For many people, the thought of a garage full of old, dusty cars is an alluring fantasy. In most places, though, cars have a short lifespan. Years of wind and rain beat them down until they become unrecognizable heaps of metal scraps. The dry, desert climate of Arizona, however, allows for such abandoned vehicles to be preserved for much longer, with a lot more appeal. Nestled within the desert are not just cars fit for restoration, but also an entire auto parts store, famous for the number of classic cars it houses.
Desert Valley Auto Parts is a renowned auto parts store, popular with classic car collectors. It has been serving the car collecting community since 1993, offering its visitors a unique experience, unlike any other salvage yard. Located on a 40 acre land, this auto parts store is home to a multitude of various classic vehicles. Every customer who sets foot on its territory is invited to take a look at its variety of cars, from post war sedans to beautiful convertibles, muscle cars and old pick-ups. There is always something new to discover in this fascinating world of classic automobiles.
1. A Sprawling 40-Acre Kingdom of Chrome
With its two sprawling locations in Deer Valley and Casa Grande, Desert Valley Auto Parts offers more than just a drive-thru junkyard experience. This vast collection of classic automobiles covers 40 square miles. While you might not think of an auto parts salvage yard as a tourist destination, this unique find offers a vast array of options for both the casual automobile enthusiast and the serious vintage car restorer. From muscle cars to pickups to pre-war classics, this is one of the largest collections of its kind on the planet.
Collection Highlights:
- Massive 40-acre automotive collection
- Over 5,000 classic vehicles
- Decades of American history
- Rare original restoration parts
- Endless rows to explore
While some auto parts junkyards specialize in specific types of vintage vehicles, what sets Desert Valley Auto Parts apart is the sheer variety available. As one would expect from such a large and popular collection, there are plenty of unique and rare finds to be had. Some people may only be looking for a single part, while others may want to find an entire donor car. Either way, you’re certain to find what you’re looking for at this unusual desert destination.
2. The Desert’s Perfect Preservation Power
Another huge advantage of shopping at this unique automobile restoration parts supplier is the climate in which these vehicles are kept. The dry desert heat of Arizona is perfect for minimizing the damaging effects of rust and decay on classic auto parts. In fact, the dry, sunny weather in the American Southwest is some of the best in the nation for helping to maintain steel components in good condition. There is also minimal danger of long-term corrosion damage to vehicle parts.
Preservation Benefits:
- Dry climate reduces corrosion
- Better preserved metal panels
- Minimal long-term rust damage
- Authentic factory replacement parts
- Natural vehicle preservation
Vehicles that have been stored in the dry desert air for decades tend to hold on to their structural integrity much better than one might expect. Chrome accents, doors, fenders, and other steel components are surprisingly resistant to rust and rot in the American Southwest. This means that restorers can find a steady supply of authentic original parts for their vintage car or truck projects at this unusual auto parts supplier.
3. As Seen on TV: The “Desert Car Kings” Legacy
Desert Valley Auto Parts has seen fit to parlay its popularity with serious vintage car restoration enthusiasts into a television series on the Discovery Channel network titled “Desert Car Kings.” While this unique business may have been known previously by those in the know, it has since garnered mainstream media attention and critical acclaim. Viewers of this entertaining show got to see first-hand how the owners and staff of Desert Valley Auto Parts scoured the county for classic cars, as well as the painstaking effort required to restore them to driveable condition.
Legacy Highlights:
- Featured on Discovery Channel
- Worldwide enthusiast recognition
- Expert restoration knowledge
- Family-owned automotive business
- Lasting television legacy
The “Desert Car Kings” television series gave viewers a glimpse into the fascinating world of classic car restoration. More importantly to the owners and staff of this unique organization, it offered the opportunity to share their love and appreciation of vintage automobiles with a far-reaching audience. From the moment the show first aired, fans have been flocking to this unusual auto parts supplier to see the amazing collection for themselves.
4. Hunting for “Survivors”: The Project Car Goldmine
If you’re looking for more than just individual parts to restore a classic car or truck, then you’ll want to check out the “Whole Car” section of this incredible auto parts supplier. The “Survivors” featured in this exclusive inventory are classic vehicles that have been kept in storage for years at the Desert Valley Auto Parts facility. This means that any number of them could be the perfect project car for you.
Survivor Car Highlights:
- Complete classic project cars
- Original factory components included
- Arizona-preserved vehicle condition
- Strong restoration foundations
- Wide variety of models
From vintage pickups and coupes to family sedans and convertibles, a wide variety of vehicles are waiting for your creative touch at this popular classic car restoration supplier. Some of the most desirable project cars for restoration are those that have had minimal deterioration and the benefit of being stored in the dry desert air for years at a time. While the condition of each survivor is unique, they all present fantastic opportunities for vintage automobile restoration enthusiasts.
5. A Glimpse into the “Yard”: An Ocean of Possibilities
Beyond the fascinating inventory of completed survivor project cars for sale lies the heart and soul of Desert Valley Auto Parts: the huge “YARD” of classic automobiles spanning acres of the property. Containing thousands of vintage vehicles, this impressive inventory is a must-see for any serious collector. Additionally, the company provides extensive reference photographs on its website, enabling anyone with an interest in vintage automobiles to explore its offerings online. These images can help you with your research if you need to find parts for a specific classic vehicle.
Yard Features:
- Thousands of classic vehicles
- Extensive online photo archive
- Valuable donor car inventory
- Rare restoration components
- Constantly changing selection
The website photographs are an excellent resource for researching parts for vintage cars, but keep in mind that they only tell part of the story. The large inventory of donor vehicles is constantly shifting and changing as vehicles are removed and new arrivals are added to the mix. What’s more, parts are frequently being taken from these vehicles and sold individually. This means that the car you saw in a photograph online may no longer be available or may have some parts missing.
6. The “Off Rack”: Bargain Hunters’ Paradise
While browsing the “YARD” of classic automobiles at Desert Valley Auto Parts is always an eye-opening experience, there’s something special about the “Off Rack” section. Containing body parts and other auto components that have been removed from donor vehicles, this area is a true paradise for bargain hunters.
Off Rack Benefits:
- Ready-to-buy original parts
- Organized component inventory
- Affordable restoration options
- Authentic factory equipment
- Time-saving shopping experience
With so many parts ready to purchase, bargain hunters find that the inventory at the “Off Rack” is well worth the time and effort of a personal visit to the yard. The organized display of body parts, steel components, and other original equipment makes it easy to find what you’re looking for. Additionally, most of these items tend to be less expensive than those still attached to a donor vehicle.
7. The Experts Behind the Search
Searching through thousands of vehicles and millions of classic auto parts on over 40 acres can be an overwhelming endeavour, but Desert Valley Auto Parts’ expert crew can easily help. Decades of experience and a vast familiarity with the inventory can help even a beginner find the difficult-to-find original parts. The DVAP team isn’t just a scrap yard; they are a trusted group of car nuts renowned for assisting hobbyists in their pursuit of the genuine auto parts that are otherwise impossible to locate.
Team Strengths:
- Extensive inventory knowledge
- Rare parts expertise
- Personalized customer assistance
- Restoration project support
- Passion for classic cars
Staff members at this unique auto parts supplier are always willing to go the extra mile to help serious enthusiasts locate rare and authentic parts. This is especially important considering the vast size of the yard and the sheer variety of items on-hand. The staff of Desert Valley Auto Parts have an excellent reputation for helping restoration specialists and collectors alike with their part-finding needs. It’s no wonder that this popular supplier is known throughout the classic car restoration world for its exceptional inventory and top-notch customer service.
8. A Sense of Realistic Expectations
When it comes to finding vintage auto parts, there’s nothing quite like the experience of browsing through thousands of classic vehicles to find what you’re looking for. However, the photographs featured on the company’s website are only a small sampling of what’s available. Because parts are frequently taken from these donor vehicles, it’s important to have realistic expectations when touring the inventory at Desert Valley Auto Parts.
Buying Tips:
- Verify part availability
- Contact staff directly
- Use photos as reference
- Confirm before traveling
- Plan searches carefully
The inventory photos featured on the company’s website make it easy to narrow down your search for parts to the specific classic car you need. This can be incredibly helpful, but bear in mind that these images only represent a small portion of the total inventory. Parts are frequently being removed from cars and sold individually, meaning that the one you want may no longer be available. It’s always a good idea to contact the company directly to ask about part availability or request that someone inspect the donor car inventory for you. This can save you time and frustration in the long run.
9. Understanding Shipping and Delivery
Once the correct part has been found, figuring out how the part will be shipped will become an essential stage of the restoration project. Desert Valley Auto Parts indicates that in most instances, standard orders usually ship from their facility in roughly 14 to 25 business days after an order is confirmed. Custom orders, larger items, and parts that will be refinished or re-chromed can expect shipment delays to be slightly longer.
Shipping Essentials:
- Standard delivery timelines
- Variable shipping costs
- Specialized freight options
- Inspect deliveries carefully
- Document shipping damage
While most orders to common carriers take approximately one month to arrive, it’s always a good idea to allow additional time for delivery when placing your order. Parts that require cutting, re-chroming, or any other modifications will also need extra time before shipping. This is especially important for custom or hard-to-find items that may have to be specially ordered.
10. Returns, Policies, and Lasting Impressions
Before making a final purchase, it’s always a good idea to understand the return and exchange policies of any company. Fortunately, the team at Desert Valley Auto Parts is always willing to accommodate customers who are not completely satisfied with their purchases. In general, you can expect to return virtually any unopened parts order within 30 days of receipt. It’s always a good idea to contact the company directly in order to obtain a return authorization before sending any items back. This is even more important for restorers planning to cancel large or multi-part orders.
Important Policies:
- Thirty-day return window
- Return authorization required
- Restocking fees may apply
- Custom parts excluded
- Confirm compatibility first
For many restoration enthusiasts, the most frustrating aspect of purchasing vintage auto parts online is the return policy. Fortunately, the team at Desert Valley Auto Parts makes it easy to cancel or return unwanted items. Always remember that return authorizations are required for all return shipments, and restocking fees may apply to some orders. Additionally, custom-cut parts and other special requests are generally non-refundable. It’s always a good idea to confirm that any ordered parts are compatible with your restoration project before placing an order.
