Won’t say this is the way but it worked well for me. From the start of my restoration I took digital photos throughout the process (before removal from the car where I could, of the assembly, during disassembly of the item, prior to reassembly with details refinished, and of the finished item). I created separate folders on my computer to store these that are categorized by area then component.

I created a FLICKR page early on to share progress/highlights during the build where only minimal photos were shared, mostly for family out of the area.

And I kept a spreadsheet of all items I spend money on, the item purchased, date, and who I ordered it from to keep track of cost and sourcing.

I know it sounds like a PITA, and it may have been . . just a little, but if you do it as part of the process it’s a task that is manageable and provides great history and memories long after the build is completed.

Best of luck whatever way you decide to document