A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking is a self-service auto salvage yard in Billings, Montana. Located at 6801 Grand Avenue, it offers a large selection of used car parts for DIY mechanics and vehicle owners. The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Customers can browse the lot on their own to find parts for repairs or restoration projects. The yard has over 2,500 vehicles in stock, with a focus on older cars, trucks, and SUVs. It’s listed on directories like uscarjunker.com and preferredjunkyard.com , showing it’s been around for a while. However, reviews show mixed experiences with part quality and pricing.
Services & What to Expect
A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking is a self-service yard, meaning you remove parts yourself. The staff doesn’t disassemble or install parts for you, but they do provide basic tools like air guns and wrenches. The inventory includes a mix of makes and models, with a strong selection of older vehicles, including square-body cars and pre-war models. This makes it a good spot for restoration projects.
Before visiting, bring:
A vehicle to haul parts (many are heavy and bulky)
Basic tools if the yard doesn’t have what you need
A list of the parts you’re looking for
Cash or a payment method (some yards only take cash—call ahead to confirm)
The yard doesn’t advertise buying junk cars, but if you need to get rid of an old vehicle, selling it for cash to a licensed buyer might be faster than trading it in or listing it yourself.
What Parts Are Available?
The yard carries a wide range of used automotive parts, including:
Engines and transmissions (manual and automatic)
Body panels (doors, hoods, fenders, quarter panels)
Interior parts (seats, dashboards, consoles)
Suspension and drivetrain components (control arms, differentials, axles)
Electrical parts (wiring harnesses, alternators, starters)
Braking systems (calipers, rotors, master cylinders)
Exhaust systems (headers, mufflers, catalytic converters)
Parts may need cleaning or testing before use, so check them carefully before buying. The yard doesn’t guarantee parts will work, so buyers take all risks.
Location & Hours
A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking is at 6801 Grand Avenue, Billings, Montana, 59106. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and closed on weekends. Some customers have had trouble with the hours, so call ahead at (406) 656-8935 to confirm before visiting.
The yard is in an industrial area near other auto businesses. Parking is available for customers removing parts. GPS might not pinpoint the exact location, so use the address in your maps app for general directions.
Directions
From downtown Billings, take I-90 West toward Billings. Exit at Grand Avenue (Exit 168) and drive north for about 3 miles. The yard is on the right near 27th Street West. Look for the signage or check the Google Maps listing for help.
Recent News & Updates
A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking has been featured in videos showing off its large inventory. A recent YouTube video (by IowaClassicCars) highlights over 2,500 vehicles on-site, including square-body cars, 1950s models, and pre-war vehicles. This suggests the yard keeps adding to its selection, especially for classic and vintage car owners.
The business stays active in salvage directories, but no major updates or expansions have been announced lately. Check the yard’s website for the latest on inventory or services.
Videos & Virtual Tours
A YouTube video gives a virtual tour of A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking, showing the variety of cars in stock, including classics and vintage models. It also demonstrates how the self-service salvage process works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking?
The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM and closed on weekends. Call ahead at (406) 656-8935 to confirm hours before visiting.
Does A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking buy junk cars?
The yard doesn’t advertise buying junk cars. If you need to sell an old vehicle, consider getting cash for it through a licensed buyer for a faster process.
What kind of parts can I find at A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking?
The yard offers used parts like engines, transmissions, body panels, interior components, suspension parts, electrical systems, braking components, and exhaust systems. The inventory includes vehicles from different years and makes, with a strong selection of older and classic cars. Always check parts before buying—functionality isn’t guaranteed.
How does self-service auto salvage work at A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking?
Customers browse the lot on their own and remove parts using provided tools. The yard doesn’t offer professional disassembly or installation. Bring your own transportation for parts, as many are heavy. Pricing is per part, and payment is made on-site. Some parts may need cleaning or testing before use.
Are there any tools provided for part removal?
Yes, the yard has basic tools like air guns and wrenches. You might need to bring your own specialized tools depending on the part. Check with staff when you arrive to see what’s available.
What should I do if a part I bought doesn’t work?
The yard sells parts "as-is," with no warranties or guarantees. If a part fails, the business won’t replace or refund it. Inspect parts carefully before buying and test them when possible. Some reviews mention issues with part quality, so buyers take all risks.
Customer Experiences
Reviews for A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking are mixed. Some customers like the large inventory and friendly staff, while others have had problems with part quality or pricing. Here are a few examples:
Scott Morgan (5/5 stars): "Good service, a lot of cars to pick from, and fair prices."
Randal G (5/5 stars): "The staff is friendly, and they’ve got tons of parts. Fun just to look around."
Trent Hess (1/5 stars): "Bought a transmission here for a 2013 Chevy Impala. They said it worked, but reverse was broken after I installed it. Wasted $650 and won’t shop here again."
These reviews show why it’s important to check parts before buying. While some customers have had good experiences, others have run into problems. Always inspect parts and test them if you can.
infoBusiness Info
credit_cardPayments
checkCredit cards
checkDebit cards
checkNFC mobile payments
accessibleAccessibility
checkWheelchair accessible parking lot
checkWheelchair accessible entrance
reviewsReviews
4.4
starstarstarstarstar
(175 Reviews)
5star
3
4star
0
3star
0
2star
0
1star
3
c moneyGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
3 months ago
I’d be cool is they could update they’re hours on when they are open, or even put a open or closed SIGN like any other business, LOL
Scott MorganGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
7 months ago
Good service, stellar volume of cars to choose parts from, reasonably priced.
Trent HessGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
11 months ago
Bought a transmission here for a 2013 chevy impala and they said it was functioning transmission. After installing it in my car the reverse was out. Not happy at all and will never buy from this place again. Nothing like blowing $650.
Colm KaineGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
1 year ago
Do not buy from here as they overcharge and are perfectly willing to lie and cheat there way to a sale. I am form ND and initially called looking for a specific vehicle. I told the guy on the phone what i was looking for and was very specific about what condition I wanted everything in. I later asked them if they could send me some pictures of the truck so i could see if it fit what i needed and was looking for and they sent the first 4 pictures were the truck looks nice and has everything attached. After renting a trailer and driving 5 hours I go to look at the truck and it is half torn apart with tons of parts missing wiring cut rust dents and looks like crap. And they expected me to give them a 1000 for it. I asked what the lowest they could do was after bringing up the condition and they said 750. The guy up front even tried to claim he told me about the condition it was in. If i had been told i would not have driven 5 hours with the intent to buy it. I ended up walking out. They wasted at least 400 to 500 of my money to rent a trailer and get there only to find the truck isnt what was advertised to me. Attached also are pictures of the trucks condition when i arrived.
Randal GGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
3 years ago
The guys are friendly. They sure have a lot of stuff! Fun to just look around
Bowen HulfordGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
5 years ago
Honestly, if I could give them more than five stars, I would. The sun visors I picked up for my Honda were exactly what I needed, and the people here made the whole process smooth. No hassle, no nonsense—just good parts and better service. If you’re hunting for car parts, this is the spot. Period.
rate_review
Want to leave a review?
Sign in to share your experience at A-1 Johnson Auto Wrecking
