Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Parts organization tips/tricks #1572271
02/01/14 09:24 PM
02/01/14 09:24 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,305
Lakewood, Colorado
herkamer Offline OP
pro stock
herkamer  Offline OP
pro stock

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,305
Lakewood, Colorado
Being organizationally challenged, I'm looking for ideas, tips and tricks to keep parts organized during restoration. I think I have a photographic memory, but probably should rely on the camera more. Obviously plastic baggies and a sharpie are a good start.

Any ideas to keep track of stuff, and keep it organized for the future would be helpful!


Matt
69 Dart Swinger 340
83 W350, Megasquirted with 46RH
Old news: 72 Demon street/race mobile
Latest: 70 Duster backhalf car
and even more
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: herkamer] #1572272
02/01/14 09:25 PM
02/01/14 09:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
Start out with the largest empty & dedicated space as possible. You'll be amazed at how much room a disassembled and well organized car can take up.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: ScottSmith_Harms] #1572273
02/01/14 09:29 PM
02/01/14 09:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,575
Dreaming of the 808
AZ_A12_BEE Offline
I Live Here
AZ_A12_BEE  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,575
Dreaming of the 808
Quote:

Start out with the largest empty & dedicated space as possible. You'll be amazed at how much room a disassembled and well organized car can take up.




I call it "fluff", the car will fluff up into taking up 3 times the space


69.5 A12 Bee, first purchased in 1976, car 169 on registry 69 Coronet R/T 440/4 spd 69 Coronet 500 Conv H code 383 4bbl/auto 37 Plymouth PU Find your spot on earth and ride it.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: AZ_A12_BEE] #1572274
02/01/14 09:36 PM
02/01/14 09:36 PM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,305
Lakewood, Colorado
herkamer Offline OP
pro stock
herkamer  Offline OP
pro stock

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,305
Lakewood, Colorado
I have the space available. It's currently cluttered (imagine that!) but it can be vacated for some shelving, and possibly some plastic tubs or boxes.


Matt
69 Dart Swinger 340
83 W350, Megasquirted with 46RH
Old news: 72 Demon street/race mobile
Latest: 70 Duster backhalf car
and even more
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: herkamer] #1572275
02/01/14 09:43 PM
02/01/14 09:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,575
Dreaming of the 808
AZ_A12_BEE Offline
I Live Here
AZ_A12_BEE  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 18,575
Dreaming of the 808
Quote:

I have the space available. It's currently cluttered (imagine that!) but it can be vacated for some shelving, and possibly some plastic tubs or boxes.




That's what I use for organizing my parts, use clear plastic bins that you can put a paper what's listing what's inside the bin that you can read from the outside, Walmart had the best selection

8022016-image.jpg (130 downloads)

69.5 A12 Bee, first purchased in 1976, car 169 on registry 69 Coronet R/T 440/4 spd 69 Coronet 500 Conv H code 383 4bbl/auto 37 Plymouth PU Find your spot on earth and ride it.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: AZ_A12_BEE] #1572276
02/01/14 09:46 PM
02/01/14 09:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
ScottSmith_Harms Offline
Mr Wizzard
ScottSmith_Harms  Offline
Mr Wizzard

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 42,714
Spokane Washington
Quote:

That's what I use for organizing my parts, use clear plastic bins that you can put a paper what's listing what's inside the bin that you can read from the outside, Walmart had the best selection




I do the same thing as well as a thumb drive or disc with all the associated parts before, during, and after removal etc. Makes the pics easy to find when you go to put things back together and need a picture reference.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: herkamer] #1572277
02/02/14 12:46 PM
02/02/14 12:46 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 8,724
Somewhere I Belong
C
coronetgirl Offline
Rotten to the core
coronetgirl  Offline
Rotten to the core
C

Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 8,724
Somewhere I Belong
I put small pieces in plastic Ziploc bags and write the part description and sometimes the number of pieces in the bag. I put the bags in boxes by category (exterior trim pieces, interior, etc). Larger parts I wrap and put in boxes and label the boxes with the contents and a number indicating what order I removed them from the car. That way when I reassemble, I will be able to pull the boxes in reverse order of how I disassembled.

All of my new parts are in a separate area and I keep a running list.


Good friendships are built on a foundation of alcohol, sarcasm, inappropriateness, and shenanigans.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: coronetgirl] #1572278
02/02/14 03:29 PM
02/02/14 03:29 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,914
Calgary, Alberta Canada
a12rag Offline
master
a12rag  Offline
master

Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,914
Calgary, Alberta Canada
Zip lock back everything with a label on the bag, then into a bin that is labelled (i.e. interior, or dash, or underhood, etc) . . . as was mentioned, one car disassembled will more than fill two spots in a two car garage . . . and lots of pics, as to how something was fitted or went together.

My "6months" to put the car together, stretched into two years !!! It was worth it though !!

Good luck

Mark

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: a12rag] #1572279
02/02/14 03:57 PM
02/02/14 03:57 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,446
NJ-USA
H
HPMike Offline
master
HPMike  Offline
master
H

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,446
NJ-USA
Get a bunch of plastic stackable tubs and a variety of plastic sealable baggies..Get the bags that are for freezer use as they are much more durable and there is less of a chance of something perforating and the parts falling out...Photograph anything that might confuse you later on, especially bolt head details and inspection marks..

MB

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: HPMike] #1572280
02/04/14 03:51 AM
02/04/14 03:51 AM
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Il
1
1ol74charger4me Offline
enthusiast
1ol74charger4me  Offline
enthusiast
1

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Il
I use large pieces of cardboard to lay out assemblies like everything inside a door and poke all fasteners through the cardboard. This also gives me a surface to write notes on how it came apart and in what order. Other stuff I just tape to the board. I use heavy cardboard so when I work on that subassembly I can just put it on a stand and it doubles as a work surface. It's also nice that if you need to clean up or do something else you can just shelve the whole thing.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: 1ol74charger4me] #1572281
02/04/14 04:48 AM
02/04/14 04:48 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,645
So Near, Yet So Far
topside Offline
Too Many Posts
topside  Offline
Too Many Posts

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,645
So Near, Yet So Far
Good advice so far. I'll add that I take photos & make sketches of things like assembly details, stripes, nameplates, wire/hose/cable routing, details, weatherstrips, and fastener orientation. I note the # of fasteners on each baggie, and much as possible, segregate items into rt door, lt door, etc. In some cases, I screw fasteners back into their locations. Make notes/sketches of different screw lengths and where they go in cases where the phillips heads are the same but lengths differ (garnish moldings, etc). I also note the plating. Time spent carefully documenting disassembly & details saves days throughout the process, not to mention errors.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: topside] #1572282
02/04/14 11:29 AM
02/04/14 11:29 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,662
Jefferson State
S
srt Offline
ESYC
srt  Offline
ESYC
S

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,662
Jefferson State
I try to keep order of parts chronologically as they come off and also using the parts books note section and, at least, page the parts or assembly is shown.
p/h is optional, but using good notes inserted in storage bag, or a number corresponding to a notebook log (journal) entry, notes and pics (turn on date stamp make sure date and time are correct and make notes of photo date and time in log book. Order and attention throughout dissassembly will help tenfold as you progress through restoration.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: herkamer] #1572283
02/04/14 01:18 PM
02/04/14 01:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,023
pa.
D
dan9 Offline
super stock
dan9  Offline
super stock
D

Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,023
pa.
Fishing lure boxes from Wal-Mart or K-mart are good for nuts, bolts and screws. They have dividers so you can create the amount of space you need. I just label the inside of the lid to correspond what each section has in it. I also mark if I am short a certain fastener. It makes it easier for me when I make a shopping list. They seal very well, even if you turn them upside down they don't get mixed up.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: dan9] #1572284
02/04/14 04:37 PM
02/04/14 04:37 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 433
Wausau Wisconsin USA North Ame...
R
radiatorman Offline
mopar
radiatorman  Offline
mopar
R

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 433
Wausau Wisconsin USA North Ame...
Organizing it while to take it apart is a good idea, but what about when you send out batches to get it refinished? Better take good pictures as I didn't. It gets too costly to send out 20 small pieces at a time and most platers won't do it that way. Even the assembly books leave plenty to be desired. 2-3 years has a way to cloud your best memories!!

Bob

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: herkamer] #1572285
02/04/14 05:12 PM
02/04/14 05:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
S
Sixpak Offline
master
Sixpak  Offline
master
S

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,840
The Swamp
What's worked best for me are two things - my digital camera, and an Excel spread sheet.

I insert a handwritten label in each baggie, etc. to indicate where a part came off the car, etc. I take a picture of the part and the handwritten label, and then LABEL the box or bin that it is stored in with a letter, number, etc. Then I take a picture of where that box is stored.

I download the pics for each box into a separate folder.

Then I make an excel spreadsheet, where each column is a particular box with its particular label (A,B,C, location info, etc.). Each column heading is the particular box label. I open each picture folder and review the pics. And in each cell of each column for that box I type a description of the part.

Then when I am looking for something I simply go into Excel and do a find for the description of that part and bingo - I know where something is.

Takes a little diligence at first to set it up but once the hard work is done it pays off down the road.

Best car-related thing I ever did with the computer.

Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: Sixpak] #1572286
02/07/14 03:13 AM
02/07/14 03:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,651
Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340 Offline
top fuel
kentj340  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,651
Cut and Shoot, TX
Excel and camera, along with Ziploc bags.

On disassembly I take photos and make notes on a 3 x 5 card. On the card, I list each part with size, finish, etc. and make a sketch, if needed. The card has a sequence or bag number and goes in the Ziploc so that the number is visible. Bags are stored in numerical order in copy paper box lids.

Each line on the spreadsheet is organized same as a Mopar factory service manual or parts book with chapter numbers and names like "02 Front Suspension", "03 Rear Axle", and "05 Brakes". Each line is also organized by location on the car, such as "Engine Bay", "Front", "Interior", "Interior Front", "Interior Instrument Panel", "Interior Rear", "Rear", "Trunk", etc. Since there are so many parts in the interior, several categories are needed.

So if I need to get my hands on the door jamb switch, I scroll to "Interior Front", look for "08 Electrical", and there I can quickly find that the door jamb switch is in bag number 131.

The finish of all parts in the spreadsheet is also listed. This means if I want to polish stainless parts, I can sort the spread sheet to tell me each and every stainless part. Same with pot metal items, body color items, zinc plated items, black dip painted items, etc.

8029950-P1030144e.JPG (48 downloads)

If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: kentj340] #1572287
02/07/14 03:21 AM
02/07/14 03:21 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,651
Cut and Shoot, TX
kentj340 Offline
top fuel
kentj340  Offline
top fuel

Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,651
Cut and Shoot, TX
My photos are named by the parts book and FSM chapter headings, such as "03 Rear Axle26". And each photo is in a folder with names for location on the car, such as "Under". So if I want to find photos of inspection markings on my rear axle, I go to the folder "Under" and browse all photos with a prefix of 03.

My car fits very nicely in one master bedroom, one spare bedroom, one wet bar, and one garage.

8029954-P1030145e.JPG (77 downloads)

If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: kentj340] #1572288
02/07/14 03:05 PM
02/07/14 03:05 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,540
Motor City
6
6PKRTSE Offline
master
6PKRTSE  Offline
master
6

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,540
Motor City
I use the lovered panels with the hanging bins in my garage for all of my hardware, race fittings etc.

8030290-100_1686.jpg (35 downloads)
Last edited by 6PKRTSE; 02/07/14 03:46 PM.

1963 Belvedere 440 Max Wedge Tribute
1970 Charger R/T S.E. 440 Six Pack
1970 Challenger R/T, 528 Hemi
1970 Charger 500 S.E. 440 4 BBL
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 383
1974 Chrysler New Yorker 440
1996 2500 RAM 488 V-10 4X4
2004 3500 Dually Cummins 4x4
2012 Challenger R/T Classic.
Re: Parts organization tips/tricks [Re: 6PKRTSE] #1572289
02/07/14 03:06 PM
02/07/14 03:06 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,540
Motor City
6
6PKRTSE Offline
master
6PKRTSE  Offline
master
6

Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,540
Motor City
And also storage containers & shelving units for the larger parts.

8030293-100_1683.jpg (83 downloads)

1963 Belvedere 440 Max Wedge Tribute
1970 Charger R/T S.E. 440 Six Pack
1970 Challenger R/T, 528 Hemi
1970 Charger 500 S.E. 440 4 BBL
1970 Plymouth Road Runner 383
1974 Chrysler New Yorker 440
1996 2500 RAM 488 V-10 4X4
2004 3500 Dually Cummins 4x4
2012 Challenger R/T Classic.






Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.1