Because I'm "building" my project in CAD before I even take step in the workshop, I'm finding myself spending more and more time trawling the net for (any!) technical drawings of the common parts in a vehicle - things like windscreen wiper motors, heater assemblies, air con units. At the moment also looking for Corsa electric power steering column and "appropriate" racks.

Are there any known sources of this type of thing I'm missing? pretty much a case of if it's used in a car, I need at least rough dims but more often than not plentiful accurate dims!

I think you wil find it very difficult to find exactly what you are looking for.

Cortina upright, engines, steering racks are there, but heater units, wiper motors; I doubt it.

bob hope and no hope are about your only chances methinks.

In my experience, even when you work for an OEM it can be difficult finding drawings for the parts it puts on its vehicles.

As for "outsiders" obtaining them- well whoever published them could be in a bit of trouble and wiper motors aren't interesting enough to lose your job over.

Best bet (assuming you don't have a CMM) is to get the part you want to model and scan any flat sides 1:1. Import the picture into a drawing in your CAD program. "Trace" it and measure it.

Sounds really stupid I know but I've got measurements within 0.1mm by doing this which isn't too bad.

For things you cant scan/ aren't flat, take a digital photo will a ruler next to it from as far away as you can, import, trace, measure- but accuracy is in mm's rather than fractions.

OK, everyone may now begin the onslaught of mickey taking and gasps of disbelief...

All the best mate

Hi Bob,

was looking at your website a few days ago, didn't realise you were here as well!

Cheers for the thoughts, I was trying to avoid purchasing bits at the moment as I have nowhere to store stuff, though I'll be getting the glass in CAD by pretty similar methods soon.

Suppose a wiper motor isn't too hard to hide under the bed

I think it always helps to have a physical part in front of you, allows you to keeps perspective and a sense of scale.

BTW, finally uploaded a new version of site last night if you want to take a look link

Cheers

Indeed, unfortunately it's also useful to be able to keep your physical anatomy intact... something which doesn't always fit into an equation featuring a wife and car parts distributed around the house

Website looks great mate, massive improvement!