While surfing the web tonight I came across this fantastic website of a
quasi scrapyard in Douglas, Manitoba, Canada.
I say quasi-scrapyard, because it's pretty clear that the guy is an enthusiast
who would prefer to sell projects than parts.
Even better, his prices are pretty reasonable.
You might not realize it, but the three Canadian Prairie provinces, and
the northern US Prairie states have a climate that is fairly friendly
towards classic automotive metal. It's a dry continental climate,
hot in the summer (well, excepting last summer), and cold and snowy in the winter.
How cold? Well, cold enough that salt won't melt the snow off of roads
and therefore isn't used (and anyways, it's cold, flat and windy,
so generally the snow just gets blown off the road).
Anyways, for the curious among you, here's the website.
www.callingallcars.ca
And here's a selection of some of the more fantastic tat to be found there.
Excuse the quality of some of the pictures, and if you have irresponsible car
buying habits, I take no responsibility for divorces, beheadings or other domestic mayhem that may occur.
First off, being a Mopar or Nocar kind of guy let me start you off with some Chryco lovelies:
1953 Dodge 2dr Station Wagon
No engine or trans, some rust, but pretty complete - just waiting for that late model Hemi...
Or a complete, running Valiant Custom 200 for a mere C$1350 (about £850). This is not a Plymouth Valiant,
as in Canada, the Valiant was marketed as it's own brand until the end of the 1966 model.
Nor is it really a "Valiant" being rather a rebadged Dodge Dart.
One of these days I'll give a potted history of some old cars that were unique to the Canadian market.
Or if the 2dr hardtop wasn't good enough for you, or the Custom 200 too lowline, why not try a 1966 Valiant Signet Convertible.
Rusty, but mostly complete and utterly civilized with a 318/Torqueflite, power steering and power brakes... all for a mere $1500.
If like me you think the 65-66 C-body Chryslers were the best looking full size saloon
ever to come out of Detroit, then this totally solid Chrysler 300 will float your boat (it floats mine).
I can hear Alistairk reaching for his wallet already.
You need a good truck for hauling all your old tatty projects around.
How about a nearly rust free 1950 Dodge 1 Ton Dually complete with welding box, and sunvisor?
Real trucks have real gearshifts, and real steering wheels
(you'll need both with no power steering and no synchros)
Or, for more general tat hauling duties, why not a 1968 Dodge A-100 Sportsman Van.
It's got a running 318 and 3-on-the-tree, and doesn't look too rusty. And it's only C$600 (£375).
Try buying a VW or Commer in that condition for that price!
More to follow...
quasi scrapyard in Douglas, Manitoba, Canada.
I say quasi-scrapyard, because it's pretty clear that the guy is an enthusiast
who would prefer to sell projects than parts.
Even better, his prices are pretty reasonable.
You might not realize it, but the three Canadian Prairie provinces, and
the northern US Prairie states have a climate that is fairly friendly
towards classic automotive metal. It's a dry continental climate,
hot in the summer (well, excepting last summer), and cold and snowy in the winter.
How cold? Well, cold enough that salt won't melt the snow off of roads
and therefore isn't used (and anyways, it's cold, flat and windy,
so generally the snow just gets blown off the road).
Anyways, for the curious among you, here's the website.
www.callingallcars.ca
And here's a selection of some of the more fantastic tat to be found there.
Excuse the quality of some of the pictures, and if you have irresponsible car
buying habits, I take no responsibility for divorces, beheadings or other domestic mayhem that may occur.
First off, being a Mopar or Nocar kind of guy let me start you off with some Chryco lovelies:
1953 Dodge 2dr Station Wagon
No engine or trans, some rust, but pretty complete - just waiting for that late model Hemi...
Or a complete, running Valiant Custom 200 for a mere C$1350 (about £850). This is not a Plymouth Valiant,
as in Canada, the Valiant was marketed as it's own brand until the end of the 1966 model.
Nor is it really a "Valiant" being rather a rebadged Dodge Dart.
One of these days I'll give a potted history of some old cars that were unique to the Canadian market.
Or if the 2dr hardtop wasn't good enough for you, or the Custom 200 too lowline, why not try a 1966 Valiant Signet Convertible.
Rusty, but mostly complete and utterly civilized with a 318/Torqueflite, power steering and power brakes... all for a mere $1500.
If like me you think the 65-66 C-body Chryslers were the best looking full size saloon
ever to come out of Detroit, then this totally solid Chrysler 300 will float your boat (it floats mine).
I can hear Alistairk reaching for his wallet already.
You need a good truck for hauling all your old tatty projects around.
How about a nearly rust free 1950 Dodge 1 Ton Dually complete with welding box, and sunvisor?
Real trucks have real gearshifts, and real steering wheels
(you'll need both with no power steering and no synchros)
Or, for more general tat hauling duties, why not a 1968 Dodge A-100 Sportsman Van.
It's got a running 318 and 3-on-the-tree, and doesn't look too rusty. And it's only C$600 (£375).
Try buying a VW or Commer in that condition for that price!
More to follow...
I would love that 
Ax GTi Turbo