Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[Rick]

Do you keep a written log of servicing work done, or rely on memory alone?

I tend to keep a notebook specific to a car, then update it whenever I do anything significant, as I have a terrible memory for these things.

If I were really organised, I'd keep a spreadsheet, but that'd feel too much like work for me, I prefer scribbling with a pencil (or a pen if I'm feeling extravagant).

RJ
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Rick - Admin
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[BigJohn]

I always have a ring binder with see through inserts that keep everything in chronological order, it means I have a reference that I can read in the garage without covering the paperwork in oil. I don't usually make a paper log of oil services, I tear the flap off the filter box, write the mileage on and pop it in an insert. That way I have an instant reminder of the part number for when I have brain freeze.

[peter scott]

For the first four years of ownership of my old car I kept a list of ever single expense, including travel associated such as trips to Beaulieu Autojumble, fuel costs, insurance and every item large or small.

I still collect receipts largely just so I know when I purchased items but I have long since stopped keeping them fuel and oil.

Peter
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http://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[ukdave2002]

1991-took MGA to bits
1991-1996 spent loads on parts
1996 Pickfords warehouse Chester burned to the ground; many parts lost
1996-2013 spent more money on parts
2014- got MGA on the road

I did start to keep receipts, but it all went to pott

Dave

[troutrunner]

I largely rely on my memory but also have a file that has all relating to the individual car/van/motorbike which includes invoices and receipts.
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Paul
.
1937 Ford Model Y.
1939 Austin 10.
1955 Austin A30.
1958 Ford 300E van.
1961 Austin A40.
1964 Wolseley Hornet.
1965 Series2a Land Rover.
1968 Wolseley Hornet.
1994 Peugeot 405 Est. 2of.
Nil illegitimi Carborundum

[Rootes75]

I keep a written log of everything on my restoration of my Commer lorry but when it comes to servicing the cars I just rely on memory.
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Various Rootes Vehicles.

[lowdrag]

Since I bought my E-type 36 years ago I have religiously catalogued every bill, however insignificant, of parts purchased and work done. I am now running the fourth ring binder. Plus I have album upon album of photos taken all over Europe, and soon this will be significantly increased because I have finally taken the step of having all my old negatives scanned and digitized. That will further add to an already large collection, will be put in date order, and will be put on a USB key. The car is now getting on for sixty years old so it forms an important part of the history of the car. Anno domini means that the usage is getting less now, and so the work done too, but one day all will be sold with the car.

[troutrunner]

That is a nice bit of history to have with a car
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Paul
.
1937 Ford Model Y.
1939 Austin 10.
1955 Austin A30.
1958 Ford 300E van.
1961 Austin A40.
1964 Wolseley Hornet.
1965 Series2a Land Rover.
1968 Wolseley Hornet.
1994 Peugeot 405 Est. 2of.
Nil illegitimi Carborundum

[MikeEdwards]

I've started keeping a log fairly recently, and in some cases tried to fill in the blanks going backwards. What prompt me was a water pump leak and the thought that it was "new". Which of course it was, when I rebuilt the car in 1997.

I also have a ring binder with plastic pockets containing various receipts, MOT tests and so on, with the newest on the front. Trouble is, it's getting a bit too thick now so I think I'm going to have to separate one of the cars out.