Manual for your car

[zee]

It sounds dumb, but hear me out.

Many of you have done cool customizations to the car. Many have hidden switches and other details that the future buyer won't know.

I'd like to do a user manual for my car with details of things I've added, pictures as well as "how to". I don't ever plan to sell the car but I'd like my kids to get the manual with the car after I hit the can so they know what's going on :-). Before I go down this path, as anyone ever done it and would like to share the template?

If not then I'll be happy to share the template once I create it.

[Ted G]

I like the idea. I have started my "build book" for some future owner down the line. I'm sure you and many others have done that and I guess that is sort of like a manual, but your idea takes that to another level. I think this all adds to the "value" of the build.

[Norm B]

I have a binder with all the instructions for the options I purchased and the mods made. In it I stuck a page with all the torque specs of commonly serviced items, oil types used, etc. Being it is a partial donor car, the model year for brakes, ball joints, tie rod ends etc. is also listed.
Wouldn't exactly call it an operators manual but, it would help the next person that owns the car if I was suddenly not here and my wife had to sell it.

Norm

[Avalanche325]

It's a great idea. But can be a big time consumer. I have a project notebook that I hand drew custom wiring, like my chime if I leave the headlights on, and dimensions of custom parts. I have that in my folder with all my receipts if I ever need it. Which I never have.

I also have a service record notebook where I track everything from oil changes, yearly nut and bolt checks, and any part replacements.

[narly1]

I know that for my engine build I've created a spreadsheet with part numbers, sources, quantities and costs for everything. I have a binder with all of the documentation for all the components in the same order they are shown on the spreadsheet. Finally I have a 2nd binder with all the invoices and receipts that I keep well hidden from Mrs. Narly LOL. I figure I might need it come registration time to prove where everything came from.

Earl

[Gumball]

My "manual" consists of the FFR assembly manual with my notes and two 3-ring binders... one is all mechanical and the other is electrical. Those binders include all of the aftermarket part installation instructions, as well as additional notes. The electrical includes schematics and very detailed notes on things like ground locations, relays, and such.

None of that is written for the casual user / consumer, but as long as the reader has a familiarity with mechanical and electrical things, then they will be able to figure out 100% of my car.

[cgundermann]

Great idea, I planned to do it for both my of cars so my children have something to reference when I'm long gone...

Chris

[zee]

Awesome. I'll set up a framework that I update as I work on the car.

161986
161987
161988

[Jim1855]

Cool idea. I've been thinking along similar lines. Organization and keeping the notes will be a real challenge for me, kinda scattered with lots of little scraps of paper notes on my mods so far.
Jim

[D Stand]

This is a great idea. I like the concept from Stacy David from the TV show Gearz, he sells a “ project book”. It has placeholders for custom building a car and slots to put pictures and such. Every time I go to buy it they are sold out… I too have a bunch of notes everywhere and a stack of instructions from other venders laying around so will be watching this thread for more. Thanks for sharing!

[Gumball]

Buy a three-hole punch or plastic sleeves, that way everything goes in the book as soon as it goes on the car.