Feedback Wanted
 

I've been thinking a lot about getting a Texas auto salvage license and starting a quasi-official' Mercedes-Benz™ used parts business. I'm acquiring come property where I could store 'inventory', I'm not a total doofus when it comes to wrenching and I'm pretty good at setting up and maintaining web stuff. I envision it as primarily a web-based, mail-order, e-business arrangement.

It wouldn't be a primary source of income for me (I have a 'day job') but might be a way for me to justify a bigger shop and some snazzy tools. At the beginning, I'd probably focus on the stuff I know about- W115, 123, 126 chassis and maybe branch out into gassers later on.

Observations? Comments?

With your skills in wrenching, and your abilities to find vehicles/parts on the cheap, and your available real estate for storing said vehicles/parts, it seems like a perfect fit.

My only recommendation is to try not to let it get out of hand. You can accumulate quite a bit of "stuff" if you aren't careful. All that "stuff" will require considerably more time to manage.

But, you could always store some of it at Greg's. :D

I guess rural Texas does not have any fancy zoning or hazardess waste laws to prevent another fix-it block jalopy yard from springing up... Do consider that at some point you (or your heirs) will be responsible to remove said wrecks for proper disposal when enough yankees move into town....

Yes!!!!
 

R Leo, what a great idea. If you have space, time, and money, it would be perfect fit for you. Maybe early retirement?????

PS: A significant discount for all forum members,,,, :D

Yeah, I sure wouldn't want live at a dump or, to put a burden like that on anyone (heirs ets...); that's one of the reasons for a Salvage license. Makes dealing with the carcass, carcasses, carcai (??) simpler...

A long time ago, I had a TR-6 and frequently got parts for it out of a high-end foreign car parts (no Japanese, Euro only) operation in San Antonio. They were a class act...had a neat shop where the cars came in and were tested (engines run if they could) and the usable parts pulled and cataloged. I'd only do it if it could be operated in that fashion.

You hit the key to success right there. Keep the security of the day job and make some money with your hobby. Tax rules are always changing, but you can still show a loss for a few years while acquiring tools I think :D

Jeez, I always liked contaminated drinking water, until those dumb tree hugging Yankee's put a stop to it!.... :eek:

That seems like a good fit for you. From what I can tell so far, you appear to be a competant honest person, with the skills and knowledge to pull it off. From what I've heard, you also get an amazing amount of things done. Not only would I be happy to support your business, I have the kind of car you would want folks to have. ONE ALWAYS IN NEED!
I'm also close enough to help you on a weekend here and there, should that be helpful for you.
Plan carefully, prepare for it, and give it a good shot! :thumbsup:

No way Jose ! With your HoneyDo list and you about to become a Farmer... you will not have time to do anything anymore. It will be tractors in implements needing fixing all the time...

Wants my cars?
 

R Leo, sounds like a good possibility if well organized. Success seems tied to personal integrity more than most suspect. Specialized yard is better than general yard these days anyways. :) What a ploy to get all our old mercedes diesels. Hope it does not keep you up at night although it should. :D Actually provides a good and needed service on the other hand. :)

I suggest you invest in LOTS of shelves ;)

something I need to do, my place is a mess.

R Leo,

What a great idea. Almost makes me want to reconsider moving out of the AO. The concept really stirs my imagination.

Twenty-five years ago, they had garages where you could rent space and tools by the hour. One idea would be to have a MB DIY for profit club concept where a member paid a subscription price (capital for you) and then an hourly fee.

A member could then put their Stuttgart iron on your (yet to be agreed to, researched, approved, paid for or installed) lift, utilize your 3 piece HAZET valve adjusting wrench set and other obscure and esoteric tools and smash their knuckles at will.

I can picture you and Leathermang inspecting the members handiwork and leaning against door frames, coffee mugs permanently fused into your hands telling old stories, like a couple of old Master Sergeants or Senior Chief Petty Officers.

And, on the rare occasion, breaking out a bottle at day’s end and sharing a wee dram with the boys.

Great idea.

I say go for it R Leo.

This area is in dire need of some used MB parts sources, as I discovered while searching for 240D engine parts last year. AAA Furrin Car Parts in Foat Wuth used to be a good resource, but it has changed hands and now they wouldn't know a 123 if one hit 'em in the head.

I hope you open up shop pretty soon, I need some stuff for the 240D.

I think it would be a great idea if you offer good prices.

There is a place here in Denver called "Al's ********" (Correct spelling) that wants some big bucks for parts ($800 for a 210K mile 617 w/o turbo :eek: ). They do have some VERY nice MB 300xD's for $ale!