It appears that clunkers may just be giving the ailing auto industry the gas it needs to get going again. Local dealers report the government's cash for clunkers program is driving in customers.

A rusted out 1986 Ford F-150 Truck is likely not worth more than 50-bucks. But, because of its poor gas mileage it got a couple thousand dollars from Uncle Sam thanks to the cash for clunkers program when it was traded in at the Mike Miller Auto Park.

"It's been overwhelming now. We're overrun. We can't realistically handle the traffic. We go home exhausted every night because the volume is so large," Miller says.

Mike Miller calls it the best incentive he's seen with 80 customers coming to his lot on Saturday. Typically, he has around 30. One of those interested customers with a clunker is Jim Manns from Germantown Hills.

"My truck is an '88 Ford F-150. It's got 90,000 miles on it and it's not worth the $4500," Manns says.

With the CARS government program, owners of gas guzzlers can get up to 4500 dollars off the purchase price. For most vehicles to qualify, they must get 18 miles to the gallon or less and be replaced by a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

"It's an unbelievable deal when you couple it with the manufacturer's rebates and incentives, it's $7500 to $8000 off a brand new car," Miller says.

For many local clunkers, Neal Auto Parts on Farmington Road in Peoria will be their final resting place. About 35 to 40 area dealers have already contacted Neal's to take their clunkers.

The recycle business with customers buying used parts has been a big success during these bad economic times. But, recyclers won't be able to sell the engines from these clunkers.

"For us to lose engines, which is actually our biggest seller is a big deal. But, we are able to keep the transmissions now and all the rest of the body of the vehicles for parts also. So, it's still a good deal for us," Co-Owner Kelly Neal says.

In about a week, the government has already spent 150-million of the billion dollars to get these old gas guzzlers off the road.