Abstract: A floating bracket has a flexible interface between a vehicle body panel and a vehicle. The floating bracket is slidably interfaced with a vehicle body panel. The floating bracket is rigidly fixed to a point on the vehicle. The floating bracket enables expansion or contraction of the vehicle body panel to take place. Accordingly the vehicle body panel may slide with respect to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body panel is free to move yet is still fixedly attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A floating bracket has a flexible interface between a vehicle body panel and a vehicle. The floating bracket is slidably interfaced with a vehicle body panel. The floating bracket is rigidly fixed to a point on the vehicle. The floating bracket enables expansion or contraction of the vehicle body panel to take place. Accordingly the vehicle body panel may slide with respect to the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle body panel is free to move yet is still fixedly attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of making a lightweight reinforced composite framing member for an automotive vehicle comprises forming a foam core of resinous plastic material in the general shape and configuration of the composite framing number. A plurality of cover strips made of a sheet molding compound containing a thermosetting material is molded in an uncured or only partially cured, flexible, tacky condition and then pressed on the core in a manner covering substantially the entire outer surface of the core. The assembly consisting of the core with the cover strips adhered thereto is placed in a mold and by the application of heat and pressure the cover strips are caused to flow into a uniform and continuous sheath bonded on the core in the configuration of the reinforced composite framing member. While in the mold, the sheath is cured and set, completing the formation of the framing member.