The Man Who Never Threw Anything Away | Texas Country Reporter

Summary

Bob Owens, the owner of Owens Salvage in Wellington, Texas, has spent his life immersed in classic cars and auto parts, working in the salvage yard his father started over 60 years ago. With a deep passion for preserving original car parts and hot rod restoration, Bob’s solitary days are spent curating a vast collection of vintage auto treasures. Despite the remote location, the yard attracts Route 66 travelers and die-hard car enthusiasts. Bob, who believes in saving both cars and memories, reflects on the importance of preserving the past while embracing the future in his own unique way.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bob Owens grew up in his Papa's antique salvage yard, learning to drive and work on cars at a very young age.
• 😀 Owens Salvage has been running since 1964, offering original American auto parts and car restoration items.
• 😀 Bob specializes in original car parts, which are often more valuable and better quality than reproduction parts.
• 😀 Bob's personal motto is 'We only look for ducks, no decoys,' reflecting his focus on high-quality, authentic items.
• 😀 The Owens Salvage yard is a one-man operation, with Bob handling all aspects of the business, from inventory to repairs.
• 😀 Bob has created a 'mobile shop' in the form of a Ford Ranger, equipped with tools to repair and salvage cars on the go.
• 😀 Owens Salvage has been meticulously curated by the Owens family, with parts organized on dust-covered shelves in a massive warehouse.
• 😀 Despite being located 100 miles southeast of Amarillo, Owens Salvage attracts visitors, including Route 66 travelers, who are car enthusiasts.
• 😀 Bob believes classic cars had distinct styles that made them unique, unlike today's cars, which are more uniform.
• 😀 Bob sees his work as preserving more than just cars; it's about saving a piece of American history and heritage.
• 😀 Bob reflects a deep nostalgia for the past, feeling he was born in the wrong era and wanting to keep the old ways alive.

Q & A

How did Bob Owens start his journey in the salvage yard business?

Bob Owens started working in his grandfather’s salvage yard when he was very young, learning to drive at eight years old and sorting through parts from a young age.

What is the significance of Owens Salvage to car enthusiasts?

Owens Salvage is a unique treasure trove of original, hard-to-find American auto parts, offering rare components that cannot be easily found elsewhere, making it invaluable to classic car enthusiasts.

How does Bob Owens describe his role at the salvage yard?

Bob Owens describes himself as more of a curator than a traditional business owner, focusing on preserving and tending to the collection of classic car parts.

What does Bob mean by the phrase 'We only look for ducks, no decoys'?

This phrase reflects Bob's commitment to finding authentic, original parts for cars, as opposed to reproduction parts, which he believes are inferior in quality and fit.

Why does Bob Owens prefer original parts over reproduction parts?

Bob believes that original parts are of higher quality and fit better than reproductions. For many car enthusiasts, having an original part is more valuable than a replica.

How does Bob manage the day-to-day operations at Owens Salvage?

Bob runs Owens Salvage almost single-handedly, with minimal staff. He manages the inventory, repairs, and the mobile repair unit that he uses to take apart cars in the field.

What does Bob mean when he says he was 'born too late'?

Bob feels a deep connection to the past, particularly the era of classic cars, and believes he was born in the wrong time. Despite this, he does his best to preserve the vehicles and parts he cherishes.

What role does nostalgia play in Bob's work at Owens Salvage?

Nostalgia plays a central role in Bob's work. He views preserving and restoring classic cars as a way to save pieces of America’s automotive history and remind people of the past.

What makes Owens Salvage a destination for Route 66 travelers?

Located just 20 miles off Route 66, Owens Salvage is a popular stop for car enthusiasts on the historic route, offering a rare collection of parts and the chance to explore classic cars.

How does Bob see the future of Owens Salvage?

Bob is committed to maintaining Owens Salvage for the long term, stating that he’ll remain there until the end, continuing to preserve the past and share his love for classic cars with future generations.