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Kelseyville Auto Salvage: Your Trusted Auto Salvage Yard in Kelseyville, CA
Introduction to Kelseyville Auto Salvage
Kelseyville Auto Salvage & Towing, located at 7666 CA–29 in Kelseyville, California, has been a family-owned and operated business since 1995. Founded by Mike Rose, who remains the current owner, this auto salvage yard has served Lake County and Northern California for over 30 years with quality used auto parts, towing services, and vehicle removal solutions.
With a sprawling multi-acre facility housing parts from over 1,500 vehicles, Kelseyville Auto Salvage has established itself as a go-to destination for car enthusiasts, mechanics, and DIYers looking for affordable auto parts in Northern California. Their extensive inventory and customer-focused approach make them a trusted name in the automotive recycling industry.
Establishment and Ownership
Kelseyville Auto Salvage was established in 1995 by Mike Rose, marking nearly three decades of continuous operation under the same ownership. This consistency in management has allowed the business to maintain high standards of service and build lasting relationships with customers throughout Lake County.
The business’s team includes experienced professionals like Cesar (Office Manager), Oscar (Shop Tech/Tow Driver), Jaime (Master Mechanic/Tow Driver), and Luis (Shop Technician/Parts Puller), all of whom contribute to the yard’s reputation for reliability and customer service.
As a locally owned business, Kelseyville Auto Salvage understands the needs of Northern California drivers and provides solutions tailored to the community they serve. This local expertise, combined with decades of experience, places them among the most trusted salvage yards in California.
Services Provided
Kelseyville Auto Salvage offers a comprehensive range of services to meet diverse automotive needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what they provide:
| Service Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Used Auto Parts Sales | • Self-service option: Bring your tools and pull parts yourself (U Pull It Junkyard)
• Full-service option: Staff pulls and loads parts for you • Parts from over 1,500 vehicles with many warehoused for immediate pickup |
| Towing & Vehicle Removal | • 24/7 towing services for local businesses and individuals
• Abandoned vehicle removal with proper DMV paperwork handling • Licensed, bonded, and insured as required by California |
| Additional Services | • Free diagnostics: Help with diagnosing vehicle issues (leaks, noises, etc.)
• DMV verification for paperwork and legal compliance • Battery buy-back program for recycling used batteries • Free scrap iron dumping for customer convenience • Engine pulls and sales for all makes and models |
| Vehicle Purchasing | • Cash for junk cars in almost any condition
• Towing included for vehicles purchased • Proper handling of DMV paperwork to protect seller from liability |
Self-Service vs. Full-Service Options
Kelseyville Auto Salvage caters to different customer preferences through their dual-service model:
- “Pick Your Part” (Self-Service): Ideal for hands-on mechanics and DIY enthusiasts who know exactly what they need. Customers bring their own tools to locate and remove parts from vehicles in the yard, often resulting in cost savings.
- “We’ll Pull Parts For You” (Full-Service): Perfect for customers who prefer convenience or lack the necessary tools. The professional staff locates, removes, and loads the requested parts, saving time and effort.
This flexibility makes Kelseyville Auto Salvage accessible to a wide range of customers, from experienced mechanics to casual car owners looking for affordable parts.
Vehicle Types
Kelseyville Auto Salvage maintains a diverse inventory spanning cars, trucks, and vans, with over 1,500 vehicles represented across their facility. Their extensive collection serves the varied needs of Northern California’s drivers, mechanics, and auto enthusiasts.
Types of Vehicles Available
- Cars: Includes domestic and foreign models common in Northern California, such as sedans, SUVs, and coupes
- Trucks: Pickup trucks and commercial vehicles, supporting their emphasis on towing services and heavy-duty parts like engines and transmissions
- Vans: Both passenger and cargo vans, with a variety of parts available
Inventory Management
The yard’s rotating stock is regularly updated as vehicles are added daily. Their “multiple-acre facility” houses parts from over 1,500 vehicles, ensuring a fresh supply of auto parts for customers. This dynamic inventory likely includes both older models and more recent vehicles to meet demand for modern parts.
If you’re looking for specific used car headlights or other parts, Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s vast selection increases your chances of finding exactly what you need for your particular make and model.
Popular Auto Parts
The most commonly purchased auto parts at Kelseyville Auto Salvage include major mechanical and structural parts that are typically expensive when bought new but can be acquired at significant savings when purchased used.
Major Mechanical Parts
- Engines: Complete engines or engine parts for various makes and models, often sold with ancillary parts like pumps, hoses, and mounts if available
- Transmissions: A high-demand item due to the complexity and cost of new transmissions
When shopping for a used engine block or transmission, Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s experienced staff can help identify compatible options for your specific vehicle.
Structural and Collision-Related Parts
- Front Ends/Clips: Critical for collision repairs, often pulled as complete assemblies
- Bumpers: Common replacements for both cosmetic and structural damage
- Body Panels: Doors, hoods, and fenders for repairs or custom builds
Additional Popular Parts
- Electrical Parts: Alternators, starters, and wiring harnesses
- Suspension Parts: Struts, control arms, and other suspension parts that wear out over time
These popular parts represent significant savings opportunities for customers compared to purchasing new OEM or aftermarket parts.
Pricing Information
While Kelseyville Auto Salvage does not publicly list specific auto part prices or a standardized price list, they operate on a pricing model that varies based on the parts selected and their condition. The business employs a self-service “Pick Your Part” model where customers locate and remove parts themselves, with pricing determined at checkout based on the specific items chosen.
For those preferring assistance, they offer a professional parts-pulling service where staff retrieves requested parts, though specific pricing details for this service are not explicitly stated in available materials.
To get current pricing information on any used auto parts, customers should contact the business directly via:
– Phone: 707–279–2123
– Email: [email protected]
This personalized approach to pricing allows Kelseyville Auto Salvage to account for variables like part condition, rarity, and current market demand.
Service Area
Kelseyville Auto Salvage serves customers from several nearby cities and towns throughout Lake County and Northern California. Their strategic location at 7666 CA–29 in Kelseyville makes them accessible to residents from:
- Clearlake (Lake County)
- Lower Lake (Lake County)
- Lakeport (Lake County)
- Ukiah (Mendocino County)
- Cloverdale (Sonoma County)
- Healdsburg (Sonoma County)
- Santa Rosa (Sonoma County)
- Dunnigan (Yolo County)
This broad service area allows them to provide used auto parts and towing services to a diverse customer base throughout Northern California.
Auto Parts Interchange System
Kelseyville Auto Salvage assists customers in finding compatible auto parts through a combination of staff expertise and inventory management, though they do not explicitly mention an automated interchange system in available materials.
Staff-Assisted Part Identification
The business relies on Cesar, their Office Manager, to help customers locate specific parts. Customers can inquire about the year, make, and model of the vehicle they need parts for, and Cesar can often identify if the part is available and approximate its location in the yard. This personalized approach leverages staff knowledge of their inventory, which includes parts from over 1,500 vehicles.
Self-Service and Crew-Assisted Options
Customers searching for compatible parts can:
1. Self-search the yard with guidance from staff
2. Request crew assistance for part identification and retrieval
With their large, growing inventory of vehicles, the facility likely contains multiple models with interchangeable parts. However, compatibility appears to be determined through direct consultation with staff or manual inspection of vehicles in the yard rather than a formal computerized cross-reference tool.
Tools and Equipment for Pulling Auto Parts
When visiting Kelseyville Auto Salvage to pull your own parts, being prepared with the right tools can make your experience more efficient and successful. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you’ll need:
| Tool Category | Recommended Items | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hand Tools | • Socket sets (metric & SAE)
• Wrenches (adjustable & ratcheting) • Screwdrivers (Phillips & flathead) • Pliers (various types) • Pry bars |
Most basic part removal tasks |
| Power Tools | • Cordless impact wrench
• Reciprocating saw • Electric drill |
Stubborn bolts, cutting, and drilling |
| Specialty Items | • Penetrating oil
• Breaker bar • Hacksaw or cutters |
Rusted parts, stuck bolts, trimming |
| Safety & Transport | • Gloves
• Safety glasses • Plastic tarp • Box or dolly |
Personal protection and part transport |
Tools Needed by Part Type
Different parts require specific tools for proper removal:
- Engine/Transmission: Socket set, breaker bar, torque wrench, penetrating oil, pry bar
- Electrical Parts: Screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, multimeter for testing
- Suspension/Steering: Impact wrench, pry bar, ball joint separator, hammer
- Interior Parts: Trim tools, screwdrivers, utility knife for upholstery
- Exhaust/Brakes: Wrenches, penetrating oil, hacksaw for cutting rusted connections
Kelseyville’s Tool Policy
Kelseyville Auto Salvage does not provide tools for customers to use. However, they offer a “We’ll Pull It For You” service where their crew removes parts using their own tools if customers lack the necessary equipment or expertise.
Preparation Tips
- Remove the part from your vehicle beforehand to identify required tools
- Bring a plastic tarp to avoid dirt and assist with transport
- Pack a box or dolly for moving heavier parts
- Consider weather protection (sunscreen, water) for comfort
Cash for Junk Cars
Kelseyville Auto Salvage & Towing buys junk cars from the general public and offers cash for vehicles in various conditions. This service provides an excellent option for those looking to get cash for junk cars rather than letting them rust away.
Key Features of Their Vehicle Purchasing Program
- Cash Offers: They provide cash offers based on details like year, make, model, location, title status, and condition
- Flexible Purchase Criteria: They purchase cars in “almost all conditions,” including wrecked, broken, or non-running vehicles
- Title Requirements: While they inquire about title status, they can still buy cars without titles (though this may affect pricing)
- Free Towing: They offer complimentary removal of unwanted vehicles
- DMV Paperwork Handling: Licensed and insured, they manage all necessary DMV documentation to transfer liability
Process for Selling Your Junk Car
- Request a Quote: Provide vehicle details (year, make, model, location, title status, and condition)
- Schedule Pickup: They offer same-day towing if arranged early
- Get Paid: Receive immediate cash payment upon pickup
For more information or to get a quote for your vehicle, contact them directly at (707) 279–2123.
Hours of Operation
Kelseyville Auto Salvage & Towing operates with the following regular business hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Noon)
- Sunday: Closed
The business is open on Saturdays for half a day, making it accessible for customers who work during weekdays. This weekend availability is particularly valuable for DIY mechanics who often tackle car projects on weekends.
For the most current hours information, especially around holidays, it’s recommended to call ahead at (707) 279–2123.
Entry Fees and Discounts
Kelseyville Auto Salvage at 7666 CA–29 in Kelseyville, CA, does not charge an entry fee for customers to access their salvage yard. The facility operates on a self-service model where visitors can explore the yard and pull parts themselves, with staff assistance available upon request.
Regarding discounts:
– Self-service savings: Customers can reduce costs by bringing tools and extracting parts independently (“Pick Your Part” option)
– No explicit discounts mentioned: The available resources do not indicate special promotions or discounts beyond the standard pricing structure
For specific pricing inquiries or potential unadvertised promotions, contacting the business directly at (707) 279–2123 is recommended.
Warranty Information
The available information does not contain specific details about the used parts warranty offered by Kelseyville Auto Salvage & Towing. While the business is described as a family-owned salvage yard offering used parts and towing services, no warranty details (duration, extended options, or costs) are explicitly mentioned in the available materials.
For comparison, other salvage yards like Mr. R’s Auto Salvage and Best Salvage provide warranties ranging from 180 days to 6 months for commercial/fleet/diesel parts, with specific conditions for engine warranties (e.g., replacing timing belts, seals, and gaskets). However, these policies are not directly applicable to Kelseyville Auto Salvage.
To obtain accurate warranty information for Kelseyville Auto Salvage, it is recommended to contact them directly at (707) 279–2123.
Other Junkyards in Kelseyville
If you’re exploring options beyond Kelseyville Auto Salvage, several other auto salvage businesses operate in the Kelseyville area. Here’s how they compare:
Gerdes Auto Wreckers
- Experience: 50 years in operation
- Comparison: More established than Kelseyville Auto Salvage (30 years since 1995). Likely offers extensive experience but lacks detailed service specifics in available information.
Cordova Auto Parts Inc
- Specialization: Focuses on OEM parts for Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, and Mazda
- Comparison: Offers niche expertise that contrasts with Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s broader inventory (1,500+ vehicles)
Last Mile Auto Dismantlers
- Experience: 14 years in business
- Comparison: Newer than Kelseyville Auto Salvage but may emphasize dismantling services. Kelseyville offers additional towing and diagnostic support.
Kellys Junkyards
- Services: Partners with local salvage yards to buy junk cars, offering cash payments and free removal
- Comparison: Acts as a broker rather than a physical junkyard. Kelseyville Auto Salvage provides direct parts sales, towing, and DMV paperwork handling.
Chris Tong’s
- Details: Limited information available beyond location
- Comparison: Likely smaller in scale compared to Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s multi-acre facility
Common Questions About Kelseyville Auto Salvage
1. What services does Kelseyville Auto Salvage offer?
Kelseyville Auto Salvage provides a range of services, including used car, truck, and van parts for DIYers and professionals, 24/7 towing, and vehicle removal for businesses. They also assist with DMV paperwork verification, battery buy-back programs, and free scrap iron dumping. Additionally, they offer diagnostic help for car issues at no charge and may perform repairs while customers wait.
2. Do they require proof of ownership to sell a vehicle?
Yes, most junkyards, including Kelseyville Auto Salvage, require proof of ownership before purchasing a vehicle. Acceptable documents include a title of ownership, auction sales receipt, mechanic’s lien, storage lot lien, or repossession affidavit. This ensures legal compliance and avoids liability issues.
3. Can I sell a vehicle with a salvage title?
While some junkyards avoid purchasing vehicles with salvage titles due to ethical concerns (e.g., reselling risks), others may still buy them. Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s website does not explicitly state their policy, but general industry practices suggest they might accept salvage-titled vehicles if they can harvest usable parts.
4. Is towing free?
Many junkyards, including Kelseyville Auto Salvage, offer free towing services to incentivize customers and simplify the process. This allows sellers to retain the full sale amount without deducting towing costs.
5. Can I donate a vehicle instead of selling it?
While Kelseyville Auto Salvage focuses on purchasing vehicles, some junkyards accept donations for tax-deductible purposes. Donating may not provide immediate cash but can offer financial benefits through tax deductions.
6. How do I buy used parts from them?
Kelseyville Auto Salvage offers two options:
– Self-service: Bring tools to remove parts yourself (e.g., engines, transmissions) and pay at the office.
– Staff-assisted: Request parts, and their team will pull and load them for you.
Prices are typically listed, and some yards charge a small entry fee for self-service.
7. Are they licensed and insured?
Yes, Kelseyville Auto Salvage is licensed, bonded, and insured as required by California state regulations. This ensures compliance with legal standards and protects customers from liability issues.
Kelseyville Auto Salvage & Towing has established itself as a trusted resource for quality used auto parts and vehicle services in Northern California. With over 30 years of experience under the same ownership, their commitment to customer service and extensive inventory of over 1,500 vehicles make them a valuable partner for anyone looking to save money on car parts.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to pull your own parts, a mechanic seeking quality used auto parts, or someone with a junk car to sell, Kelseyville Auto Salvage offers solutions tailored to your needs. Their dual-service model provides flexibility, while their experienced staff ensures you get the right parts for your vehicle.
For those in Lake County and surrounding areas looking for affordable auto parts or vehicle removal services, Kelseyville Auto Salvage’s combination of experience, inventory, and service makes them a standout choice among salvage yards in California.
Kelseyville Auto Salvage is a one-stop shop for all your automotive needs located at 7666 CA-29 in Kelseyville, California. The salvage yard is full of good quality parts, from engines and transmissions to body panels and bumpers. They also carry scrap metal so you can buy it directly from the source. Their vast selection of used auto parts makes them an ideal place to shop when searching for that hard-to-find part. They have been proudly serving their customers since 1971 and are committed to providing only the best quality car parts at unbeatable prices.
The friendly staff at Kelseyville Auto Salvage will go out of their way to help you find exactly what you need for whatever project you’re working on. They understand the value of reliable parts, which is why their inventory is constantly updated with new items. All parts are inspected thoroughly before being put up for sale, ensuring customer satisfaction every time. If you’re looking for used auto parts or scrap metal in the area, they’re sure to have something that meets your needs.
Not only do they offer great prices on high-quality products, but they also provide unparalleled customer service throughout every step of the process. Whether it’s helping customers find what they need or offering helpful advice on how to install a part, Kelseyville Auto Salvage prides itself on going above and beyond what other salvage yards offer. So if you’re looking for a reliable auto salvage yard in the area, be sure to check out Kelseyville Auto Salvage!
Real customer testimonials
Michael Potter
I was thrilled! Found a 12 bolt Chevy rear end for a fair price. They cut it out of the frame for me and loaded it up. The dude was pretty cool. Good experience.
ZRF
A decent place to find used auto parts for most vehicles in a pinch if you’re willing to get dirty. However the parts are usually way overpriced & they’ll charge you different prices based on how you look or if they’re having a good day or not. You could go in 5 days in a row and they’ll give you a different price every day on the same item
Tory
Caesar and mike are awesome people, and very helpful. Fyi if you need glass pay them to pull it . lol you pay befor you pull the glass so if it breaks its on you…….needless to say i helped my buddy pull a front windshield and we got it all the way free’d up and he leaned over the hood that wasnt shut all the way and when he did that , well it shut. and spider webed both bottom corners of the windshield. Moral of the story a few more bucks to pay a guy to have it waiting to be picked up is not only convenient but a safer bet cause its not on you if it does brake. Yup good times.
