[Lew Ledyard]

David:

Yes, along those lines. An exploded parts diagram is also always helpful. In the diagram, just assign a number to the part. Then in the description of parts, list what it is. Most of the parts will be fasteners, but list their size and specs. In the beginning you could generally desribe the type of nuts and bolts (e.g. grade 8, stainless, etc.) so you would not have to keep repeating. Other parts could be listed just like you say. (Left motor mount - Ford part # _____, wheel bearing - Porsche part #_____, headlight switch - Lucas #____, etc.) At the end of the parts book, list the contact information for vendors.

A manual (which may or may not be a separate book from the parts book) should list things like suspension set-up, torque specs, what to grease, fluid types and capacities, etc. It would be more like a shop manual than an owners manual. You could also list things like types on how to clean and polish aluminum, how to safety wire, etc.

Put it in binder form so it can be updated. It would probably also serve as a good marketing tool. Someone might want to pay $50 to see a detailed explanation of how the car is put together. It might encourage them to buy once they see how well the car is built and what kind of thought went into it. I think ERA has a comprehensive assembly/owners manual. I am sure a lot of current ERA owners bought the manual first, drooled over it for a while and then decided to spring for the car.

Thanks for listening.