Apex Surplus Corporation, San Diego. Rated ★★★★★
Surplus electronics and metal scrap — wire, hard drives, switches, tubes, airplane parts, and so on. A wonderland for burners, makers, and movie propmasters who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. You should technically be required to sign a disclaimer before wandering around back there: lots of towering piles of sharp pointys.
The stuff in the yard is sold by the pound, or arbitrarily priced if it’s a “thing.” The stuff behind the counter tends to be more expensive — better to go scrounge in the back. But the counter staff was able to find me Nixie tubes and VFD displays, which not every surplus place can do.
Usually there are a few electronic and fabrication geeks hanging out in the front, which is its own kind of resource. Someone there has seen the component you’re looking for before.
Approach with caution. Bring cash. I don’t believe they take credit cards.
Five stars. This kind of place is increasingly rare and should be supported with enthusiasm whenever possible.