Abstract: A method for forming a return flange on the belt trim portion of a vehicle door panel which includes the steps of locating the door panel on a holding fixture to place the belt trim portion for sequential clamping, backing, spot heating and folding to form the return flange thereon; apparatus for practicing the method which includes a door fixture means with movable backing member to back a belt trim portion when the panel is clamped in place; and a heater mechanism and a flange former mechanism on the machine are sequentially advanced with respect to the clamped door panel to soften a thermoformable segment of the panel which is folded about the back-up plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a return flange on the belt trim portion of a vehicle door panel includes a door panel support with a movable backing member to back a belt trim portion when the panel is clamped in place. The apparatus further includes a heater mechanism and a flange former mechanism on the machine which are sequentially advanced with respect to the clamped door panel to soften a thermoformable segment of the panel which is folded about the back-up plate.