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Thu Mar 15, 2012 4:24 pm

I'm wondering how many people create spreadsheets for their projects? I know I do! I usually have all the parts listed that I'm going to buy with links and a price so I can get an idea what it's going to cost me to restore the car. Also it's fun because I like looking up parts and it guides my research. How many others do this? Or do you approach them in a different way?

Thu Mar 15, 2012 6:48 pm

Chris, Rick down here in Camarillo. When I first picked up my bus, I thought about doing just as you described but first looked into what it was going to take to get the body where I wanted it. I did decide to do the work myself and that was going to take a while but I was not in a hurry. I figured once I got that finished I would then put a parts list together consisting of all the bits and pieces. I bought all the rubber components when I was ready for them.

I knew a guy that bought everything before he started anything and years later, about 8 years, when he was ready to start assembly, all the rubber he bought years prior, had hardened and distorted. He ended up buying all new rubber again.

Prioritize your build by phases. Determine what you need to do first which is usually body work and wether or not you can do it yourself or have someone else do it.

Putting a list together is fun as it shows you all the parts you need and it also gives you an idea of what you are going to spend. Go to as many shows as you can while your doing the initial work to your project as there are deals to be found. Many people have bought and started projects that they have sold off or are no longer interested in and will sell parts they bought for cheap.

Good luck with your project.

Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:15 pm

Riqs57 wrote: Chris, Rick down here in Camarillo. When I first picked up my bus, I thought about doing just as you described but first looked into what it was going to take to get the body where I wanted it. I did decide to do the work myself and that was going to take a while but I was not in a hurry. I figured once I got that finished I would then put a parts list together consisting of all the bits and pieces. I bought all the rubber components when I was ready for them.

I knew a guy that bought everything before he started anything and years later, about 8 years, when he was ready to start assembly, all the rubber he bought years prior, had hardened and distorted. He ended up buying all new rubber again.

Prioritize your build by phases. Determine what you need to do first which is usually body work and wether or not you can do it yourself or have someone else do it.

Putting a list together is fun as it shows you all the parts you need and it also gives you an idea of what you are going to spend. Go to as many shows as you can while your doing the initial work to your project as there are deals to be found. Many people have bought and started projects that they have sold off or are no longer interested in and will sell parts they bought for cheap.

Good luck with your project.

Ask Madtat, he knows what to do with the bodies. :lol:

Seriously though, some form of organization is the best way, along with lots of labeling, and since digital cameras can store a stupid amount of pictures, take lots of pictures. I didn't use a spread sheet, but that's because I didn't think of it! But I did make lots of lists with prices, which helped me prioritize what to buy and when. When I started my project, there really wasn't much in the way of online ordering.

Thu Mar 15, 2012 7:51 pm

Once you get your list of parts and their cost totaled to find out what it will cost, you need to double that amount before you start. I guarantee you will never restore a car for your listed budget.

Double it. Both in the cost and the time you estimate it will take.

Thu Mar 15, 2012 10:28 pm

I start at the front.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 9:56 am

I make a list of what I need, what it'll cost, and then I get to work. No bullshitting with a spreadsheet.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:33 pm

one day at a time ....I ment one year at a time :shock: Yeah a little slow on the completed projects.
I usally change my mind during a build.. don't even ask me what color it will be until the paint is in the gun.

Fri Mar 16, 2012 1:56 pm

haha! This is all good feedback. When I say spreadsheets, I mostly mean 'lists'.

Sat Mar 17, 2012 5:16 am

Tackle what your comfortable with first. I rebuilt the motor first. This gives you time to get comfortable with the car and have some quality bonding time. :)

this is where I am so far

http://i719.photobucket.com/albums/ww198/6T5square/070-1.jpg?t=1331584771

Sat Mar 17, 2012 6:33 am

I usually take it all apart, stuff it in the back of the garage and forget about it for 30 years.

New projects come along all the time.

I need a bigger garage!

Sat Mar 17, 2012 8:28 am

I usually take it all apart, and see what I need to replace, then I'll make a list of what I have to buy. Most of the time though, I'll do rust repair first, then brakes, then electrical, then the engine. I think I've only owned 2 cars that just needed a section of floor replaced, a couple of door seals replaced, and then driven. :shock: