The time before CAD modelling

Hi,

Recently I have begun wondering what people did before CAD modelling.

How was a mould or punching tool for a complex part manufactured without a 3D file ?

A complex 3D part that can't be dimensioned on a simple drawing - for instance a dashboard from a car - what kind of documentation did you have for a part like this 30 years ago ?

SolidworksGeneral