I somehow managed to miss all the replies to this thread since my post!
Taking into account Moe's idea of each person doing smaller sections, Terry's thoughts on formatting for easy filtering of like-components, and considering that as an IT guy I'm fine with spreadsheets; I'd like to propose the following solution.
How about a google docs spreadsheet that is open for all to view, but with a restricted user list for updating. I suggest google docs because the latest version can always be available online, and maintaining read/write access for multiple users is quite easy.
When we eventually get to a point where it is complete (or as close as realistically possible), I can extract the data into a proper Excel spreadsheet or database that has better filtering and sorting functionality.
SO, I have set up a spreadsheet for all to view, with some made-up examples in italics. Please go ahead and suggest changes to the columns etc where you think appropriate. If you want to get started on adding parts, send me a PM and I will set you up with "write" access. The order of entries is not important.
The spreadsheet can be found at
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AgqJ1WnE_2UOdEYwLThobWxvMWRxOFpBYi1QY0RsVGc&hl=en&authkey=CMSV4IYGPS Not trying to step on anybody's toes with the google docs spreadsheet idea, if you prefer to use an offline spreadsheet, go ahead and I'll add your data to this one when you are finished.
PPS, MD - mine is an '81 Gal Californian (AKFPD).