U PULL IT

Yaw's Auto Salvage at 919 SE 21st St, Des Moines, IA 50317

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(271 Reviews)
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Contact

(515) 266-2046

919 Southeast 21st Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317

Hours

Mon - Fri8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Saturday8:00 – 10:30 AM
SundayClosed

Overview

Yaw's Auto Salvage at 919 SE 21st St, Des Moines, IA

Yaw's Auto Salvage is a family-run auto salvage yard in Des Moines, Iowa, at 919 SE 21st St. Since 1979, they’ve helped locals find used auto parts, recycle scrap metal, and handle vehicle disposal. Customers can search for parts themselves—engines, transmissions, body panels, and more—without needing an appointment. The yard also takes care of vehicle removal for individuals and dealers. All parts include a 30-day warranty, and the staff aims to get customers in and out quickly. The yard is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Weekends are closed.

Services & What to Expect

Yaw's Auto Salvage is a self-service yard, meaning you find and remove parts on your own. The inventory includes engines, transmissions, drivetrain parts, body panels, and interior components. If you need help getting a part out, the yard has a tow truck available.

How Self-Service Works

  • Visit during business hours and look for parts yourself.
  • Use the yard’s tools or bring your own for disassembly.
  • Pay at the office after you’ve picked out what you need.
  • All parts come with a 30-day warranty.

What to Bring

  • Vehicle details if you’re replacing parts on-site.
  • Tools (optional—the yard has some available).
  • Cash, check, or card for payment.
  • A truck or trailer if you’re taking large parts.

Other Services

Beyond parts, Yaw's offers:

  • Scrap metal recycling for homes and businesses.
  • Dealer services, including vehicle pickup and part sourcing.
  • Tow truck help for removing parts from vehicles.

If you have an old car taking up space, check with local cash-for-cars buyers in Des Moines for a quick sale.

Location & Hours

Yaw's Auto Salvage is at 919 SE 21st St, Des Moines, IA 50317 . The yard is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Central Time). It’s closed on weekends.

Directions

The salvage yard is in southeast Des Moines, near SE 21st St and SE University Ave. It’s easy to reach from I-35 by taking the SE 14th St exit.

Contact Information

Phone: (515) 266-2046
Website: yawssalvage.com
Facebook: Yaw's Auto Salvage

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for Yaw's Auto Salvage?

The yard is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Central Time). It’s closed on weekends and holidays.

Does Yaw's Auto Salvage buy junk cars?

Yaw's mainly deals in parts and scrap metal, but they may take vehicles for disposal. For the best prices on junk cars, try local cash-for-cars buyers in Des Moines.

What kind of parts can I find at Yaw's Auto Salvage?

The yard carries a broad selection of used auto parts, including:

  • Engines and transmissions
  • Drivetrain parts (axles, differentials)
  • Body panels and bumpers
  • Interior parts (seats, dashboards)
  • Electrical components (wiring, sensors)
You can inspect vehicles before buying, and parts are sold on a self-service basis.

How does self-service auto salvage work at Yaw's Auto Salvage?

Customers come in during business hours, find the parts they need, and remove them themselves. The yard provides tools, but you can bring your own if you prefer. Payment is handled at the office after you’ve selected your parts. A tow truck is on hand if you need help getting a part out.

Is there a warranty on parts purchased at Yaw's Auto Salvage?

Yes, all parts come with a 30-day warranty .

Can I bring my own tools to the yard?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own tools. The yard also has basic tools available for disassembly.

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reviewsReviews

3.8
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(271 Reviews)

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J4BG Family Counseling
J4BG Family CounselingGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
1 month ago

I drove 30 minutes out of my way because they swore they had the part I needed for a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Got there, and—surprise—they didn’t even have the car. Just a waste of time. I don’t like leaving bad reviews, but this was frustrating. The whole place felt disorganized, and honestly, I wouldn’t trust them to tell me the truth about anything else. ---

Cale Johnson
Cale JohnsonGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
1 month ago

First time at a salvage yard and I had no clue what I was doing. The staff at the front desk took the time to walk me through how everything works—no confusing jargon, just straightforward help. Found exactly what I needed without any hassle. The guys running the place were actually pretty cool to talk to. My only complaint? They wouldn’t let me bring in my backpack of tools, which would’ve made the whole trip a lot faster. Still, 10 out of 10, no regrets. ---

Amy German
Amy GermanGoogle
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2 months ago

Honestly, the one thing that stood out was how many cars they actually have crammed in there. But the way they stack them on top of each other? Not safe at all. You’ve got to climb over a car just to reach the one you’re looking at—seems like an accident waiting to happen. And the workers? Not exactly friendly. One guy acted like we were trying to steal something just because we had a backpack for our tools. We even opened it up to show him, but he didn’t seem to care. Prices are way too high too. I’m not coming back here. I’ll stick with the places I usually go—U Pull It and Wrench n Go—where I don’t feel like I’m being watched or overcharged. ---

christine cybela
christine cybelaGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
2 months ago

The people here are seriously the best. I was looking for some rims with decent tires, and they not only had them but gave me a price that was way better than I expected. The tires were practically brand new. If I ever need parts again, this is the first place I’m calling. No question.

Reginald Mitchell
Reginald MitchellGoogle
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4 months ago

Called for a quick price check, and they gave me a number over the phone—only to hit me with a way higher bill once I showed up. Wasted my time digging through their lot just to get stuck paying more than I should’ve. Ended up at Wrench N Go instead, where the same job cost $40 instead of their $125 "pull it yourself" scam. Absolute rip-off. ---

Joshua Cordero
Joshua CorderoGoogle
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5 months ago

The place isn’t terrible, but you’ve gotta watch your step. Cars are piled up two or three high in some spots, and it’s easy to feel like you’re one wrong move away from getting crushed. Still, if you’re careful, you can find what you need. ---

Ally Halley
Ally HalleyGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
6 months ago

The owner didn’t just point me in the right direction—he *knew* exactly where to find the part for my car. Saved me hours of digging through the lot. Honestly, if he hadn’t been there, I’d still be looking. ---

IJL ManMythLegend
IJL ManMythLegendGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
1 year ago

They actually know their stuff—figured out exactly what I needed and got it ready fast. Only weird part? Asked two different people for the same part, and they quoted me two different prices. Knocked off a star for that, but overall, they’re fair and don’t waste your time. Matched my engine, and I was out the door. ---

cameron reece
cameron reeceGoogle
starstarstarstarstar
1 year ago

No hassle, no games—just a straight deal on my car. Some folks complain about the staff being rude, but I didn’t get that at all. They’re not here to hold your hand; they’re mechanics, not customer service reps. If you want someone to smile and nod while overcharging you, go to Chic Fillet. If you want people who actually know cars, this is the spot.

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