I've never been to a proper modern u-pick junk yard, but I need to go tomorrow. A local LKQ Pick Your Part has an RSX and I have a list of 12 things that are broken or missing off the new project car that I need to get. I have the 'address' of the car in the lot, I know I need to bring tools. I need a window seal that will require lowering a power window, do I bring a battery? What else should I expect?
It's unlikely that they'll let you bring a battery into the yard, but they may have some on hand. Figure out a way to make your tools easy to carry if it's a big place, figure out if other models have parts that interchange with the ones you need (the car might be picked clean), and be prepared to negotiate if they don't have listed prices for parts.
EDIT: Checked their website, and they have a price list. That's a good thing, have it on your phone and know what your parts cost- several of my local places regularly overcharge if you don't know the price.
Instead of lugging around a battery, do you have one of those portable chargers? the small pocket sized ones would be a lot more manageable. I've used the battery from my cordless drill before.
Try not to overpack, wear sunscreen, bring water, zip ties or tape to keep nuts/bolts with parts and tin snips for wiring and such.
Bring some alcohol based hand sanitizer and keep one towel clean. It's good for getting the grease off of yourself.
I've found, as a junkyard veteran, that no matter how well you prepare, you're likely to find you need something you didn't bring. Just accept it.
Also- have fun! I like going to junkyards, sometimes the stuff you see is worth the price of admission. Bring a little extra cash for when you can't resist the awesome shifter off a Subaru XT6, or the gas cap off an old Jag or something 
If you realize you're missing a basic wrench or screwdriver or something, check the BMW toolkits before you leave the yard to get one.
i have heard of people using the battery from there electric drill impact, sawzall, etc to power things like window motors to make sure they work, that is probably a good option for what you need to do
Wear a pair of boots. Junkyards somehow remain muddy weeks after the last rainfall.
In reply to Dave:
That's not mud 
I have a toolbox organized with every tool that I've used to take apart the RSX so far. I think I can get to everything using that set but I'll throw in a couple of other screwdrivers and such. And a flashlight. I'll hsve something like four hours to try and get all the stuff, so I think I should have enough time. I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Bring something to lay on, especially because I've never been to a pick and pull that wasn't muddy. It's really uncanny. Middle of a drought? Sink to your knee in mud walking the yard several times.
In reply to golfduke:
I usually just grab the nearest chunk of carpet or floor mat that doesn't look nice enough for anybody to want.
Do you need headlights for the RSX?
Tweezers, or something sharp to dig out a glass splinter. To many times I've picked up things only to Find a piece of glass lodged in my hand.
add accessibility help into your tools if you need anything underneath. Like extra universals/extensions and stuff. Access can stink.
EvanB wrote: Do you need headlights for the RSX?
The ones on the car work but are cloudy. The plan was to attempt a polish. What I NEED is the plugs on the back of the lights. Someone cut them off and I don't really want to just hook it all up with spade connectors if I don't have to.
edizzle89 wrote: i have heard of people using the battery from there electric drill impact, sawzall, etc to power things like window motors to make sure they work, that is probably a good option for what you need to do
Yeah, a 14 volt drill battery is the right choice here. You could probably also get one of those little lithium ion jump pack batteries and keep it in your pocket.
Just to add to the cordless impact battery line, don't be scared to use an 18 or 20v battery to run a window up and down either. It won't hurt it. But do exercise the forethought of bringing whatever small bits of electrical wire/rigging will make it easy for you to jump power with it. You won't enjoy ripping perfectly good wiring out by hand and stripping it with your teeth.
Expect to be nickel-and-dime'd. Some of the smaller yards are more lenient, but the big ones like Pull-A-Part will charge you for every little thing. Try to disassemble and remove whatever you don't need.
ALWAYS check cars for mix CDs! They can make your drive home absolutely hilarious. Look in the glove box and the pockets on the back of the front seats.
As soon as you walk in you will need to take a leak or worse; not sure why but that's how it is.
Nice to have so many experienced u-pullers in one place for advice!
Vigo wrote: Just to add to the cordless impact battery line, don't be scared to use an 18 or 20v battery to run a window up and down either. It won't hurt it. But do exercise the forethought of bringing whatever small bits of electrical wire/rigging will make it easy for you to jump power with it. You won't enjoy ripping perfectly good wiring out by hand and stripping it with your teeth.
Yeah, a set of test clips are what you want here.
maschinenbau wrote: Expect to be nickel-and-dime'd. Some of the smaller yards are more lenient, but the big ones like Pull-A-Part will charge you for every little thing. Try to disassemble and remove whatever you don't need. ALWAYS check cars for mix CDs! They can make your drive home absolutely hilarious. Look in the glove box and the pockets on the back of the front seats.
^This! Our local PAP turned to nickel and dime once scrap prices went down.
maschinenbau wrote: ALWAYS check cars for mix CDs! They can make your drive home absolutely hilarious. Look in the glove box and the pockets on the back of the front seats.
This is truth. I found a mix called "F--K CD" (all caps) once that had me wondering what the owner actually got up to. It had The Cramps, Bolero, Barry White, Genitorturers and more!
WATER. I never seem to bring enough and yards always seem to be way hotter than any other place on a given day.
mazdeuce wrote:EvanB wrote: Do you need headlights for the RSX?The ones on the car work but are cloudy. The plan was to attempt a polish. What I NEED is the plugs on the back of the lights. Someone cut them off and I don't really want to just hook it all up with spade connectors if I don't have to.
Ok, saw a pair on the free section of the local CL and thought of you. I should be able to get bulb connectors for you at work if you need them.
Thanks for watching out for me. If I can't grab them cheap I'll let you know.
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