Boneyard Or Brand New?

[merlin5577]

Need some opinions here, so feel free to speak up. I appreciate everyones input. My Suburban needs a few interior pieces and I am debating if I should buy brand new or head to the junkyard. I know GM used the same basic interior set up that my Suburban has for approximately a decade across a bunch of different models so I figure I should be able to find some decent stuff. I know I am forgetting to mention a few parts I need/want but to get things going....

 

Need to get;

 

Center console cup holder.

 

Radio knobs.

 

Plastic Door that covers the cigarette lighter.

 

Going to look for;

Cargo/floor mats for rear seats and rear cargo area.

 

Spare K&N air filter.

[Schmids5.3l]

When my passenger side controls (window, locks, mirror) died, I went to the junk yard to buy a window switch relay. It was cheap, and works. The only parts that show are the buttons, everything else is under the door panel. It was a $100~ part new, got it for $40 I think.

[Zembonez]

For radio buttons, you'll probably have to buy a radio from a boneyard. Most are virtually unobtainable from the dealer. Other interior trim parts are good boneyard finds. Usually, they are about 25% or less of new prices on that kind of stuff.

[2000DV4.8]

What radio knobs do you need, I have a spare radio laying around, I might be able to help you out there.

 

For everything else, I'd check the junkyard first, and if they don't have anything you like, you can always buy new. You could also check out ebay.

[merlin5577]

What radio knobs do you need, I have a spare radio laying around, I might be able to help you out there.

 

For everything else, I'd check the junkyard first, and if they don't have anything you like, you can always buy new. You could also check out ebay.

 

 

If you are looking straight at the head unit, on the left side there are two knobs stacked veritically. The top knob turns the radio on and off (by pressing the knob in and out) as well as controls (by rotating side to side) the volume. The bottom knob rotates sided to side to change the radio stations. Somehow (still cant figure this out) my girlfriend managed to break (in one day ) the little plastic piece on the inside of both knobs that slides over the metal rods inside the radio. So, I can turn the radio on, but I cant adjust the station or volume, and everytime I hit a pothole the damn things fall off!

 

Thank you to everyone who has voted and/or made I post. I appreciate your input and ideas. If anyone has anything else to add please feel free.

[merlin5577]

Alright, I got back from the junkyard a few hours ago. I pulled the radio knobs I needed off a 96' full size Blazer. I looked in every one of the hundred or so full size GM trucks they had and not one had the cupholder I needed. Most of the trucks had the interiors gutted of everything but the seats. It was kind of a waste of time but there is one other junkyard in town I am going to try before buying the part new. It was kind of depressing seeing all the wrecked and rotting trucks. When you think about all the engineering and work that went into designing and building them and now the just sit and rust, it almost brought a tear to the eye.

[2000DV4.8]

Glad to see you got the knobs. I'd check ebay for the cupholder if you haven't already.

[merlin5577]

Ok, I got sick of trudging through junkyards looking for a part and coming up empty handed. So instead of getting mad, I got epoxy! I took the two pieces of the cupholder and epoxied the two pieces together. Problem solved!

[D&SYukonDenali]

No on the salvage yard. Online parts store. Brand New.

[VR021302]

Yes I do realize this is an older post, but, go to www.car-part.com. Its a junkyard "registry" and its easier than 'yard hopping all day. You can search by price, location, or part quality.

[grampadirt]

Looks like you don't know...Merlin is no longer with us....permanent vacation.

[VR021302]

Looks like you don't know...Merlin is no longer with us....permanent vacation.

 

 

I know HE aint, but its a good site for others to use also.