I'd like to make some minor physical modifications to some vehicles, but how do I place my 3D models on the car?
Export your parts only in your own .dae file and place it in the vehicle's folder. Does your part replace original part? If yes, just make sure the 3D model in the .dae has the same name as the parts it's going to replace. Does your part add a new part (for example a new bumper?). If yes, you have to add a new bumper part in the jbeams (you can create your own jbeam based on the original one, minus the original bumper). Does your part add a completely new part (a part that doesn't exist in the original vehicle). Same as above, but you should be using the new 'mod slot'. Have a look at how other mods does it.