Rapid Auto Salvage - Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid Auto Salvage is a self-service auto salvage yard in Rapid City, South Dakota. Customers can find used auto parts, scrap metal, and vehicles for disassembly here. The yard follows a "u-pull-it" model, where you locate and remove parts yourself.
It’s a good option for DIY mechanics, car owners needing repairs, or those looking to salvage materials. The yard is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no weekend or Sunday hours. Bring your own tools and be ready to search through a large inventory of vehicles and parts.
Services & What to Expect
Rapid Auto Salvage is a self-service yard, meaning you handle the process of finding and removing parts on your own. The business doesn’t offer professional disassembly or part retrieval. Instead, it provides access to a large inventory of vehicles—cars, trucks, and SUVs—in various conditions.
You’ll need to bring your own tools, including wrenches, sockets, and jack stands, as the yard doesn’t provide equipment.
What You Can Find
The yard has a mix of newer and older vehicles, with parts ranging from engines and transmissions to body panels, bumpers, and interior components. Common items include:
- Engines and transmissions
- Body panels (doors, hoods, fenders)
- Bumpers and grilles
- Headlights and taillights
- Interior parts (seats, dashboards, trim)
- Suspension and drivetrain components
- Electrical parts (wiring harnesses, sensors)
Inventory changes often as new vehicles arrive and others are removed. Some vehicles may be partially dismantled, while others are still intact. Pricing is per vehicle, not per part—you pay a flat fee to access one vehicle and can take as many parts as you need from it.
How Self-Service Works
To use Rapid Auto Salvage, follow these steps:
- Visit during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM). The yard is closed on weekends and Sundays.
- Pay the entry fee per vehicle. This fee covers access to one vehicle, and you can remove as many parts as you want from it. Additional vehicles require separate payments.
- Find the parts you need. The yard is organized by vehicle type and condition, but you’ll need to search on your own. Staff can answer general questions but won’t help locate specific parts.
- Remove the parts using your own tools. The yard doesn’t provide equipment, so bring everything you need to disassemble and extract parts.
- Leave scrap metal behind. After taking usable parts, leave the remaining scrap and non-salvageable materials in the yard.
You’re responsible for transporting parts off-site. The yard doesn’t offer packaging, shipping, or cleanup services.
What to Bring
To make the most of your visit, bring:
- A list of the parts you need, including the make, model, and year of the vehicle.
- Basic hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers).
- A jack and jack stands (if removing heavy components like engines or transmissions).
- Gloves and safety gear (the yard can be dusty and may have sharp metal).
- A vehicle to transport parts (some components, like engines, are heavy and bulky).
- Cash or a debit/credit card (the yard accepts card payments for entry fees).
If you don’t have tools, consider borrowing or renting them before your visit. The yard doesn’t lend equipment.
Selling a Junk Car
Rapid Auto Salvage doesn’t buy junk cars, but if you need to get rid of an old vehicle for scrap, check our cash for junk cars page for local buyers in Rapid City. Many auto salvage yards and scrap metal dealers purchase non-running vehicles.
Location & Hours
Rapid Auto Salvage is at 22478 Bennett Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701 . The yard is in an industrial area on the east side of Rapid City, near the intersection of Bennett Road and Highway 16. It’s easy to reach by car, with plenty of parking for customers.
Business Hours
| Day | Hours |
| Monday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
The yard is closed on weekends and holidays. Plan your visit during weekday business hours. Late arrivals may find limited staff, especially near closing time.
Directions
From downtown Rapid City, take Highway 16 east toward Bennett Road. Turn right onto Bennett Road and drive about 2 miles. Rapid Auto Salvage will be on the left, marked by a sign and a fenced lot. GPS might not pinpoint the exact location, so watch for the business sign.
Contact Information
For questions about hours, part availability, or services, contact Rapid Auto Salvage at:
The business doesn’t list an email for inquiries, so calling is the best way to confirm details before visiting.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
Rapid Auto Salvage has a 4.4-star rating on Google based on 81 reviews. Customers often mention the large inventory of vehicles and the ability to find parts at lower prices than dealerships. Common feedback includes:
- Affordable access to used auto parts.
- Helpful staff who answer basic questions.
- A variety of vehicle makes and models available.
Some reviews note the yard can be dusty or disorganized, and a few customers have mentioned difficulty finding specific parts. As with any self-service salvage yard, patience and preparation help make the visit successful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Rapid Auto Salvage?
Rapid Auto Salvage is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The yard is closed on weekends and Sundays. Plan your visit during these hours, as staff may not be available outside the posted schedule.
Does Rapid Auto Salvage buy junk cars?
Rapid Auto Salvage doesn’t buy junk cars, but if you need to sell an old vehicle for scrap, check our cash for junk cars page for local buyers in Rapid City. Many auto salvage yards and scrap metal dealers purchase non-running vehicles.
What kind of parts can I find at Rapid Auto Salvage?
The yard carries a wide range of used auto parts, including engines, transmissions, body panels, bumpers, lights, interior components, and suspension parts. Inventory includes vehicles from different years and makes, though availability changes often. Come with a list of specific parts needed, as the yard doesn’t guarantee certain items will be in stock.
How does self-service auto salvage work at Rapid Auto Salvage?
At Rapid Auto Salvage, you pay a fee per vehicle to enter and remove as many parts as you want from that vehicle. The process includes:
- Paying the entry fee at the office.
- Finding the vehicle with the parts you need (staff won’t help locate them).
- Using your own tools to remove the parts.
- Leaving scrap metal and non-salvageable materials in the yard.
- Transporting the parts off-site in your own vehicle.
The yard doesn’t provide tools, packaging, or cleanup services.
Do I need to bring my own tools to Rapid Auto Salvage?
Yes, you must bring your own tools. The yard doesn’t lend or provide equipment like wrenches, jacks, or socket sets. Plan to bring:
- Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, sockets).
- A jack and jack stands (for removing heavy components).
- Safety gear (gloves, eye protection).
If you don’t own tools, consider borrowing or renting them before your visit.
Can I get a refund if I don’t find the parts I need?
Rapid Auto Salvage doesn’t offer refunds for entry fees. The fee covers access to a vehicle, whether or not you find usable parts. Call ahead or check the yard’s website for updates, though inventory lists may not be detailed.
