Classic car enthusiasts and restorers are always on the hunt for that elusive part, that piece of automotive history that will bring their project to life. Junkyards, or salvage yards as they are sometimes known, can be goldmines for these treasures. Recently, a group of vintage car aficionados ventured into Old Gold Cars & Parts junkyard in Old Town, Florida, to see what gems they could unearth. Their experience offers a glimpse into what you might find when seeking Old Gold Cars And Parts.
The initial impression was one of vastness – acres dedicated to classic Chevrolets and GM vehicles. The yard is primarily populated with General Motors makes, predominantly Chevrolet, spanning decades of automotive production. From the late 1930s to the 1970s, the inventory is heavily skewed towards Chevrolet, with a smattering of other GM brands likely mixed in. The visitors noted a chronological progression, starting with a few pre-war models like a 1939, 1940, and 1941 Chevrolet, moving into a handful of 1947 and 1948 models, then expanding into a significant collection from the early 1950s, a smaller representation of 1955-1960s cars, and finally, a massive array of 1960s and 1970s Chevrolets. Models like the iconic Chevelle of the 60s and other sought-after Chevrolets of that era were present.
However, the reality of time and the elements had taken its toll. Despite the allure of finding rust-free southern cars, the visitors were struck by the extensive decay. Decades spent exposed to the Florida climate had left their mark. Rust, the nemesis of classic car preservation, was evident across the yard. This observation challenges the common perception that southern states automatically equate to rust-free classic cars. As one visitor wryly noted, even southern metal succumbs to the relentless passage of time when left outdoors for thirty years.
The discussion amongst the visitors touched upon the nature of rust in different climates. While northern regions are often associated with lower body panel rust due to road salt, humid southern environments like Florida present a different kind of corrosion challenge. High humidity and temperature fluctuations lead to condensation, which can trap moisture and promote rust, particularly in areas like window channels and under roofs. This type of rust was clearly visible at Old Gold Cars & Parts, with many cars exhibiting significant deterioration around window frames and other upper body areas.
For those considering a visit to Old Gold Cars & Parts in search of old gold cars and parts, it’s important to manage expectations. While the yard offers a fascinating look at automotive history and a vast selection of GM and Chevrolet vehicles, the effects of time and weather are undeniable. Finding pristine, readily usable parts might be challenging. However, for restorers needing specific, perhaps rare or hard-to-find components, especially for Chevrolet and GM cars from the mid-century to the 70s, Old Gold Cars & Parts could still be a valuable resource. It’s a place to explore, to appreciate the scale of automotive history, and potentially to unearth that unique part needed to complete a restoration project, even if it requires some extra effort to reclaim its former glory.
