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Merian
Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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 Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 4:33 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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nothing compared to the ones I created for my research
back in ye Olden Times, we had to program all our data calculations - then VisiCalc came along...
But I have successfully transitioned away from an all-paper existence.... |
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brodyjdavis
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2014
Posts: 89
Location: Chicago, IL
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 2:09 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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good lord, what a spreadsheet!
_________________
1984 Westy | www.brodyjdavis.com |
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Merian
Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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Maint. Intervals - by Time & by Mileage
set it up once & let the computer do the calculations
copy to new workbooks for all your vehicles, then mod. a bit |
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Merian
Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014
Posts: 5212
Location: Orygun
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 1:35 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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Maintenance Log
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tarandusVDub
Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2010
Posts: 1683
Location: Between Here and There
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 12:01 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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Lots of different ways to keep up. I like the OP's spreadsheet idea, but would probably just modify it for maintenance history and scheduling.
My note that I keep for my dash is GAS! since my gauge doesn't work all that well...
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD. |
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tjet
Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2014
Posts: 3725
Location: Az
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 10:39 am Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| djkeev wrote: |
I am NOT a luddite, but for me, the work involved to make a spread sheet of what I should do just isn't worth it.
Computers are great things but paper and pencil are far better for something like this.
Anyway, one man's opinion.......
Carry on.
Dave |
I agree with Dave on writing it down. I have a few car projects going on, which I work on a different times. I will leave a note taped to the steering wheel, which may state "ADD OIL" or "NO BRAKES" or "HORNET NEST UNDER BUMPER"
Taped to the dash, I will also have a less important to-do list, something like:
* hook up exhaust
* modify rear trans mount (lower)
* finish electrical
* oil gauge inop
* tighten rear shocks
I also will log my to-do list in a notebook or take a photo of it. One project of mine is 3000 miles away at my dad's house. As for logging / computer apps, I will send myself a quick email if I get an idea. I keep a few different folders in my yahoo acct for the different cars.
Another tip, always put a date on your notes. |
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Borg
Samba Member
Joined: October 18, 2012
Posts: 130
Location: Western Washington
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 9:28 am Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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I use the whiteboard method of project management too.
Have you ever noticed that the longer a note is on the whiteboard the harder it is to erase?
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Steve |
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mikemtnbike
Samba Member
Joined: March 26, 2015
Posts: 2931
Location: North Carolina
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 8:10 am Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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I need my to-do list to be more manageable- too much overwhelms me.
So, what I've been doing is keeping a list with 3 "soon" small items and one "big" item. As "soon" items are marked off, they're replaced with the next item on the master list.
Here's my example from the last two weeks:
BIG: Pull the motor, partial upper end rebuild. (planned for May)
Small: Clean ISV valve (done, replaced with try the Mullendore Port)
Replace 02 sensor (done, replaced with replace nasty insulation on
engine lid)
Use homemade smoke machine to look for vacuum leaks (done,
replaced with fix broken headlight adjustor).
So, this way, I keep marking the small items off the list in between the big projects- but I don't get overwhelmed.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled  https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual |
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Halifaxwesty
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2012
Posts: 213
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2016 7:20 am Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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I have a whiteboard in the garage a list of items on my phone I need to pick up for repairs.
_________________
84 Westfalia Vanagon
2.2 RMW Conversion
Work in Progress
My first car was a 1968 VW Bug |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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jimf909
Samba Member
Joined: April 03, 2014
Posts: 8172
Location: WA/ID
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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Today's random and incomplete list:
Computers
Pro: conveniently located at the office, in your pocket, on the nightstand; at the library, etc.; easy to edit; easy access to links and a endless information on the www.
Pen and paper
Con: single purpose; short-lived; often not where I am; difficult to edit frequently
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- Jim
| Butcher wrote: |
| This is the main fault with DIY'ers, they get together on these forums and pat themselves on their backs spreading bad information. |
Guilty as charged.
Current: 1990 Westy Camper - Bostig RG4, 2wd, manual trans w/Peloquin, NAHT high-top, 280 ah LFP battery, 160 watts solar, Flash Silver, seam rust, bondo, etc., etc.
Past: 1985 Westy Camper - 1.9 wbx, 2wd, manual trans, Merian Brown, (sold after 17 years to Northwesty who converted it to a Syncro). |
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newfisher
Samba Member
Joined: January 05, 2012
Posts: 1764
Location: The wet spot--Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 3:24 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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I find that making a list of each needed repair is a great tool. It gets me thinking and acting. When I used to tackle a complete restoration, it would take a year or better, making separate lists for each system or project with an added time line to finish said project, gets the overall restoration done much quicker.
I do not find myself always at a computer ( other than my phone) and keeping a manila envelope with the list on the back, receipts in the front work best for me. |
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djkeev
Samba Moderator
Joined: September 30, 2007
Posts: 32989
Location: Reading Pennsylvania
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Fracas
Samba Member
Joined: October 01, 2015
Posts: 56
Location: Calgary
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 3:08 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| brodyjdavis wrote: |
| I made a google spreadsheet document to help me keep everything organized. |
I've done a similar thing with Google Docs. Now if only there was an API to GoWesty and Rock Auto I could get my Account to pre populate my orders into the my Google Docs. |
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brodyjdavis
Samba Member
Joined: December 30, 2014
Posts: 89
Location: Chicago, IL
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 2:33 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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I made a google spreadsheet document to help me keep everything organized. I assign a number rating to indicate how vital each upgrade is, I assign a number for how difficault the job is to accomplish, and I also research the cost and put that in another column. This way I can easily reorganize the list to show me the cheap, easy, or vital jobs ordered out from top to bottom at the click of a button.
Another nice bonus is I can view the spreadsheet any mobile device with an internet connection, and I can share it with someone fairly simply too.
_________________
1984 Westy | www.brodyjdavis.com |
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Tom Powell
Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005
Posts: 4855
Location: Kaneohe
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:35 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| SCM wrote: |
| Tom Powell wrote: |
| I haven't done any exhaust work on a system with a catalytic converter, |
I thought I read that silicone was bad for the O2 sensor, not the cat. I could be wrong though. |
You got me to searching the internet. BOTH
http://www.easterncatalytic.com/education/tech-tip...r-failure/
"Contamination: If silicone products are used to seal any part of the exhaust system including the exhaust manifold and gaskets, O2 sensors, and exhaust tubing, you’ve got problems. At best, the highest rated silicone can only handle 700 ºF, so when exposed to exhaust temperatures of 1200 ºF, it quickly burns and outgases, leaving a silicone coating on the O2 sensor or converter wash coating. The results include engine conditions that are out of operating range and reduced efficiencies within the catalytic converter."
Aloha
tp |
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SCM
Samba Member
Joined: January 26, 2011
Posts: 3380
Location: Bozeman MT
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:26 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| Tom Powell wrote: |
| I haven't done any exhaust work on a system with a catalytic converter, |
I thought I read that silicone was bad for the O2 sensor, not the cat. I could be wrong though.
_________________
'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine |
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Tom Powell
Samba Member
Joined: December 01, 2005
Posts: 4855
Location: Kaneohe
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| jkmcrg wrote: |
| Tom Powell wrote: |
Don't use RTV ($3.66) in your exhaust system. It will ruin your catalytic converter ($131.01 plus shipping).
Aloha
tp |
Huh, for some reason I got the idea you should use Ultra Copper (high temp) on your gaskets... do you use anything on your gaskets or just clean surface? |
I haven't done any exhaust work on a system with a catalytic converter, but there are several comments on TheSamba saying that silicone should not be used. It is also not recommended for engine assembly where bits may get into and block oil galleries.
On my '69 bay window I use old Permatex #3 on exhaust gaskets and engine assembly and Hylomar on one side and grease on the other side for valve cover gaskets. I haven't done that much repair work on my Vanagons yet.
Aloha
tp |
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Ahwahnee
Samba Member
Joined: June 05, 2010
Posts: 10227
Location: Mt Lemmon, AZ
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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Interesting tool and very neat & organized - but I'll probably stick to spiral notebooks and a pencil.
| jkmcrg wrote: |
| ...Within two weeks of purchasing my "mechanic checked out" "good to go" vanagon, my water pump broke, and my engine developed a knock. Shortly thereafter, my automatic transmission lost 3rd gear... |
There's your problem, you took it to a mechanic. Next time, try a psychic. |
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jkmcrg
Samba Member
Joined: November 24, 2014
Posts: 169
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2016 1:12 pm Post subject: Re: Managing your Vanagon project |
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| Tom Powell wrote: |
Don't use RTV ($3.66) in your exhaust system. It will ruin your catalytic converter ($131.01 plus shipping).
Aloha
tp |
Huh, for some reason I got the idea you should use Ultra Copper (high temp) on your gaskets... do you use anything on your gaskets or just clean surface?
_________________
1984 Westfalia Orwell (crispy)
2.2L Digifant
Automatic transmission |
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