PUBLIC TEST

This mod allows adding new functional parts to the game:
- new parts (the parts that you buy in main shop, electronics shop etc)
- new tuned parts (tuned parts for vanilla parts or tuned versions of new parts)
- new Parts (this means the part assemblies you put in car configs in the editor)
- new Suspensions
- modify existing Parts and Suspensions (change, add, remove the parts in the assemblies)
- modify existing part models (meshes and/or materials)
- last but not least add new engines and modify existing ones
- an additional cool feature is ability to override material properties for multiple objects at the same time by using Global Material Override

- the experimental latest version allows adjustable suspension, modifying existing cars (even car bodies) and more.

This mod is the product of many, many man-hours of R&D over several months.

The mod is designed to be as creator-friendly as possible. It is fairly easy to create variants of existing assemblies if you can navigate a 3D modeling program and a Unity project. I believe if you are able to make a bonus part you should be able to make a part for this mod.


RELEASE VS TEST VERSION
The "stable" release version is 0.7.5. Install order is 0.7.4 HotFix 2 version then on top of it install and overwrite with 0.7.5 update.
The experimental and latest version is 0.7.9.4, it has a lot more features and content. Read the sticky post for all the details.


FOR END USERS
(this description is old but the mod currently has several hundred new parts and I can't realistically list them all)
The initial release comes with some nice parts that are ready to use (such as a sorely needed big brake kit), so if you're just looking for that by all means go ahead and download it. As far as bugs are concerned, I know most of them so please only post actual serious problems, like crashes etc, and not minor stuff like "this part moves the wrong way when I take it off".
Included new parts / assemblies:
- 4 new engines for 4x4 trucks and SUVs
- big brake kit (4-piston calipers with piston and pad set, 350mm rotors and brake shields) - parts for both front and rear. These are tuned parts so you can install them on any car with disc brakes.
- tuned bushings (red polyurethane) and bigger front swaybar
- tuned battery
- new detailed solid rear axles with new parts like differential, pinion gear etc; these replace the vanilla simple axle
- 2 new air intakes for LS3 engine - one that can be used with vanilla air filter housing and one with cone filter
- new type of rear suspension - Drag leaf-spring axle, with ladderbars (designed by mrscsi)
- a wheel tub by mrscsi that can be added to car configs
- a global material override setting for suspension parts that makes them appear painted black; they can still be painted different colors of course


SAVE GAME SAFETY
I don't promise any so you best use this mod on a disposable safe for the time being. If you want to remove the mod and keep your save, you have to either sell all cars that have mod parts, or take off all mod parts, then mount vanilla parts on the same locations (important to do both to fully clear the mod data from your cars).


FOR CREATORS
The main goal of this release is to get at least a few creators on board and get some new parts and assemblies made so we can iron out any issues and make the process as smooth as possible. Eventually I will allow everybody to post their parts with no need for permission but during the test period I would ask that all new content goes through me for review and analysis.
I believe the mod is very robust as I've taken my time to make it as error-proof as possible but only real testing will prove that.

Detailed instructions how to add content is found in Articles.

Some examples of what is possible to do with this mod:
- new correct suspensions for cars that have standard generic suspensions
- likewise new correct engines for cars with generic "i4" or "v8" engines
- all kinds of new tuned parts as you are NOT restricted to just one tuned version of an existing part


! HOW TO REPORT PROBLEMS !
MOST OF THE REPORTED PROBLEMS ARE DUE TO INSTALLATION ERROR! IF THE MOD DOESN'T WORK RE-READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS!!!
The proper way to report a problem is on the Bug Report page. Make sure you are not reposting an already reported issue.
"x doesn't work" - nope, I need details, and I need an error log. Error logs are found in \MelonLoader\Logs
If you're serious about testing, set Verbose Log to true in tkaftermarket.cfg file then I will get a lot more details.


SUPPORT
I CANNOT DO INDIVIDUALIZED SUPPORT, DO NOT ASK FOR HELP IN PRIVATE MESSAGES OR DMs ON DISCORD
YOU CAN:
- SUBMIT BUG REPORTS
- POST YOUR PROBLEM IN THE PUBLIC DISCUSSION
- ASK FOR HELP IN RDG's 3rd-party-mods DISCORD CHANNEL


REQUIRED
MOD ONLY WORKS WITH STEAM VERSION DO NOT ASK IF IT WORKS WITH OTHER VERSIONS, IT DOES NOT
MelonLoader 0.5.7 (NOT 0.6.x !!!) THIS IS A HARD REQUIREMENT, DO NOT ASK IF ANY OTHER VERSION IS OK, IT IS NOT OK


RECOMMENDED
I strongly recommend using my Real Engines and Part Names mod (d/l from here or from the Workshop) because otherwise some part names may make no sense.
I also strongly recommend QoL Mod and of course my other mod TK Basics

INSTALLATION
The file you download from here is a 7z file, it's a type of zip file, you need https://7-zip.org/ to open it unless you have current Windows 11 which can open it natively.
Extract all files in the Mods folder that you should have if you installed MelonLoader properly.



The .cfg file in the screenshot will appear automatically once the game is started for the first time with this mod, then you can edit it.
As of 0.6.7 there is a new folder "brands" in the archive - the contents go into ...Mods\QoLmod\Textures_brand (obviously that requires QoL Mod)  NOTE: Latest QoL mod supports aftermarket brands so you do NOT need to move this folder
As of 0.7.1 there is a folder "configs" in the archive - the contents go into the ...Car Mechanic Simulator 2021\Car Mechanic Simulator 2021_Data\StreamingAssets\Cars folder (like any config mod)


HOW TO UPDATE
Delete all old mod files when updating because file names may have changes and leaving older files may lead to mix-ups and issues.


Big thanks to:
MeitziQ for extensive help with the development of the mod
mrscsi with extensive help with testing and some content creation
Deadbob777 for Voodoo engine model
Multiply for some of the included parts