Restoration Logs

[Joel F.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Lyle

Had to look up "Beast" figured it was some kind of energey drink or some new brew. Have to look around stores to find some..maybe even pick up a six pack. Thus far, I've been using baggies, labeling everything I pull off but do have interior screws laying around on carpet. It was a bear to pull the last seatbelt. Had to use heat before it would finally give up. Only lost one 50 pt torx bit (broke off using the impact wrench).

For anyone else who is wondering: the Beast = Milwaukee's Best Beer.

[Gary S.]

Re: Restoration Logs

And, this thread is proof that the NCRS includes the world's most anal people (me included). Another reason to keep such detail is it will be great reading when you are too old to ever do this stuff again!

[Terry M.]

Re: Restoration Logs

And, this thread is proof that the NCRS includes the world's most anal people (me included). Another reason to keep such detail is it will be great reading when you are too old to ever do this stuff again!

We are NEVER too old. This kind of mind set keeps one youthful.

Now the challenge is to find a PAYING job where this kind of anality (is that a word?) is not only appreciated, but required. I did, and do.

[Joe C.]

Expletives Included

Anyone keep a restoration log when they are doing (did) their restoration? If so, what type data did you track?

Tom;

I still refer to my restoration log when I need critical information. I included such things as: date, weather conditions, dimensions, paint codes, dry time, fit and finish and comparison to original parts, installation procedures/difficulty etc, etc.

I also included other pertinent information, such as: how many beers I had had prior to each entry, and what effect they might have had on my state of mind and/or hand-eye coordination.

There are many EXPLETIVES included in my log, and since this is a "family show" I'm not at liberty to include them here.

Joe

[Tom R.]

Re: Expletives Included

Tom;

I still refer to my restoration log when I need critical information. I included such things as: date, weather conditions, dimensions, paint codes, dry time, fit and finish and comparison to original parts, installation procedures/difficulty etc, etc.

Hmmm, was this a database, worksheet or just a logbook? I was sketching out what I would call a worksheet built in Excel with similiar fields. I included fields that as I was pulling something apart, what type restoration needed to be done, such as replace, rebuild, paint, clean, plate, etc. Other fields include section like interior, exterior chassis and mechanical. That way I can sort by section. Also included a field for storage and % complete...like 25%, 50%, 100%. So far I would only have "horns rebuilt" = 100%

I've also built another database that captures finishes by part and section. I've tried to figure out how to tap into it with suggested products to simulate original finishes...but haven't got that nut cracked yet.

[Alan S.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Hi Tom,
It sounds like you're starting to have some serious fun.
One of the things I struggled with (no computer) was where to put a particular part so that I could find it in the middle of the night. That always seemed to be when I'd think of something and have to check it. For example just what was the finish on the the bumper bolts and washers and which finish had been used where? AND did I have a picture that showed it. There was often a note in the bag to tell what had come from where. I just had to find the bag in the box in the bigger box on the shelf that held the front, pass side, outer bolt and washer.
I still go back to the pictures to look at things I didn't think about years ago when I took them.
Regards,
Alan

[Jack U.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Not very many photos here. I saved all receipts for parts. I kept a running total of what it cost me overall and who I paid each one to.

[John H.]

Re: Expletives Included

I included fields that as I was pulling something apart, what type restoration needed to be done, such as replace, rebuild, paint, clean, plate, etc. Other fields include section like interior, exterior chassis and mechanical. That way I can sort by section. Also included a field for storage and % complete...like 25%, 50%, 100%. So far I would only have "horns rebuilt" = 100%

I also included data on anything that had to be farmed out - where it went, when, quoted cost and turnaround time, and results.

I used a separate workplan to manage the project, broken down into sequential tasks/subtasks so I could check off items and monitor progress; being able to check off "completion" of each sub-task provides a feeling of accomplishment and keeps you moving along "on plan".

I've done this on many restorations and other project cars (Cobras, Grand Sport replica, etc.) over the last 20 years or so - if you don't have a plan and stick to it, the job can become overwhelming, get bogged down, and take two or three times longer than it should. It's a simple exercise in "project management", and if you stick to it, it keeps you motivated to complete the next task and keep moving.

[Tom R.]

Re: Expletives Included

I also included data on anything that had to be farmed out - where it went, when, quoted cost and turnaround time, and results.

I used a separate workplan to manage the project, broken down into sequential tasks/subtasks so I could check off items and monitor progress; being able to check off "completion" of each sub-task provides a feeling of accomplishment and keeps you moving along "on plan".

I've done this on many restorations and other project cars (Cobras, Grand Sport replica, etc.) over the last 20 years or so - if you don't have a plan and stick to it, the job can become overwhelming, get bogged down, and take two or three times longer than it should. It's a simple exercise in "project management", and if you stick to it, it keeps you motivated to complete the next task and keep moving.

Hey John:

Understood. Did you use a single worksheet with columns or break it down into subordinate worksheets? I mean I was playing with a format just for "Horn System" and have horn high note, horn low note, horn relay, horn switch, etc. I could see having a worksheet just for it along with wiring and other work required to bring the system back online.

[John H.]

Re: Expletives Included

Hey John:

Understood. Did you use a single worksheet with columns or break it down into subordinate worksheets? I mean I was playing with a format just for "Horn System" and have horn high note, horn low note, horn relay, horn switch, etc. I could see having a worksheet just for it along with wiring and other work required to bring the system back online.

Most of those were in the pre-computer days, and I've still never mastered Excel; the workplans were in either WordPerfect or (later) in Word, and I made manual notations on those sheets, maintained on 3-hole punched paper in binders.

[Tom R.]

Re: Expletives Included

Most of those were in the pre-computer days, and I've still never mastered Excel; the workplans were in either WordPerfect or (later) in Word, and I made manual notations on those sheets, maintained on 3-hole punched paper in binders.

John

After thinking about what you wrote, I decoded I need to simply "link" one worksheet with another (subordinate work) when I would drill down into a system. I just took my basic "template" and copied it to a second worksheet, completing the cells.

So far example, Horn System goes on the master worksheet but than all the subwork, just as horn rebuild, horn relay, electrical, goes on the second sheet and I just link back to "Horn System" in the master. That way I can keep all my notes and work entries on separate sheets with out muddeling up the master.

[Henry S.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Tom,

I wish I'd done what you are doing, asking before you start unbolting. Doing my first ever restoration, I did a lot of "shooting from the hip". And didn't keep a very good journal. "Aw I can remember where that 5/16' bolt in the 3rd drawer goes when I put this back together in six months." RIGHT! I figured my restoration took at least 3 months longer because I spent that long standing in the middle of the garage scratching my head wondering "Where the hell did I put THAT 5/16" bolt".

You can NEVER, EVER keep too many notes or logs or pictures of your restoration. Don't let that part get out of your hand before you have it logged in and photographed. Take a picture of EVERYTHING. You never know when that piece of tape you put on the bracket will come off. Also when you send your smalls out to be replated the masking tape is removed. Luckily I DID keep all the parts toether on tarps and I didn't have any parts left when I finished.

If not for all the wizards on this board I'd still be standing in the middle of the garage scratching my head.

I still believe doing a restoration is part of the love for this hobby so don't get too stressed out when you get hung up on something. Take a break, get online and check to see what's new on the NCRS board.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Shooter

[Alan S.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Hi Tom,
I've continued reading the thread and had a few more thoughts.
I wondered if it was possible to begin spending too much time and energy on the 'system' and not enough time in the 'garage'? I will say that on occasion I'd find something I'd wish I had a better picture or more complete note on. So my 'system' could have been better. I think this was partly because it was my first time. I hope I have a better idea now what and how to photograph and what notes to make.
Another thing I remember is taking these long sidetracks that I hadn't expected to. For example deciding to learn to do my own plating, recovering my seats, and findng a way to paint the birdcage with all the glass attached.
Lastly, there were times when I'd simply had enough and couldn't work on it for a few weeks. I tried to never feel pressure to get something done. I was re-doing enough things as it was with out having to re-do things I had done just to get done.
For me it was the journey, and I fully understand that for many people that makes absolutely no sense.
Regards,
Alan

[Tom R.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Hi Tom,

I wondered if it was possible to begin spending too much time and energy on the 'system' and not enough time in the 'garage'?

Alan...I fully understand that and can see where documentation becomes the process rather than turning wrinches. (yeah...I meant wrinches). This PM I spent about 1/2 hour dropping the spare tire carrier and about an hour documenting what I did including observations of finishes, markings and other historical impacts such as what I conclude was spilled/leaked fuel on the tub.

Lastly, there were times when I'd simply had enough and couldn't work on it for a few weeks. I tried to never feel pressure to get something done. I was re-doing enough things as it was with out having to re-do things I had done just to get done.

Sounds like a Miller time

[Alan S.]

Re: Restoration Logs

Hi Tom,
I love your replies. You ARE having fun!!!!
Regards,
Alan

PS: Here's an example of how crazy a person can get... I was 'encouraging' the rear spring to let the car sit at the proper 'ride height'. I found that filling the spare tire tub with old Corvette magazines made the tub heavier than the spare tire and wheel did. I would jounce the rear of the car a few times every day. After a few weeks I switched to the tire and the car sat at the height it was supposed to.
There is no mention of this procedure in the factory CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL.