Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: Baybear on March 30, 2014, 14:26:05

Title: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: Baybear on March 30, 2014, 14:26:05

I'm starting to acquire a number of extra parts for my various cars. Does anyone have a software program, spread sheet etc. to keep track of parts? Currently I just have a written log but there must be something better.
Baybear

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: GGR on March 30, 2014, 14:59:57

That is a good question. Given the nature of my projects which involve modifications, I regularly acquire a lot of parts during the planning phase so as to have the ability to chose among different options. Once the project is finished I am usually left with a lot of parts, some of which I sell to finance the next project but also to clear some room, as in the end room ends up being an issue. Some other parts I keep, if I feel I may need them as spares or for a future project. So my stock of parts regularly increases and then decreases, depending on the phase I am in regarding a project. I do not have a fancy computerized system, and most of it depends on my memory. However I have come with a rough storage system in order to find rapidly what I'm looking for.

- First, I separate Makes (Mercedes, BMW, Citroen etc.)

- Within a Make, I group parts per type (ignition, transmission, steering, suspension etc.) without differentiating by models. This is because a lot of parts are common to several models, but also because of room, as multiplying the number of boxes also requires more room.

- I then fit the parts per type and make in big storage boxes that can be piled up one on top of each-other.  Sometimes I group two types of parts in one box (steering + suspension for example) in case the box is big enough compared to the amount of parts I have.

- I then stick a paper on the front of each big box noting the contents (Mercedes/Injection for example) and I then pile up the boxes on the side of the garage ending up in a wall of boxes, the lightest at the top and heaviest at the bottom.

- I usually keep a few boxes out and accessible depending on what I'm working on. I also have dedicated boxes accessible with all what I post on eBay so as to access the part easily once it's sold.

Nothing fancy, but it allows me to keep  a lot of parts while optimizing room in my garage, and access them rapidly, though it sometimes turns into quite a work out when I need something at the bottom. I guess I would need to build special shelves adapted to the weight and the size of the boxes. Obviously Big parts like complete engines are kept separately, though I still try to pile them up as much as I can to save room. I've been keeping complete rear axles vertically, and I currently have a Mazda transmission sitting vertically on top of a 13B engine (part of a future non-MB project).

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: scoot on March 30, 2014, 16:52:42

I sort by category and size.  For example, I have a stack of maybe 6 steering wheels for Mercedes during the 1960s.  And I have a box of horn pad parts (labeled with a sharpie).  I have small tupper ware containers for items that are similar - window cranks early, window cranks late, etc.   I have plastic bin boxes for other small parts - window crank inserts sorted by color.

I don't have a catalog of what I own, except for what is listed on ebay and that's sort of an ebay catalog, not mine. 

If your parts is limited to one type of car (Mercedes for example), I would keep a list of the part number, description, application, location stored and put that information either into a table in Word or a spreedsheet in Excel.  Price paid would be good to add also.

Example

108xxxxxx    window crank early      1960-1967 all    box 73     $50

Then you can sort by what you are looking for, or location stored, or whatever...

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 31, 2014, 00:28:37

I'm glad I have only one Pagoda and 2 spares to install (new screws for the grill [to make them original] and a nice shiny new ignition ring) oh yes the spare fuses once I find them :) The DD does not need spares still under warranty for a few more years :D

To get more spares I need a bigger house and more cars or live on a farm with a nice reconditioned barn as a garage ... perhaps in my next life LOL

However, if I had this spare problem I would simply set up a nice spreadsheet to full fill my needs or Google"numbers inventory sample" and modify one of then zillion samples :) A nice spreadsheet would do just fine sorting it and finding stuff is a breeze. As long as one of the fields refers to location :)

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: ctaylor738 on March 31, 2014, 00:58:00

I use a simple Excel spreadsheet.  I tried to upload a sample, but .xlsx file types aren't allowed.  If anyone wants a sample, send me an email to the address in my profile.

Cheers,

CT

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: Rolf-Dieter ✝︎ on March 31, 2014, 01:16:44

CT,

Why not take a screen shot of your excel spreadsheet then make a duplecate file of the screen shot and safe it as a pic file to upload it here ... works like a charm (on the Mac it's hold down the "command, shift and 4 key" then take the outline of your spreadsheet to make the screen shot.

On the PC I cannot remember how since for the past 15 years I've been using the Mac. Besides I never had time to take screen shots when I was still working ... now being retired I do have the time :)

Title: Re: How do you keep track of your spare parts?
Post by: Flyair on March 31, 2014, 02:57:19

CT,
an even easier option is to open your excel file, hit the "save as" option and select PDF type file. PDF files are upload able here