Firth's Salvage Yard 2023

7/7/23

Sam: I hadn't been to Firth's for a little over a year, so I decided it was time to make a return visit. The yard was a little different from the last time I'd visited. The red '67 GTO had been moved, the '69 GTO had been sold to a collector in Connecticut, and a first-gen Corvair had now been added to the yard. Oh, and the Superbeetle had also been sold. The yard had been freshly "turned-over" for the new season. By that, I mean all the late-model cars had been scrapped, save a few that came in after the clear-out. Fortunately, none of the old stuff was touched, and I don't think Mr. Firth has any intention of doing so anyways.

Above: 1967 Pontiac GTO

Here's the red '67 GTO from last time. Out in the open, it's easier to see that this car would need a lot of work to bring it back to its former glory. However, I think it can definitely be done. Another '67 GTO is buried in the weeds in the second picture. This is the closest I've ever actually been to this car, since there's always been serious undergrowth blocking my path each time I've visited the yard. Maybe I should stop by in the Winter.

1967 Pontiac LeMans

This LeMans was still in the same spot as last year. This car would make a great donor for someone looking to restore either of the two GTOs sitting in the yard. The blue '66 was also in the same location as last year and was virtually unchanged, so I decided not to photograph it (in reality, I likely didn't photograph it because I was so engrossed in running around and checking out the old cars).

Stripped Chevy Corvair

Here's the new arrival to the yard that I mentioned earlier. This was bought as a complete but rusty car and is gradually being parted out to save others.

Toasty Smart Car

The title says it all.

GMC Vandura

Who could resist another Vandura photo op?

Above: 1965-66 Pontiac Tempest and a 1970 Ford Mustang w/ Photo of Its Interior

These are cars I photographed last year. There was a bit less undergrowth in the way this year, so I went back in for a second take.

Interior shot of a 1966 Plymouth Belvedere Police Car

This was the interior of the police car that was parked next to the Impala. I didn't have any interior shots of it, so I decided to take one. I'm not sure why I didn't take any photos of the Impala, though.

GM A-Body Shells

1970-72 Monte Carlo (Blue; Front) and a 1970 Chevelle (Red; Back). Yet more A-bodies in their final resting place.

Chevy Nova Shell

Save for the air cleaner on the roof, not much has changed since last year.

1944 Ford Fire Truck Remains

This was a cool find that I didn't even know was in the yard until this Summer. This old fire truck has seen better days and is missing the bed and associated hardware, but its faded paint serves as a reminder of its former grandeur. I think this one could possibly be saved as a truck/camper conversion or by a dedicated enthusiast.

Above: Chevy Corvair and Its Interior

I finally took a closer look at this Corvair, and it isn't in too bad of shape. It had the typically floor rust that may or may not be repairable, depending on how much of the unibody structure has rotted out.

1971 Chevy C-30

This C-30 wore some battle scars, but was otherwise complete and could potentially be put back into use if the motor isn't locked up.

Ford "Ocean State" Mustang Remains

I was deeply saddened when I came upon the Ocean State Mustang to find it had been decapitated. Tears began forming in my eyes as I was reminded of the famous and evocative words of Marlon Brando: "Look how they massacred my boy!" In all seriousness, I was surprised to see the car had been chopped, but its fastback roof was a hot item. Mr. Firth explained to me that he'd purchased this car and a '66 coupe with the intention of making a fastback clone, but he'd decided to abandon the project and had sold off the roof.

1970s Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Remains

More A-body goodness is brought to you in the form of a Cutlass Supreme, this one being a 1973 to 1977 model. Mr. Firth owns several project and driver Cutlasses from this generation, so there's a good number of parts cars scattered throughout the yard.

1969 Ford Mustang Fastback

I completely missed this car the first time I visited the yard. What we have here is an extremely rough 1969 Mustang Fastback, or "Sportsroof", as Ford called it. Start saving up, cause you'll need all the AMD panels you can get to bring this one back to life.

Above and Left: 1935 Chevy Pickup "Doodlebug"

Here's what I believe to be one of the most savable classics left in the yard: a 1935 Chevy pickup that's been converted into a doodlebug. Someone in the not-too-distant past has covered the carb, so some attempt was made to protect the engine. As long as the transmission isn't stuck, the clutch works, and the motor still turns over, this one shouldn't be too hard to bring back to life. And since it's a doodlebug, you don't have to worry about cosmetics and can keep using it the way it is as a tractor.

Interior of a 1967 Dodge Coronet

This was the interior of the '67 Coronet, parked behind the '35 Chevy and next to the Monte. I had no idea it was missing a door until I took this photo.

Chevy "IROC" Camaro

Further out in the yard was another new arrival, this one of the Camaro variety. Unfortunately, this one looks like it took a deer (or maybe a moose) to the windshield, so unless you plan on replacing the roof, this one is a no-go. In all seriousness, I hope whoever was involved in this collision is okay.

1967 Ford Mustang Convertible Remains

Hidden in the weeds is the remains of a '67 Mustang convertible. Can you find it?

1980 Chevy C-10 Custom Deluxe

Another regular in the yard was this old C-10 squarebody, which hadn't changed much since last year.

1967 Pontiac Tempest 326

Even the '67 Tempest was still in the same spot from my last visit. The only change was its neighbor, the Mustang II, had been removed.

1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass

Another car that I was unaware of until my trip this Summer. I found this one while sorting through a pile of old carburetors. I'll have to give it a closer look the next time I'm at the yard.

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