Car parts, without using expensive garages

[Pete]

Right so the parcel shelf in the back of my 51 reg Astra (that's a g series astra apparently) blew away in the storms a few months ago and broke. Having phoned the local garage I was quoted £108 + VAT.

How they can justify that for a bit of plywood with felt on it is beyond me. Anyhow eBay only seems to have the grey version whilst I want the black. Any ideas on where to get such an item?

[Alarsne53]

It might be worth trying a scrap yard local to you, the Astra is a very mainstream car so there are bound to be lots of them floating about in these places.

Otherwise, you may just have to bide your time and keep a beady eye on ebay.

[Stuart*]

Definately the local scrap yard as your first option. When somebody reversed into my old Metro and crushed the driver's side door their insurance company coughed up £400 for a replacement (the book price). But I got hold of one from the local scrap yard and had it resprayed and fitted for less than £100. Quite a welcome profit at the time!

[Nick Harvey]

There are also online scrap merchants, sorry, reclamation experts, who can send stuff out "mail order".

Here's one I happen to know quite well.

There are bound to be others closer to Dundee; have a word with Mr G Oogle; though if they're mailing the item out to you, the distance probably doesn't matter.

[Lorns]

Yup your local scrap yard is your best bet and if your a bit sneaky you can fill your pockets with other little bits and bobs. Like breather pipes, relays and fuses for your car. I've had some right little adventures at scrap yards in the past and i've found some right little treasures in skips but that belongs in a whole new thread.

[all new Phil]

I've had some right little adventures at scrap yards in the past and i've found some right little treasures in skips but that belongs in a whole new thread.

Yes, preferably one that's invisible to everyone but you.

xx