Motorsports/Restoration/PPI/Car App

[wbfondren]

Hi guys-

This post could be suited for another blog or a general motorsports blog, but my love for Porsche and this community especially made me decide to post it on here.

I know how to code and make apps and am always looking for an opportunity to make an app if there is a need in the market. Out of all of my interests, it seems that the most open ended for a possibility for an app lies in my interest in cars (restoring them, tracking them, etc.).

There are a few apps for track days that work very well and prove a great tool to track all of your progress on the track and keep it organized, so that market is fairly sealed.

I love seeing restoration stories and projects, and maybe there is a market for tracking all of this restoration for the everyday guy who is doing the work themselves. From tracking their wish list and end goals to their current orders and budgets. Could this be a possibility? You could connect it to PelicanParts and other car blogs to track your personal forums and posts to chronicle the adventure that is your project. Maybe I'm wrong, but tell me what you all think about this idea with your honest opinion.

Maybe another option would be an app that would put PPI's (I think we all know, but a pre-purchase inspection) on a mobile platform. A place that would be an easy and quick way to input data into a PPI and keep track of it so you wouldn't ever run the risk of losing your piece of paper or data because of a simple mistake, it would be on your phone/tablet/computer for good. I haven't seen anything like this, and if it isn't necessary or needed I understand.

Are there other applications or tasks within the restoration process that are particularly difficult or annoying to track or organize? Or are there any things that you wish you could do easier, and maybe an app could help address this problem? If ANYONE has any ideas, they are all welcome and wanted!

I'm trying to make my permanent mark to help out this (amazing) community and give back in any way I can. So any and all input is helpful!

Thanks guys.

[bemmett]

My day job managing teams of software engineers basically means I don't really don't spend any time coding any longer. I'd be willing to pitch in and get my hands dirty. iOS preferable. I've been wanting to learn Swift.

[megerian]

I think the "track my project" idea is good, but there are many apps that track projects, and even if they aren't specific to automotive projects, I feel that the space is pretty well covered.

I think your PPI app idea is good. I am in the software business, and could help give you some ideas. One idea I will throw out there now is to have a general template that applies to all makes and models, then a customized profile for specific items for specific cars. So you could have things like "For make / model / year - be sure to check xxxx"

[bemmett]

Combining these content of these two links would be a good starting point, I think.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/911/technical_specs/911_checklist.txt
Pelican Parts: 911 FAQ Version 2.2

[onboost]

Personally, I think all this sounds good in the technically social world that we live. However, from a practical standpoint, with regard to restoration, tuning and maintenance, I think it just adds an unheeded layer. I mean it’s cool to be able to track your progress, steps, what parts are needed vs. wat you already have, but of you’re really working on a project do you have time for this?

Example: With one of the projects I’m working on, a fairly extensive restoration that touches every system on the car to one degree or another. I thought I’d put together a project plan with MS project, or maybe do a simple spreadsheet…. Uhhh, nope! I quickly found out that this took as much time, and took away time from doing the actual work!! It was/is simpler for me to just write out a punch list, check-off and/or add items as I go along. This as opposed to typing out processes, items, loading in part numbers etc.. then you say mobile, really? With what’s in and on your hands do you/we really have time to peck this into the phone? Hell, it’s a pain in the arse with people texting when I’m really putting in the time on a project.. everyone wants to know why you didn’t respond.. uhhh, how about I’m welding, running a band saw or a lathe, sanding, or have my hands full of grease and can’t touch a phone? I were a blue tooth.. we can talk if you can stand the background nose.

Just say’n

[wbfondren]

Originally Posted by onboost

Personally, I think all this sounds good in the technically social world that we live. However, from a practical standpoint, with regard to restoration, tuning and maintenance, I think it just adds an unheeded layer. I mean it’s cool to be able to track your progress, steps, what parts are needed vs. wat you already have, but of you’re really working on a project do you have time for this?

Example: With one of the projects I’m working on, a fairly extensive restoration that touches every system on the car to one degree or another. I thought I’d put together a project plan with MS project, or maybe do a simple spreadsheet…. Uhhh, nope! I quickly found out that this took as much time, and took away time from doing the actual work!! It was/is simpler for me to just write out a punch list, check-off and/or add items as I go along. This as opposed to typing out processes, items, loading in part numbers etc.. then you say mobile, really? With what’s in and on your hands do you/we really have time to peck this into the phone? Hell, it’s a pain in the arse with people texting when I’m really putting in the time on a project.. everyone wants to know why you didn’t respond.. uhhh, how about I’m welding, running a band saw or a lathe, sanding, or have my hands full of grease and can’t touch a phone? I were a blue tooth.. we can talk if you can stand the background nose.

Just say’n

This input is definitely helpful and I completely understand. I think the goal of the app would be to ultimately be simpler than running an excel sheet (I'm certain it would) or writing it all down. Sometimes a piece of paper and a pen works way better than any phone could, and I understand that, and maybe this is one of those times. But what if the app connected to Pelican Parts and a bevy of other auto part companies so that searching and finding your exact part was quick and easier through a big search (maybe I'm thinking a bit too large) and then you would be able to add it to your to-do list, and you could easily track the progress of a days work according to your overall project.

I think the app would be more suited for an end of the day type check up system (Though you could make it more hands on and upload step by step instructions for certain parts of your restoration and use the app then, maybe not). You would have a quick, easy place to check on the shipping and updates of your current part orders in one place, instead of having to look through a bunch of emails finding all of these different tracking numbers, etc. And then it could automatically track every single dollar you've spent on this project so you don't have to sit there with a calculator scratching your head thinking where you spent what, etc.

I think there are endless options and tasks that could be included in the app that would make a restoration process go more smoothly with better organization.

[wbfondren]

Originally Posted by bemmett

My day job managing teams of software engineers basically means I don't really don't spend any time coding any longer. I'd be willing to pitch in and get my hands dirty. iOS preferable. I've been wanting to learn Swift.

That would be great! Thanks.