I'm wanting to make a new Drivable Truck...

[NeutronHInc]

Okay, before I get too far into this post, here is some info I think you should know...

1. I'm very new to making meshes/objects. In fact this would be my first attempt at making a new object. (Unless you count the tutorial found here (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=104795) which I did with relative ease.)
2. I'm a fast learner and love a good challenge. I like to start with the harder stuff first. Don't ask me why, I've just always been that way.
3. I've got SimPE and Milkshape 3D(1.7.10). I do NOT have any other 3D model making programs. (ie. Maya or 3DSMax)
4. I've found a few good models from Turbo Squid I want to work from. One has a very low poly of 320
5. The model in question (Hummer H2) I want to start with can be found here (http://www.turbosquid.com/FullPreview/Index.cfm/ID/241058). Downloaded the .3ds format since I didn't see .gmax or .max import in Milkshape.
6. I have two other models I want to work on after this one. One is another Hummer(The H1) and a kicking 4x4 truck. However, the 4x4 truck is .mb format from Maya, but Milkshape can only import .ma formats from Maya. So if anyone knows how to convert the .mb into a .ma or .3ds format, please let me know by replying with that information FIRST because I really love the look of this 4x4 and I want my Sims to drive it, and have you're Sims drive it too. :D (I tried renaming the file to .ma instead of .mb, but that crashed Milkshape when I tried to open it)
7. To download anything from Turbo Squid, you will need to register with them, registration is free. (Some of the models are not, LOL)
8. If and when I get these new trucks finished, I will upload them here for everyone to use and recolor if they wish to.
9. Anyone who helps me create these new trucks will get the credit they deserve within the in game description of all the trucks/cars I create. (This will include this first Hummer H2 and ANY future trucks/cars I make)
10. I DO NOT want anyone to do ANY of the work for me. I will however ask for beta testers to help work out any bugs that may pop up.

So, what I'm asking for here is... (Please, be as detailed as you can with your replies, thank you.)

-What all is involved in making a NEW DRIVABLE Car/Truck?
--Please provide ALL information in detail. This should include any and all known links to tutorials.

-How can I convert a Maya .mb format file into a Maya .ma format file (or Autodesk .3ds format file)?
--Can this even be done? If anyone has Maya and can change the .mb to a .ma, please let me know so I can PM you the link to the 4x4 truck. I don't want anyone else to nab this truck before I get the chance to work on it. LOL

-Are there any tutorials for making new drivable cars/trucks?

Again, please be as detailed as you can in your replies.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide,
NHI

[IgnorantBliss]

In the tutorial section you will find both general object creation tutorials, and also a tutorial for cars.

With a lot of experience on helping beginner object creators, I strongly suggest you don't start straight off with a car, since those are pretty much the most complicated objects there are. I really recommend starting out with non-animated objects, like the table in the beginner tutorial by JWoods, and then get familiar with animated objects after you can handle all the other basics. I don't think you can expect anyone to hold your hand through a project like this unless you put effort into learning the basics as well as you can first.

[NeutronHInc]

In the tutorial section you will find both general object creation tutorials, and also a tutorial for cars.

With a lot of experience on helping beginner object creators, I strongly suggest you don't start straight off with a car, since those are pretty much the most complicated objects there are. I really recommend starting out with non-animated objects, like the table in the beginner tutorial by JWoods, and then get familiar with animated objects after you can handle all the other basics. I don't think you can expect anyone to hold your hand through a project like this unless you put effort into learning the basics as well as you can first.I had a feeling someone would say what you have. After looking through some of the tutorials and "help me" topics, I tend to agree about that. I should start with the easier stuff and then work my way up to cars when I can handle them.

I would like to keep this topic open though, so if people wish it, they can drop me pointers about making cars. That way, I won't have to ask for help with cars again, I'll just have to come to this topic and read through the posts. The people I would like to read from most are those who have made cars, since logically they would know more about the processes involved. I would still like detailed posts of the steps involved if anyone does reply with pointers. This would reduce questions from me... LOL.

Well, I'm off to follow JWood's tutorial to the letter, again. After that, I'll see about a chair or sofa. Then work my way up to other things.

Oh yeah, before I forget...

Where do I find the objects "Comfort +5" / "Energy +3" / "Environment +1" /etc... so I can modify them as well?

[promethius]

IgnorantBliss, could you please point us to the right direction for the Car Tutorial. If there is one, they should sticky it. Just to lazy right now search for it :)

[IgnorantBliss]

If you look at the tutorial section, you should easily find it. There are already so many stickied tutorials, ones that are for very basic stuff, so I don't think there is room/need for the car tutorial to be up there. There are only a couple of pages of tutorials, anyway, they are not that hard to find.