Abstract: An isolation package (22) provides connection of a transmission shift lever (14) with a shifter operating member (16). A connector (28) of the isolation package (22) has a threaded connection (30,32) with an upper end (18) of the shifter operating member (16) and extends through a hole (34) in the lower end (20) of the lever. Elastomeric material (36,38) is positioned between the lever end (20) and the end (18) of the shifter operating member (16) to provide a vibration isolated connection. The preferred construction of the isolation package (22) includes an elastomeric sleeve (36) and a pair of elastomeric tubes (38) that cooperate with a pair of the connectors (28) to provide the vibration isolated connection. A clamping plate (50) engages the elastomeric sleeve (36) to limit deformation thereof and thereby rigidify the connection.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for holding a hinged panel in open and closed position relative to a framed opening in a vehicle body having a handle and a link pivoted to each other and to the panel and the vehicle, respectively, so that in a closed position an overcenter position of the pivot points of the latch handle and link maintain the panel in a closed position and in which one of the pivot connections is formed by sliding a latch mechanism which permits the link and handle to be locked in selected relative positions to hold the panel in an intermediately opened position or a fully opened position.

Abstract: A vehicle body of the convertible or targa type and the method of converting such a body from a sedan type vehicle body in which a reinforcing structure is disposed within the passenger compartment and is fastened thereto to form a centrally extending structural channel member extending longitudinally within the passenger compartment and having forward and rearward transverse portions fastened to the forward and rearward suspension supports of the body to transmit torsional and beaming loads imposed on the vehicle body by the ground engaging wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle body (10) including a pair of roof panels (12) for closing associated roof openings (14) incorporates a pair of drainage seals (16) that direct water from the roof for downward drainage. Each drainage seal (16) includes a one piece resilient seal member (30) having a front seal portion (32), a U-shaped roof seal portion (34) extending around the associated roof opening, and a rear seal portion (36) extending along a rear pillar (26) of the vehicle body. The front seal portion (32) of each seal member includes a flap (38) that defines a drainage passage (40) through which the water flows, preferably in a hidden manner by tucking the flap under a flange (48) on the associated front pillar (22). The rear seal portion (36) of each seal member includes a channel (100) for carrying water directed thereto from the roof seal portion (34) of the seal member.

Abstract: A vehicle body of the convertible or targa type and the method of converting such a body from a sedan type vehicle body in which a reinforcing structure is disposed within the passenger compartment and is fastened thereto to form a centrally extending structural channel member extending longitudinally within the passenger compartment and having forward and rearward transverse portions fastened to the forward and rearward suspension supports of the body to transmit torsional and beaming loads imposed on the vehicle body by the ground engaging wheels.

Abstract: A method of converting a sedan body having doors with framed and sliding windows to a vehicle body having doors with unframed windows including the substitution of a new glass window panel larger than the original glass panel and a new support system for holding the new panel in engagement with seals in the closed position of the door.

Abstract: A removable roof panel arrangement for motor vehicles and the method of installing such panels in which access openings to be covered by the panels are formed at opposite sides of the center of the vehicle body by completely cutting away a transverse section of the roof of the vehicle body and subsequently installing a central frame member which is attached to forward and rearward frame members through a reinforcing member. The construction retains the strength of the original body and the frame members form drainage troughs and support sealing members for engaging the removable panels which form secondary drainage systems to maintain the panels in weather tight relationship to the roof of the vehicle.

Abstract: A window structure for vehicle bodies in which the rear window is hinged and is held in a closed position by a latch arrangement which is accessible only from the interior of the vehicle. The opening of the rear window is provided with a seal which biases the window light towards its open position so that the window can be grasped and moved to a selected fully opened position.

Abstract: A removable roof panel arrangement for motor vehicles and the method of installing such panels in which access openings to be covered by the panels are formed at opposite sides of the center of the vehicle body by completely cutting away a transverse section of the roof of the vehicle body and subsequently installing a central frame member which is attached to forward and rearward frame members through a reinforcing member. The construction retains the strength of the original body and the frame members form drainage troughs and support sealing members for engaging the removable panels which form secondary drainage systems to maintain the panels in weather tight relationship to the roof of the vehicle.