Anyone used Auto Restoration Assistant software before?

[kycarguy 935]

I saw this on ebay and was curious if anyone has tried it before. It shows Buy it now for $49.95 Thanks in advance for any feedback.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4559952950&category=10076

What is Auto Restoration Assistant 3.0?

Auto Restoration Assistant 3.0 is a computer software package designed to assist in the restoration of you classic automobile. The software consists of a user friendly database used to keep track of all aspects of your restoration project.

What Our Product Offers

We have developed this software to enhance your ability to track and efficiently complete your vehicle's restoration. Our program maintains a complete and comprehensive history of many aspects of the vehicle restoration such the purchase of parts, labor spent, and costs associated with the restoration. The program also provides professional looking reports to maintain in your personal files.

Here are some of the highlights of the Auto Restoration Assistant 3.0.

· Vehicle History Module - Allows you to track basic information about your project such as buyer/seller info, options, values, inventory, and much more. Also includes a photo album where you can place your scanned images.

· Auto Clubs and Events Module - Allows you to keep track of clubs, cruises, current events, and auto shows you have entered your classic in.

· Address Book - Allows you to keep track of friends and club contacts.

· Parts and Storage Module - Allows you to keep track of parts ordered, received, swap meets, internet auctions, and estimates. Also, contains a Parts Catalog that allows you to keep track of your parts when your project is disassembled. The module also gives you the ability to get current totals and print out a report for tracking.

· Repairs and Services Module - Allows you to keep track of current and future repairs. Also, prioritize your tasks to ensure you are on schedule. Module also gives you the ability to get current totals and print out a report for tracking.

· Web Site Assistant - Allows you to keep track of your favorite automobile web sites.

· Timeline Feature - Option allows you to consolidate cost and projected completion dates to keep you focused on your project.

· Customizable - Option allows you to customize numerous tables in the database that are use for drop down menus. For example, you could tailor your database to Chevrolet and configure models and engine sizes that only apply to your interest.

· Extensive Reports - Over 30 reports can be printed for a professional looking vehicle history. Impress prospected buyers with a Complete History Report.

· Additional Blank Forms - Also includes blank forms for general maintenance and parts checklists

[Hetmann]

I just used a notebook. Worked pretty good for me.

[RickM]

I'd hope it affords you the ability to capture pics of parts and assemblies. VERY critical when reassembling.

I use lots of ziplock bags/markers, plastic storage bins, notebook and a photo album to record what I need.

[dtw]

I would stay away. In my opinion, the biggest drawback of this software is that it is going to feature simple, straightforward tools & resources for quick and easy access to your expenditures, and your total investment in the car in terms of hours and dollars. That violates the cardinal rule of auto restoration finance, which is that you stick all the receipts in a shoebox or manila envelope, and never open the box/envelope other than to stick receipts in.

At the very least, I'd want robust security and password protection. If my wife stumbled across a database like this, serve me with divorce papers in a matter of hours. Paper trail BAD!!

[ianc]

Doesn't really sound like anything you couldn't accomplish with Outlook, some Excel spreadsheets and some digicam software...

ianc

[kycarguy 935]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have been keeping track of everything on paper and detail pictures on cd's. I was asking because I'm normally working on more then 1 car at a time and other cars including Porsche's. I was thinking this may be a good way to log items and keep track easier and save me some time.

I was up at Mosier's Restorations in LA a few years ago and they had about 7-8 cars destined for Pebble Beach and noticed how they used a bay for each car and used paper cups for all the small parts and placed them on shelving behind the car being restored. They had about 15-20 restorations going on at once in different stages.