Looking through the build threads it is obvious that some of you are ****, I mean organized. This would tell me that you log your progress in some way. I would like to know how you go about it, other than creating a build thread. Please post any spreadsheets or other digital documents you use.


Thanks

 

Your obviously not referring to my build. I have a plan, but not organized at all. Half the time I either can't find a wrench or where I put something. No spread sheets here. Just keep on plugging away.

 

I did create a spreadsheet to keep track of all the parts I'd need to order for my recent engine build, where I sourced them, etc. But haven't done anything more elaborate than that.

 

I also kept a notebook with different parts written down and what companies I bought from with the best quality and prices. I didn't keep a running total of what I spent though. I have an idea now, but during the build I didn't want to know.

 

I prefer "detail oriented". Btw, I am paid to be that way in my profession. Sometimes they call me "rainman".

2x.. I've got a detailed project spreadsheet categorized by subsystem (Engine, drivetrain, suspension/steering/brakes, exterior/body, interior, electrical, and accessories/extras), the source (NPD, AZO, LMC, DC, Summit, take-off from a different project, or Salvage Yard), and cost.

The cost category has two columns - estimated and actual. I fill in the estimated cost after identifying what I want to do or what needs to be done as part of formulating the build plan.

When a part is purchased or a job is paid for, the estimated cost is deleted and actual cost is entered. Below each cost column is a subtotal per subsystem. Each subsystem's subtotal is then summed at the bottom for the project grand totals. One figure gets smaller and the other figure gets bigger.

At the outset, I have a pretty good ballpark figure of how much a project will cost. As the project moves forward, I know what I have actually spent and how much more there is to go.

 

 

That's actually why I initially started mine - to see if what I could do within my tax-return budget this year. I started with categories for a couple different scenarios, depending on the scope: transmission-only, transmission plus engine rebuild - reusing as many parts as possible, transmission plus new engine build w/ some upgrades - leaving a running engine to resell at the end. The one thing I haven't done is go back to add in little odds-and-ends stuff I forgot (e.g. a few bolts here, a vacuum fitting there, etc.).

 

I remember those military log books... they haven't changed? Sheez.... someone is making BANK on that government contract!