How do you keep your build organized?

[colbystephens]

I'm trying to make the build of my '90 as planned out and methodical as possible to avoid mistakes, re-dos, and wasting funds. How do you go about organizing your build to make it as efficient as you can?

 

[76zimmer]

with a worklist Colby....I've used this method on a few major projects, it works well for me...it does change as progress is made on the project, things get added to it, things get moved down the list...priorities change, but its a great tool to work on a major project.

REMOVE DRIVETRAIN/STRIP FRAME​

Remove front bumpstop brackets...DONE

Clearance around pass side header...DONE

Weld nuts for skid plates mounting...DONE


Sandblast and zinc coat inside of frame rails...DONE


Remove front shock upper mounts....DONE


Relocate Front Shackle Pivot point....DONE


Weld up frame boxing kit....DONE


Sandblast frame....DONE


Clean and seam seal any double layered plates....DONE


Paint frame..zinc outside frame rails for welding....DONE

Major component completion​

..................Engine:​

Align crankshaft pulley....DONE​

Install temp sender​

Install oil pressure sender​

Valve cover venting/PCV setup​

Vacuum advance source​

.....................Transmission:​

TH400, install trans temp sender unit and check T400 worksheet, and Direct drum measurement...DONE​

Torque convertor cover mounting holes...DONE​

Shifter cable hookup​

Check pan seal...DONE​

Install dipstick tube...DONE​

Install oil cooler line fittings...DONE​

......................203/205 Doubler:​

Dis-assemble the 205 for replacement of the front output, add a spacer, replace the shifter rails w/ ORD rails for triple stick...DONE

mount triple stick brackets...DONE


Fab and install transfer case venting system

Locktite everything doubler related...DONE


....................Rear 14BFF axle:

Install truss/Antiwrap mounting plates/rear cover....DONE​

Finish weld Antiwrap bars, and add gusset...DONE


Install pinion guard....DONE

Sandblast and zinc....DONE


....................Front Dana 60 axle:


check wheel studs for proper fit


check all lugnuts for proper application

Major drivetrain component install​

Clean and paint body underside​

Body back on frame and Build week begins:​

Install JK steering shaft, OR exchange steering column....

Install Hydroboost/master cylinder....DONE

Figure Rock rails and roll cage mounting points....DONE

Cage installation....

Seating....

Seat belts....

Shifter mounting ....

Weld on roll cage tie in plates....DONE

Rock sliders ....DONE

Mini Boat side ....DONE


Figure and Fab engine cage...DONE

front shock mounting(shock hoops to front cage bars)....

Figure suspension travel front.....DONE

Check front shackle angle....DONE

Check front pinion angle....DONE

Figure & Fab bumpstops....

Figure front tie down bracket placement....

Figure and Fab travel limiters....

Grab handles....

Cup holders ....

Driver reachable storage....

Weld on mounts for Spring limiting blocks (for trailering to limit suspension travel)....

Mount rear gauntlet bumper....

Mount front winch bumper....

Fab engine cage to front bumper links...

Install radiator, and windstar fans and wiring....

Finalize rear suspension/pinion angle....DONE

Final weld rear shock mounting.... DONE​

Final weld rear spring perches.... DONE


Paint rear axle/springs/all brackets/shackles etc....


Torque all suspension mounting fasteners....


Fabricate battery mount....

REMOVE BODY FOR UNDERSIDE PAINT

Misc. items​

Figure oil coolers mounting

Figure trans oil filter mounting

Install late model steering box....DONE

Install crossover steering....DONE


Figure trans temp guage placement and needs


Fab and install axle and t/c venting system

Figure battery cable layout


Install battery master shutoff

Install remote starter solenoid

Run Battery cables

Install wiring

Build driveshafts

Mount 9.5XP winch

Install winch fairlead

Figure winch cable routing


Fab and Mount midframe skid plate

Fab and Mount fuel tank skid plate


Route and fabricate front brake lines

Fabricate oil coolers lines

Figure routing for PS/hydroboost hoses/ Make hoses

Fab a mount for Hi-Lift

Fab a mount for fire extinguishers

Fab mounts for coolers, spareparts, and toolbox.

 

[POORBOYK5]

Depends on weather or not you want to keep it usable or if its something you want to completely build before it's used again. I try to keep things that go together. It's more expensive and more time consuming, but keeps from tearing into the same thing twice or have to re-do something you once did. My truck will be down until major components for operation are done. Example; Installed a d60. I plan on crossover, and hydro assist, so I won't be getting a drop pitman or raised steering arm. I'm putting all major stuff in first. Tapped 2wd box etc. Even if I don't have the hydro assist, it'll be set up for ease of installation. Everyone's different though, I guess it's what time and $$ allow for. That's why mine has sat for 18 months while I gather/install parts.

 

[Gunny65]

Nice list Zimmer. I am not that organized.

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Depends on weather or not you want to keep it usable or if its something you want to completely build before it's used again.

This, and really depends on how/what/where you're changing things.

For me, keeping my rig going was (is!) always paramount. Even now that it's a trailer queen, keeping it in four wheeling shape is important because it's my passion.

My '77 Blazer was my first car/truck (my dad bought it brand new in '76), so having it down for more than a weekend wasn't much of an option. I organized that part of my "build" by making sure my parts were right and working long weekends for lifts, axle swaps, etc.

Eventually I bought a car for a DD and that makes a world of difference. All of a sudden not having the right bushing on Sunday isn't as a huge deal.

But, honestly, in traditional fashion, I was working on my rig up until the day I was leaving for Blazer Bash. This year, however, it was my new tow rig project (84 M1008 w/'93 Cummins) that had minor details up until the last day. It was super nice to have forgotten about the buggy and been able to just turn the key and go wheeling for a few days


So, my .02, your question is very subjective. Most people who start out wanting to "do everything once and be done" often want a truck way out of their budget or want one that requires much more time than they have. In any case, be honest with yourself and build your rig to what you want.

Some guys are happy building exactly the rig they want for a decade before it's ready to roll out. Perfection, but you don't get to use it for a long time.

Some guys build rigs that are always ongoing, maybe even a daily driver. Tough to keep it down for long, typically good bang for the buck (if most things aren't done multiple times) and I really like this option because you really learn what works and what doesn't, what breaks and what holds up etc. I did this for many years.


So, to keep your build organized, decide what you want and what your timeline is (both garage time and $$).

 

[Gunny65]

Good point Chris. I bought my K5 knowing it was not going to be a DD. In fact, I knew it wouldn't be on the road for over a year or so. I wasn't in a hurry so stockpiled a few project items while I did some body/interior work. Once I had enough to start/almost complete the build I dove right in.

Yes, it is nice to "be missing that bushing" and not freak out because it is not in stock locally. It has been nice to not be under a time limit. I did that a lot when I was younger and it is relaxing to just quit for the day because I am tired.

I am still building on it and probably will for a long time but it is driveable now and bringing it down for adjustment isn't such a problem anymore. I am still not as organized as Zimmer but I guess I do work in sections. Pull rear Axle/springs, Gas tank, clean underside, inboard kit, Flip kit, put gas tank back, springs, drive shaft, put axle back, shocks back in and move to a different section. So, I guess I do organize it but it is in my head and it is only one section at a time.

 

[1BEATK5]

I think that having a plan/goal and sticking to it is also important. Changing suspension or axles in the middle of the build will end up costing extra money and time.

 

[K85 Octane]

I think that having a plan/goal and sticking to it is also important. Changing suspension or axles in the middle of the build will end up costing extra money and time.

x2
going with carpet, then end up selling it later.
fitting Autometer gauges into original dash, then cutting all out and going DIY4x
getting rid of brand new dash carpet
rebuilding the D44, not really needing a D60, then having a D60 fall into my lap and dreams of 40"s

and so many other things

 

[ryoken]

make an outline Colby...

that way you can break EVERYTHING into sub categories.. than break each of those into sub categories as needed... you can also put in areas for part #'s and $, job descriptions, notes, etc...

when i need to do an estimate on a really big, involved, multifaceted job I usually do one that way..

heck, your a student, should be a breeze...

 

[colbystephens]

heck, your a student, should be a breeze...

Perhaps you weren't? Just bustin yer ballz.

I like the idea of breaking it down into sub categories. I should get started on that. I feel like I have a really good plan, but could use some space to make sure to jot in the details.

 

[ryoken]

hey, I turn wrenches and bleed for a living, not write essays..

I'm actually embarrassed at that one, one of my peeves, along with to, two and too....

I find it easiest to do an outline on the comp, much easier to insert initially forgotten aspects than hand written.. tho sometimes I'll do a rough written one to get the bulk ideas down...

good "on the crapper" work!

 

[colbystephens]

good "on the crapper" work!

Nice.

 

[cybrfire]

Lists for me. I try to prioritize the list but end up coloring outside the lines due to external influences.

 

[ARAMP1]

I try to prioritize the list but end up coloring outside the lines due to external influences.

Love the way you put that...so true for me.

 

[Avery4jc]

I have this overall idea of where I want the rig to end up but as far as getting stuff done I keep post-it-notes stuck to the side of my desk right next to my laptop of stuff that has to be done next. Once the list is completed I stare at the truck and make a new list.
It's not always major stuff, just something I can check stuff off of to keep me going and since it's right next to my computer when I'm sitting there surfing CK5 wasting time and I look over and see it I know what to research, order parts for, get up and go work on.

 

[BoondocK5]

Lists for me. I try to prioritize the list but end up coloring outside the lines due to external influences.

Well put, I'm exactly the same way. I have this mixed up list in my head, but, I keep getting distracted. so effectively, I'm flying by the seat of my pants!

 

[lectric80]

make an outline Colby...

that way you can break EVERYTHING into sub categories.. than break each of those into sub categories as needed... you can also put in areas for part #'s and $, job descriptions, notes, etc...

when i need to do an estimate on a really big, involved, multifaceted job I usually do one that way..

heck, your a student, should be a breeze...

I like this idea, although I haven't stuck with it. In my case I have/had a pretty good idea of where I wanted to take Krusty. But, Krusty needed to be operational for a long time, so I have been slowly gathering parts for several years. Right now I have a pretty good pile of parts, and the list of parts I want/need is getting much shorter.

Now that Krusty is off the road for a while, I only need to focus on a few big purchases, but I have enough to carry me most of the way through what I want to do. As soon as I can get the Camaro project out of the garage, Krusty will go in and begin the teardown and rebuild. While I am working with all the parts I have already piled up/collected, I can save money and buy the other parts that I am not quite ready for yet. Of course it helps that I only need a few small things, like the engine, trans, wiring, carpet, seats, and some other small stuff.

 

[colbystephens]

Well, I came up with a good check-box system in the program "Evernote." Should help! I'm sort of following Ryoken's plan that includes links, cost, how-tos, etc. Thanks for all the replies!

 

[big pappa b]

Some guys are happy building exactly the rig they want for a decade before it's ready to roll out. Perfection, but you don't get to use it for a long time.

This sounds like my 80 Malibu. I got it in 2006 and it's almost done

 

[cybrfire]

One thing I do not like to do is get so stuck in a list of priorities that if I overlooked ordering something I sit and wait. I'll just jump to a different spot on the list and work on something else. Got to try and keep the motivation and momentum working for you.