Anxious buyers were rolling into Southern California car dealerships Friday, eager to snag a cash-for-clunkers deal while they still had the chance. And some dealers said they were girding for a hellish weekend with a lucrative twist.

At Galpin Ford in North Hills, where huge banners promised “Big ca$h for your clunker,” the showroom was packed with people. “I’ve never worked so hard,” said Galpin salesman Brian Fraleigh, who said he worked selling cars until 3:30 a.m. Friday and was back at his post before noon.

Car dealers said they have seen a healthy increase in customers all week, but things took off Thursday night when reports surfaced that the program was running out of money.

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