This has been written by for cars, but you can apply to bikes.
I've been thinking about this for a while and with about 20 + years of project experience I wanted to share to help others. I would also like others to input their ideas and maybe it can be made as a sticky..
Project Management Tips
If you fail to plan, then you plan to fail!
This quote is so appropriate for this topic. So many great ideas end up as someone else jig saw puzzle or a bare metal rusted shell in your parents back yard until the have had enough and call the car bodies removal company while your out..
Before you even start
Get yourself a note pad, project book (foolscap books are great) and a diary. (You'll see why later)
Some important issues to address first and foremost before you even undo a bolt.
What do you want?
You need to know from the start what your whole aim is for your car. Do you want a drag, cruiser, retro or a show car?
Once you have worked out this then write it down and what you expect to do with the car.
An LX with an angry 355, high stall converter and loud exhaust system isn't going to be the most pleasant car to drive interstate for example.
Once you have worked out your needs are for the car and want you want wrote it down and stick to them. Here's an example...
-My project (I've used my own car for this example)
Style-Retro style. Clean old school lines and late model technology.
Aim-UC coupe with late model reliable engine/drive line.
Intended use- To be able to drive daily or even interstate if needed, be good on fuel, hassle free and power to boot.
Engine and drive line choice-RB25DET, R33 gearbox and 9 inch.
Degree of difficulty- Moderate, parts are available to make this happen. Although gearbox tunnel and chassis works needs to be done.
The law-After consulting engineer I have found out that this is possible and legal with certificate.
Budget-$20k
Time to build-2 years
Now that this is done you can have a clear picture of what your goal and to stay focused. Remember you build a car for you, not what others think you should do.
Diverting, changing your mind can lead to very expensive. I know a drag car project that has been going for 7 years and he keeps changing his mind. Standard wheelbase 9", then it went to tubed 9" and finally 4 link with wilwood brakes.
That was just the rear end of the car...
The approach methods
Drive/build do it yourself method
You know, drive the car Monday to Friday and then Saturday and Sunday your restore it, back together just in time to drive on Monday again.
Pro's
-You can still drive your car and enjoy every mod as you go.
-You can save some money by doing it yourself.
-The learning experience is priceless.
Con's
-Don't expect any free weekends for a few years.
-The amount of double handling is insane.
-By the time your done you'll have to go back and start on the first item.
-Constant pressure to get it ready to drive again leads to rough work.
-Cop bait, plain and simple.
-The amount of stuff you need to get/buy cause your doing it all yourself.
As you can tell not my favorite approach cause I've been there and done that.
Off the road and all do it yourself
You have had enough of bit by bit and so it come time to park in the garage for that final time.
Pro's
-By the time you have finished you would have enough tools to open up your own supercheap store.
-You become so multi skilled that you question if you are even human anymore.
-Nothing better than having some mates, a garage and some beers.
-The most rewarding approach ever.
-By far the cheapest approach ever.
-You get to find out who your real mates are.
Con's
-You'll almost need a 3 car garage to do this, unless your super organize and if so, leave your chair and fly around the room now.
-The amount of parts you have lying around is amazing..
-Tooling up for every area of the project can get expensive.
-If your living with mum and dad, then you're in trouble 24/7.
-Very, very easy to loose interest because you have to do all of it.
-Staying focused on the task at hand is unbelievably hard.
Sub contract out
You do all the ground work, stripping, chasing parts and get others to the major work like paint, engine, suspension etc..
This is best seen in shows like drive or pimp my ride. They have all the right people to the do the right jobs.
Pro's
-A very rewarding experience as you help it all fall into place.
-If planned right it can be a very quick project indeed.
-You can save thousands of dollars this way. Your not paying someone to undo a bolt.
-You still have certain level of control.
-The quality of the job is excellent (providing who you use) as compare to painting a car for the first time in the back yard to a pro in a booth.
Con's
-Hardest part is finding reliable contractors ie painters that promise 6 weeks that turn into 8 months.
-It will cost more than doing it all your self.
-You'll be surprise how busy you will be chasing up rubbers, bolts, gaskets and dropping stuff off.
-I hope you have other transport.
Here you go, just do it method
If money is not an option and you rather be making money than pulling stuff off than it's for you.
Pro's
-You actually have a life. You'll get the odd phone call or go and check out what happening.
-Can be a very stress free experience.
-You don't need to tool up or have parts everywhere.
-The pleasure of a turn key project.
Con's
-Often places will try and built there dream car with your wallet. Stick to your plan.
-Can get out of hand real quick and expensive.
-The cost can be very expensive.
Now lets assume that you will be tearing the car down your self. Here's some tips that I have learned from over 20 years experience tinkering as my wife calls it.
-Do your homework. Plane and simple.
-Plan ahead. I use the note book to write things down to keep my head clear. Then it goes into the project book under what ever the area I'm thinking about and finally in the diary. What day to achieve what and shopping lists for parts needed.
-I have 2 whiteboards and there's no way can Go without them.
-Pace yourself. Not point hitting the 12am, wondering around fluffing for the next 2 hours.
-Be realistic. You can't build a $20k on an apprentice wage in 6 months in your mums laundry.
-Snaplock sandwich bags. I spent about 3 days stripping my car cause every bolt that came off went in a bag and was labeled. I even put a bolt that I wanted to replace with new ones in a sample bag with the number needed.
-Every part was boxed, written was in it , box number and all was recorded in project book.
-Things that I wanted to get painted or reco would be written down as I go.
Conclusion
I really hope that this can help people out there and others cans add. Brain is fading and back i getting sore.
I'm also off the shed to tinker...
Enjoy..
