Still Working on Engine Rebuild Wizard, any suggestions?
 

Still largely a work in progress, here is what I have now:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911_rebuild_wizard/wizard-0.htm

-Wayne

maybe a running calculator to show total costs...

machining estimates (I guess if you find a good local shop and contract with them, get discounts on machining and part or something like that) you could have a section where someone could check off machining...the list would be relavent to the type of engine the guy starts with

tools I'd add the oil line wrenches, set of measuring blades (for gaps etc...)

assembly lube, locktite, case sealant, etc...

a clickable dictionary of "automotive terms"...link words that people may not know about...obviously your book will serve as a reference

also the first step I'd start with is what engine your base is...that way all the parts and tools will be relavant to that engine
induction, so again things can be relavent
exhaust, 1 in or 2 in, headers or HE's
ingnition stock or upgrade options

a performance section... larger p/c, camshafts
muffler options with soundbytes...I am sure pelican members will be glad to send you samples of theirs (the tech savvy ones atleast)

a upgrade section...powdercoated parts fans etc, wurth paint to paint sheet metal, colored spark plug wires

I'd love to see is fastener bundles, like engine sheetmetal hardware, engine shroud hardware, exhaust manifold hardware, exhaust, I never feel right puttign home depot hardware on my car

The wurth kits seem to include too many pieces that aren't needed...I think some porsche site (it has eagle in its name) sells small hardware bundles specific to porsche

then a final section for all the tidbits, airfilter, fuel filter, spark plugs, oil filter, oil drain washers, clutch cable, clutch options...or at least a checklist of parts/fluids you'll need for a fresh engine

Hp/torque calculator...hahaha I have no idea how you'd get that but you asked...

ok...that is enough...obviously you don't want it to get too complex...but coming up with those was a good distraction from my studies...hahaha

plus you need to get some sleep...man I thought I had vampire hours...oh btw that engine guy sold his engine to someone else without telling me...it sounded too good to be tru...bastard...

MJ

you need to update the 'Fan belt tool' and 'Heat exchanger bolt tool' descriptions on page 2 -- looks like they were copied over from Bruce A's book...

... Proceed to Step 3 button doesn't work...

I had problems with the step 3 button as well. I'm not sure I like the lack of prices yet, but I think that if this is a rebuilding wizard there shouldn't be any prices at least initially since anyone going through it should know it will take several thousand dollars.

I like the explination next to every peice
Otherwise its' looking good.

Looks great! I'm not sure where it fits in to the plan, but maybe a way to group all the little crush washers together for the oil line fittings and the little hollow oil bolts would be helpful, and all the engine sheet metal hardware that is needed. Finding metic hardware with the correct yellow-zinc chromate plating is really tough when scouring the local auto parts and hardware store.

These are just some observations from my project this winter, which was refreshing about as much as I could without doing a full rebuild.

-BG :D :D :D

Work in progress. Step 1 only has prices, step 2 - the pricing is coming. Step 3 doesn't exist yet :)

I will have a running 'shopping cart' at the bottom of the screen - that's what I'm working on right now...

We're going to be making hardware kits for wizard and the prefab rebuild kits...

-Wayne

Wayne,

While you're here: Could you add a (product) search to your Online Catalog? Or am I blind and can't see it? I swear I looked.

The search function is at the very top of the screen...

-Wayne

Wayne,

I'm assuming you're referring to the search button on the toolbar. I really don't want to go off topic or tell you how to run your business but wouldn't a convenient "Product Search" or "Quick Search" box be beneficial?

I have read (on several posts) and experienced the inability to locate a product on this site only to hear someone later say it was indeed on the site. Sales on a Home & Garden site I built went up quite a bit with the addition of strategically placed search boxes....on every screen. Convenience is your best friend. Remember we are lazy, impulsive buyers with a very short attention span....that don't like to use the phone to gather information. :-)

Today I looked for Wurth paint on your site and after a few minutes I gave up. (Maybe you don't sell it) If I could have done a search of your entire <i>catalog</i> it would be nice to see all offerings related to that term.

I know you value your customer's opinion, that's why I took the time to chime in.

Actually, that's a great idea. I'd be using that wizard if I were going for it, and for sure, I'd want to be sure every thing in the wizard was what I needed...just don't leave any speciality tools out!

Nope, at the top of every page is a header that says:

"Order everything you need securely on-line here,
or give us a call Toll-Free at 1-888-280-7799
Can't find it? Check out our Parts Index or
Search our Entire Catalog for what you need."

Click on Search our Entire Catalog and then type in "Wurth" and you will find it.

You're right though - you guys are lazy. I've been meaning to put in more search boxes for a while now, perhaps I'll do it tonite while I'm working on the wizard...

-Wayne

I think you need to create a "Pelican Credit Union" and float low interest loans to us board members so we can buy all of the cool stuff you sell. And you could earn interest at the same time. Profits multiplied.. Think BIG Boys. Capitalism in action!

Just a thought...hee hee:-)

Dude, I've thought about the Pelican Credit Card... Hmm...

Anyways, I added some more stuff to the rebuild wizard, let me know what you think now...

-Wayne