both vehicle owners with breakdown emergencies and DIY mechanics looking for affordable repair options.

If you’re tired of paying high prices for new auto parts, Dale’s offers a budget-friendly alternative with their extensive used fuel pumps and other critical auto parts.

Vehicle Types

While specific inventory details for Dale’s Auto Salvage in Flora aren’t explicitly documented, the yard likely maintains a diverse selection of vehicles similar to other regional salvage operations. Based on industry standards, their inventory would typically include both domestic and foreign vehicles, such as trucks, vans, SUVs, and cars.

Most salvage yards in southern Illinois maintain inventories of 500+ vehicles, though specific makes and models at Dale’s would vary based on local vehicle populations and acquisition patterns. Their inventory would primarily consist of vehicles common to the region, likely featuring a mix of:

• American-made sedans and pickup trucks
• Popular foreign imports
• Commercial vehicles
• SUVs and minivans

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on current vehicle inventory, customers should contact Dale’s directly. Many salvage yards update their stock frequently, with new vehicles arriving weekly.

Popular Auto Parts

Dale’s Auto Salvage, like most recycling yards, offers a wide range of used auto parts at significant savings compared to new OEM or aftermarket alternatives. Based on industry trends, here are the most commonly purchased parts:

Major Mechanical Parts

• Engines and Transmissions: Complete assemblies or individual parts are frequently sought due to their high cost when purchased new
• Differentials and Axles: Essential drivetrain parts including front axle assemblies
• Steering Components: Including rack-and-pinion assemblies and power steering pumps

Body Parts

• Bumpers, Fenders, and Doors: Common replacements for collision repairs, with bumpers typically priced around $35 and fenders around $45
• Glass Components: Windshields, quarter glass, and lamps
• Exterior Trim: Including fender flares and bumper reinforcements

Many customers visit looking for quality suspension parts that can be expensive when purchased new.

Electrical and Interior Parts

• Alternators and Starters: Critical for electrical systems
• Interior Accessories: Including seats (around $25 for bucket seats) and trim pieces
• Wheels and Tires: Sold individually or as sets, with steel wheels priced around $10 each

For those seeking to save on exterior repairs, used car hoods from salvage yards like Dale’s offer significant cost advantages over new parts.

Service Area

Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker serves customers from throughout the southern Illinois region, drawing visitors from numerous surrounding communities. Here’s a list of nearby cities and towns where many of their customers reside:

Nearby Cities/Towns

– Louisville

– Fairfield

– Olney

– Wayne City

– Salem

– Newton

– Altamont

– Albion

– Odin

– Effingham

– Saint Elmo

– Teutopolis

– Mount Vernon

– Sumner

– Sandoval

– Central City

– Centralia

– Wamac

– Vandalia

– Oblong

– Grayville

Smaller communities like Rinard, Xenia, Clay City, and Sailor Springs also contribute to Dale’s customer base, making it an important resource for residents throughout this largely rural area of Illinois.

Interchange System

While specific details about Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker’s parts identification system aren’t explicitly documented, the yard likely employs standard industry practices for matching compatible parts across different vehicle makes and models.

Typical interchange methods used by salvage yards include:

1. VIN Verification: Using Vehicle Identification Numbers to cross-reference and ensure compatibility between similar vehicle models and years
2. Part Number Matching: Verifying part numbers stamped on original parts to confirm interchange compatibility, even across different makes
3. Interchange Guides: Reference materials that identify which parts are compatible across different vehicle models
4. Inventory Systems: Physical or digital tracking of parts to help customers find what they need
5. On-Site Verification: Direct physical comparison of parts to confirm compatibility

This approach allows customers to find parts from alternative vehicle models when exact matches aren’t available in inventory.

Tools and Equipment for Pulling Parts

When visiting Dale’s Auto Salvage, customers should bring their own tools. Based on standard salvage yard requirements, here are the essential tools needed:

Hand Tools

• Socket set (metric and standard) with ratchet wrenches
• Screwdrivers (flathead, Phillips, Torx)
• Pry bar for removing stuck panels
• Pliers (needle-nose, adjustable, locking)
• Wrenches (adjustable, breaker bar for stubborn bolts)
• Hammer (rubber mallet for gentle tapping)

Cutting Tools

• Utility knife for hoses/seals
• Wire cutters for electrical parts

Specialized Tools

• Penetrating oil (e.g., WD–40) for rusted bolts
• Battery-powered tools (e.g., impact wrench, reciprocating saw)
• Safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, flashlight

Prohibited Items

It’s important to note that most salvage yards, including Dale’s, prohibit certain tools and equipment such as:

– Torches

– Grinders

– Jacks

– Lead-acid batteries

For safety reasons, always verify tool policies with the salvage yard before visiting.

Cash for Junk Cars

Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker does buy junk cars from the general public and offers cash payments for vehicles in any condition. According to their advertising, they emphasize:

• “Cash For Cars – Top Dollar Paid”
• “We Buy Any Vehicle in any Condition”
• “Get Your Free Quote Now!”

This service allows vehicle owners to easily dispose of unwanted, damaged, or non-running vehicles while receiving payment. If you’re considering selling your junk car for cash, Dale’s offers a straightforward option in the Flora area.

The business has been operating in the automotive recycling industry since at least 1996 and is properly licensed for automotive wrecking and scrap operations. For specific details about their buying process, including paperwork requirements or towing arrangements, contact them directly using the phone number from their advertising.

Hours of Operation

Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker & Towing Service does not have publicly listed operating hours in available sources. The business is known for providing 24-hour towing services, but this refers specifically to their emergency towing availability rather than general hours for the salvage yard.

Key contact information:

– Phone: (618) 662–2525

– Address: 381 Camelia Rd, Flora, IL 62839

– Payment methods: Cash and checks accepted

For current hours, weekend availability, or to inquire about specific parts, direct phone contact is recommended. The business has been operating since at least 1991, suggesting they maintain a consistent presence in the Flora community.

Warranty Information

While specific warranty information for Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker isn’t explicitly documented, most salvage yards follow similar warranty structures. Based on industry standards, customers can typically expect:

Standard Warranty Coverage

• Most salvage yards offer a 30–90 day parts-only warranty on used auto parts
• Electrical parts are often excluded or sold “as-is”

Extended Warranty Options

• Common extensions might include 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, or lifetime coverage
• Labor warranties (covering installation costs) may be available for an additional fee

Typical Exclusions

• Damage from improper installation
• Overheating issues
• Pre-existing vehicle problems

For precise details about Dale’s specific warranty policies, direct contact with the business is necessary, as salvage yard warranty terms vary significantly by location.

Entry Fees

Based on available information, there is no explicit mention of an entry or cover fee for Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker. While many self-service salvage yards charge a small entry fee (typically $1-$3 per person), Dale’s specific policy isn’t documented in the available sources.

It’s recommended to call (618) 662–2525 for current information about any potential entry fees or discounts before visiting. The business does accept cash and checks for parts purchases.

Other Junkyards in Flora, IL

Flora is home to several automotive salvage options besides Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker. Here’s how these businesses compare:

1. Kellys Junkyards

– Location: 312 E North Ave Unit #127, Flora, IL 62839

– Services: Specializes in buying junk cars in any condition, offering cash on pickup and free towing within Flora with same-day pickup available

– Comparison: More focused on quick cash transactions for junk vehicles compared to Dale’s broader focus on parts sales and towing

2. Foster’s New & Used Auto Parts

– Location: 2781 State Route 37, Flora, IL

– Services: Provides new and used auto parts

– Comparison: Offers both new and used parts, potentially providing more options than Dale’s strictly used inventory

3. Joe’s Junkyard

– Location: Flora, IL (exact address unspecified)

– Comparison: Less established than Dale’s 34 years of operation

4. Y Yard Auto & Truck

– Location: Flora, IL (exact address unspecified)

– Services: Auto and truck salvage

– Comparison: Possibly specializes more in truck parts than Dale’s

Other automotive businesses in the area include Ace Auto Sales & Detailing, Dalton Sales & Service, and Cars, each offering different specializations within the automotive sector.

Common Questions About Dale’s Auto Salvage

1. How do junkyards like Dale’s operate?

Junkyards follow a structured process:

– Pre-treatment: Fluids (coolant, oil, fuel) are drained to prevent leaks during disassembly

– Part removal: Batteries, tires, and gas tanks are extracted first

– Part evaluation: Usable parts (engines, seats, lights, etc.) are refurbished and sold

– Vehicle disposal: After parts are stripped, the remaining frame is crushed and recycled

2. What happens to cars once they’re sold to a junkyard?

• Vehicles are dismantled for functional parts (engines, transmissions, electronics)
• Hazardous materials like oil and coolant are responsibly drained and recycled
• Up to 75% of a vehicle is recycled, with metal hulks crushed and processed
• Some salvage yards sell cars with salvage titles for restoration projects

3. Can I sell my car to Dale’s or similar junkyards?

• Most junkyards buy non-running, damaged, or older vehicles
• You’ll need to provide the vehicle title and VIN for verification
• Call for a quote and compare offers from multiple yards
• Towing is typically arranged by the junkyard if your car isn’t drivable

4. What parts are available at Dale’s?

Common parts include:

– Mechanical parts: Engines, transmissions, alternators, and exhaust systems

– Body parts: Doors, hoods, bumpers, and glass

– Interior items: Seats, dashboards, and electronics

– Accessories: Tires, wheels, and trim pieces

5. Do junkyards offer self-service or full-service part removal?

• Self-service: Customers pull parts themselves using tools. Prices are lower, but labor is required
• Full-service: Staff removes and cleans parts for a fee
• Hybrid models: Some yards provide maps or assistance to locate parts but leave extraction to customers

6. Are there environmental benefits to using junkyards?

Yes:

– Up to 75% of a vehicle’s materials are reused or recycled, reducing landfill waste

– Hazardous fluids are properly disposed of or repurposed

– Reusing parts minimizes the need for new manufacturing and raw material extraction

7. How do payment and pricing work for parts or selling cars?

• Prices for cars depend on the vehicle’s condition, age, and scrap metal value
• Part prices are standardized but may be negotiable
• Cash is common for car sales, while parts may be paid for via credit/debit cards or cash

For specific details about Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker, contact them directly at (618) 662–2525.

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Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker stands as a valuable resource for affordable automotive solutions in Flora, Illinois, and the surrounding communities. With over three decades of experience, they’ve established themselves as a reliable option for used auto parts, towing services, and vehicle recycling.

Whether you’re a DIY mechanic looking to save money on car repairs with affordable radiator parts or someone wanting to sell a junk vehicle, Dale’s offers services that meet various automotive needs. Their longevity in the business speaks to their commitment to customer service and expertise in the auto recycling industry.

For the most current information about inventory, hours of operation, or specific services, contact Dale’s directly at (618) 662–2525.

Dale’s Auto Salvage Wrecker at 381 Camelia Rd, Flora, IL 62839 is a family-owned and operated business that has been in operation for over 50 years. They are a leading provider of car parts and scrap metal in the area, and they also offer a wide variety of other services such as towing and used auto parts sales.

Their team is highly experienced and knowledgeable, and they’re dedicated to providing their customers with the best possible service. They offer competitive prices and a wide selection of parts, making them the perfect choice for anyone in need of car repairs or replacement parts.

Real customer testimonials

CritterJoey Fun

Rated this company 2/5

Be careful what you say. Will assume you will give them your car for free. They don’t ask the condition or even look it over. You have to bring it up. Save your breath. There are many companies that will offer you money for your junk by car. They didn’t even ask if I wanted to sell it or not.

jessica dehen

Rated this company 5/5

We ran out of gas and Dales not only rescued us but made sure we got to the gas station ok too. Thank you so much for being solid humans!

Jhamer Wat up

Rated this company 5/5

This guy listen to me he helped me out to the best of his ability I appreciate very much I recommend this place to anybody looking for parts the awesome place great people good deals I recommend them 100% and they have used tires out the yin yang

C H

Rated this company 5/5

SUPER QUICK and FRIENDLY! Normally I have to wait 30-45 minutes for a jumpstart to arrive but he got here in less than 10 minutes. Thanks for coming to our rescue!

Debbie Hatchett

Rated this company 1/5

Well ok but my tow bar is missing and they said they dont have it.. I will find it it was on vechile when he picked it up and I told him