Shelbyville Junkyard Truck Finds: Revival Starts Here

Hey y’all, welcome back to Tennessee Truck Revival—where we’re haulin’ old rigs outta the past and breathin’ new life into ‘em, Middle Tennessee style. I’m from Tullahoma, where my great-grandpa’s ’76 Ford Ranger—two-tone blue and white—tore up the farm out past Motlow College, and my ’83 Dodge three-speed taught me to drive, grindin’ gears down Highway 55 toward Shelbyville. Those trucks showed me what tough looks like, but if you’re revivin’ a classic ‘round here, Shelbyville’s junkyards are where the magic starts. I’ve towed plenty outta there—here’s what you can find.

Shelbyville’s my tow turf, just a quick run from Tullahoma, and its yards—like Pull-A-Part or them little spots off 41A—are goldmines for truck revival. Last time I rolled through, I spotted a ’72 Ford F-100 hood leanin’ against a fence—$20, rusty but solid with a quick hit of rust remover. That’s the kinda deal that’ll top off a Winchester tow job or a Lynchburg barn find. Then there’s C10 beds—long ones go for $50 if you haggle right—perfect for rebuildin’ a hauler back home with a bedliner spray. I’ve seen ‘em patched up and rollin’ down 231, lookin’ like they never left the farm.

Dodge fans, don’t sleep—my ’83 Dodge three-speed coulda used the doors and mirrors I’ve found there. They’re scattered ‘round Shelbyville heaps, goin’ cheap—$15 for a mirror, $30 for a door if it ain’t too dented. That’s revival material for a rig that’s towed its share of wrecks from Tullahoma to Lynchburg. And if you’re huntin’ a ’65 F-250 like we talked last time, Shelbyville’s got grilles and bumpers hidin’ in the piles—$25-$40 if you dig deep with a good flashlight. Pair that with a Winchester V8 guy I know, and you’re halfway to roarin’.

Best tip? Hit Shelbyville early—weekends get picked over fast. Winchester’s got yards too, but Shelbyville’s got the edge for variety—more Fords and Chevys than you can shake a wrench at. Bring cash, a tow strap, and your ’83 Dodge if it’s runnin’—I’ve pulled C10 frames outta there for $100 flat. It’s dirty work, but that’s Tennessee revival—tow it home, clean it up, and watch it shine.

Found a Shelbyville gem lately? Tell me—I’m listenin’. Next up, I’ll spill how I learned to drive that ’83 Dodge, stallin’ all over Tullahoma. Stick with Tennessee Truck Revival—Shelbyville’s where the revival starts, and we’re just gettin’ warmed up!