How we Convert Classic Car Parts Manuals into Interactive HOTSPOTS with Clickable Schematics

Creating interactive webpages from classic car parts manuals is a fantastic way to modernize old catalogues and make finding parts easier for customers. If you’re new to the process, don’t worry—this guide explains everything step-by-step, written with a non-technical audience in mind.

We are part of the team who created the SJ Sports Cars mapping,  creating interactive schematics for car parts, I’ve seen how effective this method can be. The following steps, show the process we used to transform outdated manuals into user-friendly, revenue-generating webpages.

If you’re ready to get started, we can focus on one schematic first to show you the process free of charge, then scale up for a complete digital transformation.

Links on the hotspot example are active.

Example – Lotus parts and spares Lotus Elan +2

tooltip text
1

B050F0240H

2

A050F0270Z

3

A050F0253Z

4

A075F0747W

5

A050F0271Z

Step 1: Scanning Classic Car Parts Manuals

To start, you/us need to scan the original manuals. Use a high-resolution scanner (300-600 DPI) to capture the schematics and ensure the part numbers are clear and readable. Save each page as a high-quality image (e.g., PNG or JPEG) and name the files logically for easy access. If needed, we’ll use image editing software to clean up smudges and improve contrast.

Step 2: Making Schematics Interactive with Hotspots

The scanned schematics will serve as your base. A hotspot is a clickable area that links specific parts in the schematic to their corresponding product pages. We’ll use our tools to create a clickable hotspot over the corresponding number, then we’ll assign a unique URL to each hotspot that matches the part number in your database.

Step 3: Connecting Hotspots to Car Parts

Each hotspot will point to a webpage for that specific car part. To do this:

  1. Create a database of part numbers, descriptions, and prices.
  2. Ensure each URL links directly to the corresponding part, so users can quickly find what they need.

Step 4: Adding an E-Commerce Shopping Basket

To let users buy parts directly from the schematic, integrate a shopping basket feature. We work soley with WordPress and Woocommerce for this process. Each part number will link to a product page with an “Add to Basket” option, enabling smooth online transactions.

Step 5: Designing the Webpage

For a polished result, display your clickable schematics prominently on your website. Each schematic should:

  • Be clear and easy to navigate.
  • Allow users to zoom in for detailed views.
  • Include a shopping basket feature for convenience.

Step 6: Testing and Maintenance

Before launching, test every hotspot to ensure it links to the correct part. Check the shopping basket functionality and make sure your site works well on mobile devices. Regularly update your parts database to reflect changes in inventory or pricing.

Why Use Clickable Schematics for Car Parts?

Interactive schematics with hotspots simplify the process of finding and buying car parts. Customers can visually identify the part they need, click on the number, and be directed to a product page for more details or purchase. This approach not only modernizes your catalog but also enhances the shopping experience.