The high cost of keeping an automobile on the road today can really strain the budget. Unless the car is under warranty, it can be enough to make one glad to be wearing those "Depends" when the bill arrives. If you don't mind dirty fingernails and the odd skinned knuckle, there is a new, budget-friendly, kid on the block. A U.S. company was the model for the Canadian PICK-A-PART (PAP). This remake of the automobile graveyard is economical and efficient and makes good financial and environmental sense.

Here's how it works in general terms:

You park in a clean parking lot and enter the main building. Your tool kit is inspected and then you're on your way to the graveyard. Your spouse may wish to wait for you at the snack bar, or not. PAP is not a "Guy Place." You will see women, and even whole families, with wrenches. There are even picnic benches and latrines throughout the site.

The graveyard is laid out in rows by vehicle make. The relics sit on welded wheels so that they are safe to work on. You remove the required parts and bring them back to the main building in one of the carts or wheelbarrows provided. You can wash up and then go through the cash register line where you pay far less than for new parts. One example I saw was two men pushing a box for a ½ ton truck through the line on a cart. They paid only $174.20, tax included. That's pretty close to the GST on a new one! Each part is marked with a special paint to prove that it is from PAP. If a part is incorrect or doesn't work, it may be exchanged at no charge.

So now your car is kept running for about 10% of Auto Shop prices!

But, good friends, there is more to PAP!

Many of the cars come from the Kidney Foundation. Someone donates their vehicle (in one case a Hearse) and gets an income tax deduction. PAP sends a Tow truck to bring the vehicle in. There, it is assessed for resale or parts. A staff member goes through the vehicle, collecting coins or other items of valuable from behind the seats for donation to charities (e.g. Mustard Seed Youth Hostel in Calgary). You would be surprised at the amount.

The gasoline is removed from the vehicles and used to run PAP vehicles. Crankcase Oil is used to heat the Office building. Special battery disposal companies handle the batteries. Anti freeze is drained, filtered, and resold at a tenth of what you might pay at Crazy Tire. Glycol does not break down, so PAP is worth the drive for anti freeze alone, if you've blown a hose.

People come and remove parts. After a vehicle has been picked clean, or if it is a fire loss or otherwise useless for parts, it is crushed for scrap metal. Every bit is sorted and recycled in one way or another.

Individuals scraping cars are screened to ensure true ownership and in the event a "Hot car" arrives the Police are summoned to take the thief away.

All the Staff are on a Profit Share program and so are on the ball and helpful. PAP is in Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna and expanding, so check your phone book. If you're looking to start a business in your town, give PAP in Calgary a call. Who knows? You may have a new career.

Bottom Line

I was very impressed by PAP. It is well run and supports community endeavors.

Maybe the Old Grey Mare ain't what she used to be and the Tin Lizzy is getting lazy. You'll have to shoot the Mare, but Lizzy can keep right on putting along with a few cheap parts from PAP. The Automakers will hate you, but the environment will love you! As a bonus, you'll have more than enough money left in your Jeans to get a manicure for those grubby nails!

Signed; the Galloping Geezer
Jack C. Downey CD
Send comments to: Jack

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