Methods for validating manufacturing equipment for use during the production of a motor vehicle include identifying touchpoints on the underbody of a vehicle, machining a foam underbody, and validating manufacturing equipment using the foam underbody. A three-dimensional model of the underbody of the vehicle may be used to identify the touchpoints and for machining the foam underbody. The foam underbody includes a polyurethane foam. At least the touchpoints of the foam underbody are machined to a tolerance of less than or equal to +/−3 millimeters with reference to the touchpoints on the three-dimensional model.