When I was a kid, my dad had an automotive trans. shop. He also did just about everything else, including body/paint. Behind his shop he had his own private "junk yard" w/about 100 cars. I used to pull the seats and look all around the interiors for stuff. Found all kinds of trinkets, money, ect.- I sure had a good time! Didn't take much to keep me happy then, and reading your similar stories now is pretty fun too!
