Scavenging Australian car junk yards U Pull it, Elizabeth

**Scavenging for Junk Car Parts at Elizabeth U-Pull-It: My Hunt for Hidden Treasures**

If you’re a car enthusiast like me, then you know the thrill of finding that elusive car part you’ve been searching for, especially when it’s buried deep in the treasure trove of a wrecking yard. Recently, I spent an entire day scavenging through Elizabeth U-Pull-It, one of South Australia’s biggest self-service wreckers, and let me tell you, the experience was nothing short of an adventure.

### The Mission: Hunting for Hidden Gems

Armed with my toolset, gloves, and a mental checklist of parts I needed for my 1999 EK Civic, I set out early in the morning, hoping to beat the heat and maybe other scavengers to the best finds. For anyone who hasn’t been, Elizabeth U-Pull-It is a massive yard filled with everything from classic cars to the more modern models. It’s a DIY paradise for anyone in need of affordable car parts. Plus, you get the satisfaction of yanking those parts out yourself—no middleman, just you and your wrench.

### First Stop: The Honda Section

Naturally, my first destination was the Honda section. I was on the lookout for some OEM parts—maybe an upgraded intake, or even just a rare piece of trim that would give my Civic that extra edge. I spotted a couple of older Civics and immediately got to work. The excitement when you first pop the hood of a junker, wondering if what you need is still intact, is like opening a present on Christmas morning.

After a little bit of elbow grease, I managed to snag a set of mint condition tail lights and a few smaller interior pieces. Not exactly the intake I had my heart set on, but hey, that’s the beauty of U-Pull-It—every trip is a gamble.

### Surprising Finds

I wandered through other sections, drawn to a couple of old JDM legends that had seen better days. Sometimes, even the most wrecked car holds onto hidden treasures. I came across an old Nissan 180SX—completely gutted on the outside, but when I peeked into the engine bay, I found a gem: a turbo timer, still in decent condition. Score! Into my basket it went.

It’s not just about finding parts for your own car either. There’s a sense of community in places like these, where fellow car lovers give you tips, point out hidden finds, or even share a laugh over the bizarre things they’ve come across. You never know when you'll meet someone who shares your passion for cars and your love for a good deal.

### The Grind: What You’ll Need

Scavenging at a place like U-Pull-It isn’t for the faint-hearted. You’re going to get dirty—real dirty. You’ll be crouching under cars, climbing into hoods, and using every tool you have on hand. So, if you plan to make a day out of it like I did, here are a few essentials:

1. **Good tools** – Always bring your own set of wrenches, screwdrivers, and sockets. Trust me, nothing’s worse than finding the part you need and not having the right tool to extract it.

   

2. **Durable gloves** – You’ll be dealing with sharp edges, grime, and rust. Keep your hands safe.

3. **A trolley or carry-bag** – You might find more parts than you can carry in one trip, so come prepared.

4. **Water and snacks** – You’re going to need the energy, especially if you’re hitting the yard in the warmer months.

### The Payoff

At the end of the day, I left Elizabeth U-Pull-It with a decent haul: tail lights, an air vent, a turbo timer, and a handful of small interior pieces that’ll give my EK Civic some much-needed love. And while I didn’t find everything on my list, there’s always the next trip—and that’s half the fun, isn’t it?

So, if you’re ever looking for an affordable way to upgrade your car or just enjoy the challenge of hunting down parts yourself, I highly recommend taking a day to visit Elizabeth U-Pull-It. There’s something satisfying about getting hands-on with your car’s evolution, one scavenged part at a time.

Stay tuned for more updates on my next project. Who knows what I’ll find next time?

**Happy wrenching, Anton**