A stripped car body (shell only, no engine, transmission, or valuable parts) is worth $50 to $200 in scrap metal. The body consists mainly of steel panels, frame components, and structural supports. Without the heavier drivetrain and aluminum components, scrap value drops significantly.
What remains in a car body shell:
- Steel body panels (doors, hood, fenders, roof)
- Frame or unibody structure
- Steel suspension components
- Glass (little to no scrap value)
- Interior materials (often negative value due to disposal cost)
A complete car body weighs roughly 1,000 to 1,500 pounds after the engine, transmission, wheels, and other components are removed. At typical scrap steel prices of $0.06 to $0.10 per pound, that yields $60 to $150 in metal value.
Scrap yards often pay less for shells than complete cars. Processing a stripped body takes the same labor as a complete vehicle but yields less metal. Some yards charge to accept bodies or pay only token amounts.
If you’re parting out a car, factor in disposal costs for the remaining shell. You might make $1,500 selling parts individually but spend $100 paying someone to haul away what’s left. Plan accordingly and decide if parting out makes sense before you start.
