I doubt you can do much to fix this problem - usually the entities are appearing as dimensions etc- but are not structured as such - for example; a dimension acts like a detail or a note is not able to be manipulated.
These functions are supported about as well as PARAM3D. Provided tutorials and experimentation are the only way to learn the advanced capability - or custom training.
Open the history tree and turn off (inactivate)the features that are insignificant - (radii,chamfers and of course holes.
Use a step or iges file - you would want to extract a volume if using iges - if memory serves me - good luck - and this is free!
Suggest you setup details for formats and symbols for modifiable entities that you can use the combination with your format details to create a start drawing. Don't forget to use a layering convention as you cannot merge filters in V4. Good luck!
AutoCAD used to be able to read in ascii files to create 3D points in space.
The trick was to get the right ascii format - delimited etc.
After that Iges will transfer them.
The latest generation of military aircraft used castings for hinge fittings - problem was the casting were not designed by senior level design personel initially and the assembly process was compromised for the first ships. Understanding casting design is part of the problem - understanding how...
