[JGZinv]

Can someone link me to a tutorial that explains how to fix
a stretched UV map in Max 7, or explain it simply?

I have a ship model I just received and the map is distorted in
a number of places when I do a checker test. At one point in time I
used LithUnwrap to adjust the map until it was uniform on a different model,
but I'd prefer to stay in Max and learn it properly.

I've looked for information, I've searched Google, but all I can find is
for when you have your actual ship texture on the model already and
distortion becomes an issue - not what should be done if the checker test
reveals bad areas.

[attachment deleted by ninja]

[Scooby_Doo]

Me, personally, I would unwrap each of those sections seperately.  Hard to tell from the picture but the "recessed" area in the middle I would map seperately as a UV plainar. The two "wings" would probably be best mapped individually, you'll get a disconnection line between them, but good texturing can hide that.

[JGZinv]

Well this is the source of what it's going to look like.
The main issue is probably getting the lines/grooves to
stay together.

[Scooby_Doo]

I already see a few lines that could be used for selection dividers.  Where the two wings meet, in the second pic the "______/-------"

[Water]

Can someone link me to a tutorial that explains how to fix
a stretched UV map in Max 7, or explain it simply?

I've looked for information, I've searched Google, but all I can find is
for when you have your actual ship texture on the model already and
distortion becomes an issue - not what should be done if the checker test
reveals bad areas.

To get the lines/grooves to line up will require having the uv islands to have a equal check pattern.
To get rid of the distortions may require you to cut some of the pieces differently, and re-unwrap.

So basically all you need to look for is just a good unwrapping tute for Max

[JGZinv]

Short version is that I should try to make the texture
and just apply it on - adjust as needed afterward.

This look acceptable?

http://waylon-art.com/uvw_tutorial/uvwtut_01.html

[Nuke]

use the unwrap uvw modifier with no faces selected, then click edit.

[JGZinv]

Edit -

I think I found some tutorials that better explain what to do with this:

http://merlin.zsnes.com/tutorials/mapping/index.html

http://www.battlefield40k.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1301

http://www.oman3d.com/tutorials/3ds/texture_stealth/