Spare Parts Database - user built

[Roger]

I started to do this database for myself, then thought it might be a good tool for the users of this forum (all models). Knowledge is power as they say and more than a few times I have either asked a question which has been covered in depth here or people have come after the event and said oh you just need part no. blah blag.

It looks like this:

Feel free to sign up and see what you think, it should be self explanatory on how its used. If there is interest I can tidy it up and put the forum admin team as admin on the database also.

https://highersafe.knack.com/cruiser-parts-database#home/

If the idea does float peoples boats I'm not precious about hosting, if the forum software allows such a thing to be created (after all its just mysql programming) - I wont be offended - its not as if I need the extra workload!

Finally, don't worry about passwords - all I can see is your email address - the passwords are blanked out for me at admin level like the following picture shows:

Its rough and ready at the moment (took 20 mins to do) - so any feedback appreciated. Ive set it to require admin approval (to stop abuse / rogue users) - if it does take off then more and more will be able to approve.

 

[Roger]

I've temporarily made it open for all - I will take this option out later (its just for security).

Shame no one is really biting for this, it could be a very valuable resource - one that I will still run for myself anyway.

 

[Chris]

Roger, to be fair I think you need to give it a little longer than a day. Even the wheel and internet porn took a little longer than that. You say it should be obvious how it works, to be fair, I don't think it is.

Looks like the start of a very interesting resource but I certain have questions.
How are the listings kept up to date with price and availability?
How do we stop people just flooding it with things for sale?
Is there potential for any conflict between sellers themselves?
etc.

I like the idea and anything that benefits forum members gets a thumbs up from me. But I do think an explanation might be in order.

 

[Roger]

See your points Chris, to be clear its not intended as a resource or marketing tool for suppliers or sellers - rather its a list of what we the DIY enthusiasts have had to source to help keep our trucks in order or parts that give a nice upgrade.

To answer your questions:

How are the listings kept up to date with price and availability?

• They are not, the listings are just as happened at the time of entry.
• Personally the price is a second tier bit of info, I would be more interested in finding part numbers and knowing that a part listed by Toyota for a 2001 vehicle will fit a 1992 vehicle (I use the 120 amp alternator bracket as an example).

How do we stop people just flooding it with things for sale?

• User registration and Admin - much like how this forum works - delete non applicable entries / ban users if they did happen
• All Admin from this forum would be given full admin rights

Is there potential for any conflict between sellers themselves?

• This is not a tool for sellers and should not be promoted as such (although I suppose it would be fair to allow the promoted companies on this forum to do it?) - it is for forum users who want to look up parts / fitment / known sources / approx price.
• Sellers would choose if they wanted to list price - its not a compulsory field

Consider it a little black book of parts (or the notes you make in the back of the Haynes manual).
For those who dont use them, Databases are essentially the next step up from a spreadsheet, you can manipulate data in many ways to help you search and present in a user friendly way (this forum is essentially a database which uses the same programming).

In use its quite simple:

• The table is a list of all entries made and is populated by users adding information
  
  
• You can add a listing by clicking the add button
  
  
• You can search on any of the data such as searching "diff" would currently bring up that plunger switch but if you searched "diff actuator" currently no listings would be found - much like the search function on here.
  
  
• The more its used the more it will grow and the more useful it will become.

Hope that explains what I intended it to be?

I should have also explained, it is currently hosted on a HTTPS secure server - this will not be public information.

Everybody - Please feel free to add data and see how it works - at this early stage we can always delete.

 

[Rodger]

I think this has great potential but would say that it should be an 'Inter-change' database. They have these in the States ( and probably else where) but they are really useful although not only are the parts identified to different models but also to manufacturers. A UK example from the 60s was the suspension bushes for Lotus 7s - expensive from Lotus but the same bushes were used on A35s and they were pennies.
Maybe this database could prove to be useful in the same way except just between models of land cruisers.
Sourcing parts, as our trucks get older, can be difficult but if the same part was used on a later and/or different model that may provide an easier solution to a problem.

Regards,

 

[kingtom]

Good idea

 

[kingtom]

one suggestion would be to add contact details of supplier or hyperlinks of the website.

Ill populate some when I get home. Most of my time is spent looking for the best bargains this would make life alot easier

 

[Roger]

I think this has great potential but would say that it should be an 'Inter-change' database. They have these in the States ( and probably else where) but they are really useful although not only are the parts identified to different models but also to manufacturers. A UK example from the 60s was the suspension bushes for Lotus 7s - expensive from Lotus but the same bushes were used on A35s and they were pennies.
Maybe this database could prove to be useful in the same way except just between models of land cruisers.
Sourcing parts, as our trucks get older, can be difficult but if the same part was used on a later and/or different model that may provide an easier solution to a problem.

Regards,

Yes Rodger, thats exactly the thinking behind this - parts availability, fitment to vehicles etc.

Im not precious about the name - open to suggestions.

one suggestion would be to add contact details of supplier or hyperlinks of the website.

Ill populate some when I get home. Most of my time is spent looking for the best bargains this would make life alot easier

Web Link colum added Tom

Look forward to seeing your entries, the more its used the better it will become and hopefully will snowball.

 

[Roger]

Another thing to mention, is it doesn't have to be just for spare parts - useful tools or equipment could be added - I have added an example.

 

[Roger]

User Registration re-instated.

 

[Roger]

Perfect use of the database Tom - cheers.

Did you find any significant difference in quality with that kit compared the offerings from Roughtrax or Milner?

 

[kingtom]

To be honest Roger I am not sure yet as I haven't fitted any. When I was rebuilding my diffs it was suggested to me to get some of the marlin crawler seals as they are twice as strong/good as anything else on the market including genuine. so bought a load plus the full axle rebuild kit. Have to see how they fair.

Got a few more things to put on but will have to do it when I get back home in December

 

[Roger]

I'm offloading for the weekend - so there wont be any approvals made for the next couple of days - going forward if anybody wants admin rights to assist with approval and maintenance of the database please let me know.

 

[Roger]

Im going to give this one last push:

https://highersafe.knack.com/cruiser-parts-database#home/

It could be worth it weight in gold when populated.....

 

[MarkW]

Only just seen this as I missed whilst on my trip. Looks great, as you say could be a great set of information