Best way of documenting a restoration

[joey2point0]

Hey guys,

So I recently bought my first 240z, which I am still ecstatic about! I cant wait to be done with school, go home, and start the restoration process. I want to document the restoration as best as I can, taking pictures and what not! Do any of you have suggestions of websites for organizing pictures or methods for documenting a restoration process?

Thanks!

Joey2point0

[siteunseen]

There's some restorations here;

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-zcar-discussion/47863-lime-green-machine-restoration-thread-1972-240z.html

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-zcar-discussion/48360-240z-rebuild-restoration-right-down-shell.html

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-zcar-discussion/48337-280z-rebuild-ground-up.html

[Hardway]

Congrats Joey on the purchase of your 240z! Siteunseen already posted my Lime Green resto thread above. The most important part of documentation is accuarate recording of everything before you even start. This means taking lots of pictures of all components, both close up and at a small distance. Make sure to capture how things are assembled as it will make your life much easier when you go to put it back together. Write all the numbers donw that are found the block, head, and anything else with a visable part number or part of the VIN. I wish I had take more "before" pictures before I dove in to my 240z. Work In Process pictures are always good too and help point out the details you are paying attention to. Last but not the least take plenty of "after" pictures and if possible, take them from the same angle you took the corresponding "before" picture so you can show many side by side comparisons. I am sure others will jump in as documenting our work is some times more enjoyable as the work itself.

In regards on which websites to use, that really comes down to your personal preference and what makes your life easier. I have been using Photobucket for years to host my pics and even though I do not like their new interface I have too much invested to switch at this time. Some restorations are documented on a blog which you could do but after several conversations with other enthusiasts on the subject I think having a thread here on the site gives your work more traffic and provides a better access point for other members to ask questions and post comments.

On the topic of organizing your restoration, you may want to start a spreadsheet in Excel or download one from the net. This will help you keep track of what needs to be done, parts that need to be purchased and ones that have been, and help you maintain focus on your project. Another idea would be to hang a white board in your garage to keep lists and other info about your project in front of you. I am a project manager by trade and must admit I have not done the best job of this. I do however keep a running Word doc that I use to type of everything before I post it here and try to update it once a week if I did work over the weekend. I am one year in to restoraing/rehabbing my 240z and about to be complete with Phase 1 which has included a full suspension rebuild, fuel system rehab, and engine repair and updates. I look forward to seeing more about your 240Z!

Edited April 27, 2013 by Hardway

[240260280z]

Take lots of photos.

Start a thread on this site called: "Joey's year 240z Restoration Thread"

Put them on this site with an appropriate title for each post.

[jfa.series1]

Joey - Hardway makes some excellent points on record keeping and photos. Take more photos than you think you might need - storage space is cheap and you can always cull them out later. I ran an Excel spreadsheet through my project. One tab tracked my "needs" as I identified them by car area (engine, suspension, interior, ...etc.) with columns of sources to the right as I did my price comparisons and then built orders. My "purchases" were on a second tab, also organized by car area. As each item was purchased I removed it from the needs list. I also tracked all my purchased consumables in a separate section - that alone went to over $1,500!!! I can send you a copy of the file if you have an interest, PM me with your contact info. Good luck and enjoy the project.

Jim

[Mikes Z car]

As far as restoration on my car such as it is I want to have a list in the car of what has been changed from stock so I can get a replacement easily. One thing on the list is the alternator the PO put on is from a 280ZX (will have to verify car model it came from), externally regulated. Another thing I did was after I put in turn signal relays I printed out a copy of the schematic and made notes on how to reverse to original wiring and taped that inside the clamshell so I or anyone else can see easily how to revert to how the factory made the car.

[joey2point0]

Thanks for all of your responses! After doing heavy research, I came across a program called Classic Car Companion, and after messing around with the trial. I decided to purchase it, and it was exactly what I was looking for, with the exception of expense tracking. If you guys have not heard of it and plan on restoring another car of any type I highly suggest looking into it!

Collector Car Companion