[Healeys] parts database

[John P. New]

Al,

I have had some experience putting the parts list into a database format (see lbcdigital.com) and let me tell you, it is a VERY difficult task.

Just to give you an idea, I have put the parts lists of the BN4 through to the BJ8 into several databases, and I have over 21,000 unique entries! And I would estimate that the BN1/2 would add another 5,000, maybe even 8,000, entries. The difficulty is not only in the sheer number of parts, but the fact that they were never meant to be put into a computer database in the first place; all of these parts lists were done by hand and evolved through the years. There are similarities, but each parts list has a slightly different structure with slightly different information. While this is fine for a hand-crafted list, it plays havoc with a database.

When I set myself the task of digitizing the parts lists, I made the decision to mimic the original structure of each of the lists, so each database has a different structure. On top of that, I geared the databases towards generating html for a browser-readable experience. I could probably generate a straight list, but without a lot of front-end programming, the resulting list would be total chaos. I'm not saying it's impossible, just that there is a lot of work to be done even after entering 25,000 parts into a database.

I had always thought that it would be cool to be able to type in the model, VIN, and a few other things like LHD/RHD, country, etc, and produce a custom parts list for that car. That idea didn't last long, after I saw how many internal inconsistencies and errors there are in the parts lists.

So the answer to your questions: Yes, I have a parts database; but no, it won't keep an inventory, at least not without a fair amount of work.

John P. New
London, Ontario, Canada
'67 BJ8

On July 14, 2012 09:46:24 AM Al Fuller wrote:
> OK - so my mania - passion - has reached a new high, and I now have two
> basket case BJ-8s in addition to the BT-7.
> 
>  
> 
> Query:  Does anyone have a parts database, such that one can keep track of
> all the various parts one has, so as to avoid continuing to buy duplicates
> of stuff already in stock?
> 
>  
> 
> I'm thinking somebody who has already restored a car MUST have done this
> already.
> 
>  
> 
> Al Fuller
> 
> al at bighealey dot org
> 
> '62 BT-7
> 
> '65 BJ-8
> 
> '65 BJ-8
> 
> '85 Rx-7
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