A possible tip for Spidy and other first time wrenchers.

[wiggydotcom]

Although I'm far from an ace mechanic(an industrial electrician by trade), I enjoy working on my Interstate. Most of what I've accomplished was thanks to Shoptalk, Inzane Tech sessions--thanks, Ratdog and Daniel Meyer...and the advice of fellow VRCC members who are so quick to help offer suggestions.

But if I was to offer one bit of advice, it's that a camera is my best friend. Nowadays, I just grab my cellphone and take pics along the way. Pre-disassembly, important steps along the way...like don't forget this shim/washer/spacer...that this speedo tab gets oriented here kinda thing. When ya pull the pin and your brake pads fall to the floor along with the keeper springs, etc, that's when you'll be glad you took a pic beforehand.  I'm always good at the DIS-assembly part. It's the going together part that sometimes confuses me.

[Jess from VA]

Very good idea.   

I am a shade tree mechanic at best, and don't take pics, but I lay all my removed parts out in the exact order and orientation they came off.  Then try not to kick them all over creation going to and from the tool chest.

[michaelyoung254]

I use a method that a friend showed to me a long time ago  (way before there were digital camera's) that learned working on C-130's in the Air Force. "Bag & Tag" everything! I was skeptical at first because it does take longer to take it apart, but man does it make it go back together easier! I get a couple of boxes of cheap Wally World zip lock baggies (large), some masking tape, and a Sharpie. As I'm taking each component off, I place all bolts and smaller parts into the baggie and then use the Sharpie and write down what I took it off of. All wiring connectors get labeled with masking tape. If it's a wiring harness connector, I just put some tape on each side of the connector, and then I just simply label each side. Normally I simply start with "1", and then the next connectors are marked as "2" and so on and so on. When re-assembling, "1" plugs into "1", "2" into "2", "3" into "3", and so forth. If the connector connects to a component, I label where it goes, alternator, starter etc.... When connecting to the frame, I write a short description where it goes.

Like I said, it does take longer taking it apart, but it sure does make putting it back together a breeze. Like Jess, I never have taken pictures, but I think that will change because having pictures would make it that much easier.

[Chiefy]

I use a method that a friend showed to me a long time ago  (way before there were digital camera's) that learned working on C-130's in the Air Force. "Bag & Tag" everything! I was skeptical at first because it does take longer to take it apart, but man does it make it go back together easier! I get a couple of boxes of cheap Wally World zip lock baggies (large), some masking tape, and a Sharpie. As I'm taking each component off, I place all bolts and smaller parts into the baggie and then use the Sharpie and write down what I took it off of. All wiring connectors get labeled with masking tape. If it's a wiring harness connector, I just put some tape on each side of the connector, and then I just simply label each side. Normally I simply start with "1", and then the next connectors are marked as "2" and so on and so on. When re-assembling, "1" plugs into "1", "2" into "2", "3" into "3", and so forth. If the connector connects to a component, I label where it goes, alternator, starter etc.... When connecting to the frame, I write a short description where it goes.

Like I said, it does take longer taking it apart, but it sure does make putting it back together a breeze. Like Jess, I never have taken pictures, but I think that will change because having pictures would make it that much easier.

Your system would work great if for some reason something came up in the middle of the job, and you couldn't get back to it for a few days.  Never had a problem with a repair that flowed from start to finish, but if I get side tracked, things get dicey.

[hubcapsc]

I like to use the camera to help me see stuff I can't otherwise see...
here's the throat of a groaty caliper...



-Mike

[Oss]

when I work on the beemer I take cardboard and push the different size bolts or screws into a drawing page so I make sure the pieces go back right and there are no extra parts

pics is a great idea I will do that also.  Dont forget to actually check the pic before moving on to the next step  just cause you take a pic dont mean you can actually see it later

[Bone]

Great ideas and the camera can save the job. I'm a 40 year do-it -yourself mechanic. My skills became useless when I suffered a injury that caused short-term memory loss. I quickly discovered I could still take things apart but reassembly was a puzzle. I like puzzles but this was new.

What saved me was when I take anything apart the first piece off I put on the bench or work surface arms length away. Second piece next to that and so on until the last piece is closest to the project.
This is like sticking the parts, bolts, etc. in cardboard just my version. I was putting things together and seeing parts that should already be assembled that made me worry about safety especially on the first test ride.
Notes and pictures where I think needed.

[SpidyJ]

Heartfelt thanks.....I appreciate it.
Great idea.
I will be posting some pix of my bike.........almost done........a little more polishing and some lettering and striping.

[RonW]

always remind yourself of the rule that if you're struggling, you're doing it wrong. Easier said than done naturally.

[wiggydotcom]

Heartfelt thanks.....I appreciate it.
Great idea.
I will be posting some pix of my bike.........almost done........a little more polishing and some lettering and striping.

Looking forward to seeing the pics...and no doubt hearing about the satisfaction you got after a well done job--by YOU! 

[SpidyJ]

I'm gonna ask East Coast Artie if he'll do the lettering and striping........hope he has time.
He did my HD..........he is one of the best around.
I'm thinkin' Silver and Burgundy......the IS is black.

Valkyrie letters are gone from the trunk so I'm thinking paint it on with a Dragon Tail underline.