Car restoration software

[Richard P.]

Does anyone have an opinion or preferance on what software to use in managing a restoration? They all seem to be fairly inexpensive, so I guess they are just simple data bases.
Thanks

[Gary S.]

Re: Car restoration software

If I understand your question....I use a spreadsheet...Microsoft Excel. I set up columns for date, cost, time worked (decimal format), area of work (M=Motor Compartment, I-Interior, U=Undercarriage, E=Exterior, G=General), and description (which I start with a key word related to the work...like brakes, rear spring, seats, etc). I make an entry each day I work. I can sort anytime by date or area of work or description and keep a running total of hours and cost. I am always amazed at how much time I spend just researching, ordering and checking in shipments. I think I was faster when I was younger too...
Gary

[Clem Z.]

Re: Car restoration software

once upon a time i started to keep track of how much money it cost to drive a car. after finding out i quit keeping track because the numbers scared me.

[Jack H.]

Re: Car restoration software

once upon a time i started to keep track of how much money it cost to drive a car. after finding out i quit keeping track because the numbers scared me.

Agreed ...If I actually kept track of how much money I spend on my "play cars", I'd be in a whole lot of trouble.

I can see using a program like Microsoft Project to track tasks, dependencies, time frames, etc. On the other hand, I have to deal with all that stuff at work, and playing with my cars is supposed to be a break from work, schedules, project details, etc.

Being detail oriented, I am interested and will be following this thread to hear about suggested software offerings, usages, advantages, etc.

[Michael Y.]

Re: Car restoration software

A pen and paper

[Bill M.]

Re: Car restoration software

I never write a cost down you never know who will find it! 66 under mechanical resto.

[Richard P.]

Re: Car restoration software

Thanks guys. Yeah, I agree with being scared of knowing how much we spend. I just finnished a 7 year restoration on my '61 Corvette and quit keeping track of the costs early on. My question concerns the available auto restoration programs. There are several of them out there that you can download and "test drive" and then buy for about $20. Has anyone had any experience with them?

[Paul J.]

Re: Car restoration software

Does anyone have an opinion or preferance on what software to use in managing a restoration? They all seem to be fairly inexpensive, so I guess they are just simple data bases.
Thanks

Richard, do you really need that level of detail? I keep a hand written ledger with an explanation of the anomolies that I find in disassembly, as well as drawings of how the stuff fits together and how it's supposed to look. This supplements the AIM and digital photos that I have. I keep my receipts in a folder. What else do you need?

Paul

[Steven B.]

Re: Car restoration software

Richard, I have only seen a couple a few years ago. They were spreadsheets with the areas (body, chassis, etc.) included. You can check with higher volume restoration shops as they will have the need to mechanize their work and keep track of parts and labor for many vehicles.

Steve