Do not begin with a complete teardown or a new wish list. Re-establish the finish line, photograph the current state, list blockers, then choose one safe job that can finish in the time and money available this week.
Garage checklist
- Take a current walkaround
- Find loose and removed parts
- Choose the finish line again
- Flag safety and deterioration
- List the top three blockers
- Pick one finishable job
- Record what changed
Make the current state visible
Old notes describe an old project. Photograph the vehicle now, include removed parts and record what has deteriorated. This is the new baseline.
Shrink the next job
A useful session can be cleaning one earth point, labelling one box of parts or requesting one missing measurement. The job should remove uncertainty or unlock a later task.
Protect momentum
End each session by recording the next physical action. A project stalls when every return to the garage begins with deciding what the project is.
Limits and safety
Long-stored vehicles can contain degraded fuel, tyres, seals, wiring, fluids, pests and structural corrosion. Inspect safely before attempting to start or move the vehicle.
Evidence and sources
- Owner project records and current vehicle evidence
- Vehicle-specific safety and storage guidance