Gearhead Online Project Planning Tool - Looking for Feedback

[rogerjohnston]

Hey guys,

I posted this on another forum and totally forgot to post it over here for feedback.

I'm working on developing a new online project planning tool to help manage, organize, document and budget our build projects. The idea was to get a little more organized and move away from the many note pad lists that I tend to come up. I thought it would be awesome that when planning/budgeting to have something that I can log into and manage each aspect of the build. Plus by having some what of a templated format it makes it easier to remember the little things that tend to add up quickly.

So far I have had quite a few guys check it out and give some great feedback on how we can make it better to fit everyones needs in the community.

The tool is called Dream Build Drive (http://dreambuilddrive.com) and would love to hear what you guys think.

I'm a developer so the sky is really the limit with this thing so any and all ideas are welcome!

Thanks!
Roger

[Vega$69]

I registered. I think it's a great tool.

One thing you might add is a starting budget summary and then maybe update with parts purchased and show remaining $ in each line item.

Also perhaps a wish list with parts, costs and vendor(s)

One category that can eat up a ton of $ is fasteners and other small misc parts and maybe specialty tools.

John

[waynieZ]

I just registered. It won't let me put in my windows and seals, it goes to post update. and I almost had a stroke seeing it all together.

[rogerjohnston]

I registered. I think it's a great tool.

One thing you might add is a starting budget summary and then maybe update with parts purchased and show remaining $ in each line item.

Also perhaps a wish list with parts, costs and vendor(s)

One category that can eat up a ton of $ is fasteners and other small misc parts and maybe specialty tools.

John

Thanks John! Good call on the budget summary. Yeah I was thinking of adding in the ability to select if the part was already purchased or if it still needs to be purchased. Then you can see the total already spent, total that has been allocated but not yet spent and then how that looks against your total build budget.

Yeah I hear you on the fasteners and other small misc things. Good call on the specialty tools as well. I've got on my to-do list to add in outside labor for things like chrome plating, polishing, machining, paint/body work, welding, alignments, etc. Just things that tend to get outsourced.

Really appreciate the feedback!

[rogerjohnston]

I just registered. It won't let me put in my windows and seals, it goes to post update. and I almost had a stroke seeing it all together.

LOL! Yeah it adds up quick!

I just fixed the windows/seals for you. Just let me know if you see anything that needs to be added.

Thanks!
Roger

[Tuske427]

I too just registered. It's a great idea and it's going to take me a long time to add everything in there, and I'm sure I'll be scared seeing the total.

recommendations:

- give the ability to add rows in each category. Maybe it's blank and the user can just fill it in. I have parts not listed and I can't add in there, etc.

- give the ability to add sales tax. It's part of the cost, and, a lot of my receipts have the tax as a separate charge...

- How about a "tool" category. I've had to buy many tools to build this car. It is part of the cost.

- maybe a "misc" category for users to add any additional costs or allow them to create their own category name.

- give a place to put the purchase price of the car.

- question: Is there a grand total somewhere? So far all I see are totals for each category.

Hope this helps.

BTW- Thank you for making this site and sharing it. I look forward to filling this out more, but I will need the above added to make the most of it.

-Brendon

[Riddler]

Just started my build. However it'll take a white to update it all.

It seems like a great platform....

Riddler

[rogerjohnston]

I too just registered. It's a great idea and it's going to take me a long time to add everything in there, and I'm sure I'll be scared seeing the total.

recommendations:

- give the ability to add rows in each category. Maybe it's blank and the user can just fill it in. I have parts not listed and I can't add in there, etc.

- give the ability to add sales tax. It's part of the cost, and, a lot of my receipts have the tax as a separate charge...

- How about a "tool" category. I've had to buy many tools to build this car. It is part of the cost.

- maybe a "misc" category for users to add any additional costs or allow them to create their own category name.

- give a place to put the purchase price of the car.

- question: Is there a grand total somewhere? So far all I see are totals for each category.

Hope this helps.

BTW- Thank you for making this site and sharing it. I look forward to filling this out more, but I will need the above added to make the most of it.

-Brendon

Hey Brendon,

I really appreciate your feedback.

Misc. Parts - I'm working on adding in the extra "Misc" lines for each section to account for anything not listed.

Tool Category - This one has come up a few times so its high on the priority list.

Car Purchase Price - Good call, I will add this in where you set your project budget.

Grand Total - I have this on my list and will be adding it right away.

Sales Tax - Are you thinking a total (throughout the whole build) sales tax field or a per part sales tax field?

I'll update you as soon as I get this stuff added!

Thanks,
Roger

[rogerjohnston]

Just started my build. However it'll take a white to update it all.

It seems like a great platform....

Riddler

Thanks Riddler! Just let me know if you run into any road blocks so we can get them addressed right away.

Thanks!
Roger

[waynieZ]

Brendon's ideas will definitely help, I'll keep checking back to update my build. Great work.

[V8TV]

Planning on a labor category? Bodywork / paint?

[V8TV]

Shipping is another silent enemy of budgets.

[V8TV]

Looks cool so far!

[dontlifttoshift]

Shipping is another silent enemy of budgets.

5 to 7 percent usually.....it adds up fast.

[Evan Iroc-Z]

Maybe this falls into the Misc category, but what about forced induction. I am doing a turbo build and there are quite a few parts associated with it. Maybe you handle it like your transmission page, have a drop down for nitrous, supercharger, and turbo?

You have done a service to a lot of people and I thank you for it.

[Tuske427]

Hey Brendon,

I really appreciate your feedback.

Misc. Parts - I'm working on adding in the extra "Misc" lines for each section to account for anything not listed.

Tool Category - This one has come up a few times so its high on the priority list.

Car Purchase Price - Good call, I will add this in where you set your project budget.

Grand Total - I have this on my list and will be adding it right away.

Sales Tax - Are you thinking a total (throughout the whole build) sales tax field or a per part sales tax field?

I'll update you as soon as I get this stuff added!

Thanks,
Roger

RE: sales tax. Maybe there is a better way to include this?? My thinking was because I have numerous receipts where there is a sales tax charge at the bottom, and many times shipping charges, too, and my issue is that it's a lump sum for the various parts I have bought. So while I can individually list each part in their respective category, I'm still left with the tax and/ or shipping charge that needs to be included somewhere. Just not sure where to place this.

[Tuske427]

Roger- any updates to your site yet?