How do you keep track of your parts inventory?

[Guest Anonymous]

I have collected many parts over the years. How do you keep track of your parts to know what's what and where? TIA

[Mike_B]

Spreadsheet and boxes with whats inside written on the outside.

[Nicad]

I use wire tags and zip lock bags with labels for the small stuff. that being said, I can never find what I am looking for.

[Kidasters]

I do a really bad job.

I remember most stuff, and the rest is out where I can see it.

However, there are days when I say "wow - I forgot about that".

[Zorac]

only one project at a time (in my head), if i have more than one, i start loosing track!

[Scott Sislane]

I'm with Ken, I know about 1/2 of the parts I have, except not many of them are where I can see them. Last year, I started writing on boxes. My favorite box that surprises me every time I open it, is marked "lots small and important parts".

[TobyB]

I remember most stuff, and the rest is out where I can see it.

However, there are days when I say "wow - I forgot about that".

Ha- mine's the reverse of that-

I forget most of it, and the rest is buried deep in the attic in our garage.

Most times I trip over something and say 'what the heck... oh, nuts, I just

bought a replacement for that...'

Sometimes, I know I have one, can't find it, and then have to go buy one...

Actually, the word 'inventory' is a misnomer, because it implies you have

a means of identifying it.... which I sometimes can only do by paint color...

hee

t

[jgerock]

I try to keep track of my car stuff using big plastic bins. Unfortunately, the more cars you have, the more spare parts and the harder to keep track of what you have that is good versus the junk you keep "just in case".

The clear bins are great so you don't have to open every one up to see what is inside.

I recently threw out the original wiring harness from the VW that I kept since 2004 thinking it would somehow be used. I've pulled some good 12 gauge and 14 gauge colored wires for other uses, but that is it.

[Grover]

Inventory? What's that?

[Kidasters]

Just a feeling I have.

I have shelves that are somewhat sectioned off. The big two in the back are mostly BMW parts. The small one in the back, Mini Cooper. The shelves on the side - Porsche parts. And finally - on the bottom of the cart - oil and fuel filters for all of the cars.

That said - I have parts all over. And, I think I'm like Toby. Which is why I have about 2 dozen crush washers for 2002 oil pans.

[penth2o]

I set up directories according to the way the shop manual lays it out and then some.

Fill the pertaining folders with what you want. Break it down to what works for you.

For parts inventory like the above said. Spreadsheet and print and attach to bin before storing.

[TobyB]

Holy crap- I could tear down 2 more parts cars in the time it'd take

to do that!!!

I have about 2 dozen crush washers for 2002 oil pans.

Amusingly, I'm always running out of THOSE- I seem to collect the

miscellaneous ones from the kits that don't fit ANYTHING on a 2002...

...and yeah, bins, lots and lots of bins...

Where's the 'like' button on this thread???

t

[jgerock]

For parts inventory like the above said. Spreadsheet and print and attach to bin before storing.

Wow - I only have one spreadsheet on my VW restoration that lists everything I have (in receipts). Only bad part about this is it shows how much you've actually spent on parts (and jobbed out labor).

[penth2o]

Holy crap- I could tear down 2 more parts cars in the time it'd take

to do that!!!

Yes but the key is you do it once and you have it for every vehicle you have. You just change the vehicle name.

Another bonus is that you have all data and pics at hand. I also have the same setup for teardown and restore pics. Can't have enough pics when trying to put something back together.

The bad thing is like J.G. said. You know exactly how sick you are to spend that kinda money on a vehicle. :}

[c.d.iesel]

either install the good parts in the car?

the stuff not on your car is junque

or sell at swap meet.

don't show up on TV hoarders !