Learn me: US pick'n pulls for foreigners

Folks, I am once again going to the US, for visiting family and SEMA. We're staying in the Bay area (San Lorenzo).

A close friend really wants a set of US front lights for his Volvo 740 (early square model). What is a reasonable strategy to find at least the vital parts?

I found the inventory search at Pick'n pull, are they generally updated and trustworthy? And how much tools would you need to bring, are there any loaner tools on site like in Sweden?

If I bring a big enough suitcase :-) I guess I could brings some stuff home to Sweden if I find it...

I have never looked to see if one has loaner tools, but really doubt it.  The website atleast in Columbus seems to stay decently up to date. 

Depending on the company and the site, the vehicles are reasonably up to date, but you will have no idea what parts are still on them until you walk the yard.   As for tools, you might be able to buy tools at the yard, but you are better off buying a cheap set of tools at the local Hammer Store.   

I would also check Craigslist and your local FB Marketplace before you go, and see if you can find someone parting out a car.

Car-part.com is a good option.  You can search the non pull it junk yards for your specific part.  You can then sort by distance or price.

Thanks!

Car-part seems good but there's always an issue when trying to get "all" parts for a conversion. Easier to pick yourself or have someone who knows their stuff do it...

My brother in law has some basic tools so I guess we'd just bring them. And also look for Craigslist etc.

You might try the GR on the road assist list and see if someone is local to where you will be. They will have knowledge of the local yards and in some cases, they may be willing to help out for cash, food, or beer. 

Looks like cmcgregor is in the bay area. 

GRM on the road assist list

There was a Volvo shop right off the 101 freeway  near San Jose on the East side of the freeway, 

That was years ago and many of the small shops have closed because of rent hikes.

There are a couple of Pick a part places in Las Vegas area too.

Good luck

Row52 is pretty accurate regarding presence of cars at a yard. At least for the Bay Area locations. The question is what parts are still available. 
Definitely need to bring your own tools. 
https://row52.com/Search/?YMMorVin=YMM&Year=&V1=&V2=&V3=&V4=&V5=&V6=&V7=&V8=&V9=&V10=&V11=&V12=&V13=&V14=&V15=&V16=&V17=&ZipCode=95139&Page=1&ModelId=4483&MakeId=243&LocationId=&IsVin=false&Distance=100

Row52 for inventory, Harbor Freight if you need to buy any tools, that's pretty much it.  Some of them are in sketchy areas so pay attention to your surroundings and don't leave anything valuable visible in your car.  Try to avoid breaking stuff unnecessarily or leaving any good parts on the ground, and you should be fine.

I'm having a hard time even finding E36-era BMWs in U-pull yards these days.  E46s and E9x seem to be the oldest ones on the yard.   My guess is that there aren't a whole lot of early Volvos sitting around.  You may be better off finding a specialist yard.

In reply to therealpinto :

Since you're bringing these parts back to Sweden in your luggage; be aware of documentation you need to avoid confiscation by our TSA. Also be mindful of the documents(e.g recejpts) that you need to provide Swedish customs when you return. You  may want to make copies of these documents and write the Swedish translation on the copy. It may also be worth investigating shipping by USPS, UPS, FedEx, or DHL.

In reply to Tyler H :

There are less than there were for sure, but the area he will be in you even still see 1950s cars in the yards on occasion.

The turbobricks classified section is still active. You could save yourself a lot of headaches that way.

A selection of 10mm sockets and flat wrenches will pretty much strip the entire batch of shiny stuff off the front of a 700 Volvo.

There is a better than average chance your friend could sell his Euro lights for cash and an entire set of North American lights on Brickboard or Matthews.

Thanks for all the advice!

Will try the "assist" list and check out Turbobricks as well.

I have brought stuff back to Sweden before in suitcases and generally speaking used parts are never an issue customs wise, and I have had bags inspected by TSA with no issues (they look more for dangerous or illegal stuff I think).

The euro lights are not really available since they had an unfortunate date with a tree :-(

Gustaf

LKQ also has an app that you can check inventory with.

Would these be suitable? I'm pretty sure you need a forum login to browse the classified section.

https://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=365272

Also ebay and craigslist

clutchsmoke said:

Would these be suitable? I'm pretty sure you need a forum login to browse the classified section.

 

https://forums.turbobricks.com/showthread.php?t=365272

Exactly the kit I need! Just waiting for forum activation :-) Thanks!

Gustaf

Nope, registration simply will not work...

Could @clutchsmoke perhaps say anything about the location of that listing?

Thanks

Gustaf

Delaware, on the US east coast. The seller says he might ship.

If you are still in California , call Sacramento Volvo service , 916 971-1382

hope that helps

Thanks, still in California. Will see what I can do between all other chores :-)

Gustaf

Just call the Sacramento shop and ask them , and ask about the Volvo parts place near San Jose,

Put on a good Swedish accent and tell them what you need , 

Good luck