That is a good question. Given the nature of my projects which involve modifications, I regularly acquire a lot of parts during the planning phase so as to have the ability to chose among different options. Once the project is finished I am usually left with a lot of parts, some of which I sell to finance the next project but also to clear some room, as in the end room ends up being an issue. Some other parts I keep, if I feel I may need them as spares or for a future project. So my stock of parts regularly increases and then decreases, depending on the phase I am in regarding a project. I do not have a fancy computerized system, and most of it depends on my memory. However I have come with a rough storage system in order to find rapidly what I'm looking for.
- First, I separate Makes (Mercedes, BMW, Citroen etc.)
- Within a Make, I group parts per type (ignition, transmission, steering, suspension etc.) without differentiating by models. This is because a lot of parts are common to several models, but also because of room, as multiplying the number of boxes also requires more room.
- I then fit the parts per type and make in big storage boxes that can be piled up one on top of each-other. Sometimes I group two types of parts in one box (steering + suspension for example) in case the box is big enough compared to the amount of parts I have.
- I then stick a paper on the front of each big box noting the contents (Mercedes/Injection for example) and I then pile up the boxes on the side of the garage ending up in a wall of boxes, the lightest at the top and heaviest at the bottom.
- I usually keep a few boxes out and accessible depending on what I'm working on. I also have dedicated boxes accessible with all what I post on eBay so as to access the part easily once it's sold.
Nothing fancy, but it allows me to keep a lot of parts while optimizing room in my garage, and access them rapidly, though it sometimes turns into quite a work out when I need something at the bottom. I guess I would need to build special shelves adapted to the weight and the size of the boxes. Obviously Big parts like complete engines are kept separately, though I still try to pile them up as much as I can to save room. I've been keeping complete rear axles vertically, and I currently have a Mazda transmission sitting vertically on top of a 13B engine (part of a future non-MB project).
