Patent/Product information wanted - I could use your help Delphi or G.M. Employees!!

[Elgin Clock]

Well in a stroke of brilliance the other day I came up with an idea for a product that would be used (exclusively?) in the automotive industry.

Before I even go about jumping the gun and looking into how to file a patent, I need to know if a product like this even exists, cause if it does, then a patent application is pointless.

This is where the help is needed. Is there any particular place I can do some research if a product like my idea (or something similar) exists.

Also, anyone who has gone through the patent process please share your stories, no matter how long or short they are, and no matter what the product was.

Thanks. And to all those who offer help, they will get the first chance to recieve my product if I ever develop it.