Do you keep a journal or notebook on your car?

[Kern Dog]

I've been keeping notebooks on cars since the late 80s. I write down the easy tips, the tasks that suck, all maintenance stuff. Rarely do I list the prices though!
I also try to record the mileage of the car at the time of repair. I try to list part numbers but I sometimes I forget to do it. These records sure help support my memory and keep me from repeating mistakes. Also, it helps for things where I have deviated from stock. With all the changes I'm doing lately with the new guages and dash wiring, I need to document what I have rerouted.

[Dino]

Not for everything I do but I do keep certain things such as the custom wiring schematics.  Sooner or later I'm bound to forget what the heck I did to this car.

[Brock Lee]

I keep one of those accordion looking file folders locked in a safe. It contains the title, receipts, old papers found in the car, extra keys, notes for things done, etc. I am about to bump the Charger up to two folders. But everything is together. No hunting any of those small items and papers down.

[six-tee-nine]

Hah, funny enough, I do for my daily drivers, but not for my classics.

for the daily's I just use a simple word file in wich I add what I did to the car / what parts I replaced and the actual mileage.

[myk]

Keeping track of what we do with our machines is important.  Without it you end up doing the 2 year long oil change interval like I did with my Mustang...

[Ghoste]

I keep a file with notes and receipts and so forth.

[b5blue]

This year I pitched a box full receipts going back 20 years. Oil and wiper blades from 1996, what was I thinking!  I do have important stuff saved but very little now. I keep a small note book in the car to jot down info at all times though.   

[wingcar]

I use to keep a small journal in the glove box to record fill ups, oil changes, tune-ups and part purchases.  For my first couple of cars the details were spot on almost down to the last penny....but with each new car the journal thing became secondary to the point where today I don't even do one.  I do however keep track of any parts I purchase for the project cars.   On my latest project Charger I started to add up the receipts for all the parts I have purchased for it a while back.....I stopped as I never realized how much I had spent so far.....I got to thinking that I am one of the reasons many of the aftermarket suppliers (such as Year One, etc.) are doing so well.   Do yourself a favor and don't start adding up all your receipts...you may be surprised at the bottom line number (this is really true if you have been buying parts for a few years, as you will not realize the overall cost)...LOL

[John_Kunkel]

I keep a journal in each car listing maintenance and major component replacement dates.

Each car also has a folder that lists records like purchase date, parts, costs, etc. Periodically I add up the costs column and then breathe deeply to steady my heart rate. 

[polywideblock]

   I keep one of those plastic  sealable "documents" folders that are about 1/2 inch thick  with all the receipts for parts /work done  ,import approval/customs papers etc. 
 
            one for each car all safely stored 

[RallyeMike]

I keep a log on the race car with various setups on timing, tire pressure, carb settings, fuel use, spark plug readings, alignment settings, and observed max temperatures of oil and water. The others..... nope.

[keepat]

I also keep a book with documents, measurements and details of each car I build. But I have to say one of the best ways to save and document the building is with a start to finish thread. It turns out to be a great source of information and allows you to go back to see how something came apart and would go back together when you take the time to post the pictures and the details. It is also a great way to market the car after the build. You can share that link with potential buyers and they can see the attention to detail throughout your build.
Pat

[Sublime/Sixpack]

I keep a record on each vehicle.

[Nwcharger]

A few years back I went to the picknpull to get some parts to fix a friends car an seen a 67 Monaco 500 2 door that had not hit the yard yet. I ended up buying the whole car and towed it home. Started going threw the inside and found a little note pad in the glove box. It was the original owners maintenance records, it had everything ever done to the car written in it starting at its first oil change and he noted mileage every time. The car was only missing a battery. I don't know why it ended up at the junkyard. 100% rust free and was almost straight as an arrow. I'm glad I saved it.

[XS29L]

No journal but I've saved all of my time slips from the drags.   

[Kern Dog]

A few years back I went to the picknpull to get some parts to fix a friends car an seen a 67 Monaco 500 2 door that had not hit the yard yet. I ended up buying the whole car and towed it home. Started going threw the inside and found a little note pad in the glove box. It was the original owners maintenance records, it had everything ever done to the car written in it starting at its first oil change and he noted mileage every time. The car was only missing a battery. I don't know why it ended up at the junkyard. 100% rust free and was almost straight as an arrow. I'm glad I saved it.

Your timing was great on that one. I have seen this situation many times. I've seen clusters of similar cars arrive at the yards all at once as well. My assumption is that the owners of these cars probably dies and the estate/kids/wife/relatives have zero interest in the cars or what they are worth to people. They just want the "junk" cleared out.
We all need to be CLEAR to our family what we want for our cars once we check out.

[HeavyFuel]

A spiral notebook (remember those?) stores the tune-up notes and things like the 47 1/2 different distributor and carb settings that I've tried.  Also per year mileage and maintenance performed since the restoration was completed.

I also have every receipt and any other piece of documentation that was involved in the restoration.

[Kern Dog]

I have kept notebooks for many reasons. I often refer back to them to remind me of when I installed something, what troubles I had with installation, etc. I've learned a lot with parts interchange just by trying things on my own. Like mentioned above, it also serves as a log for what combinations worked and what did not.