Abstract: A pair of axles are mechanically lifted onto the underside of a vehicle chassis to facilitate an axle-mounting process. The lifting action is achieved with a scissors jack that is powered by a hydraulic cylinder supplied with hydraulic fluid from an accumulator. The accumulator is initially charged by a hydraulic pump that is driven by an air motor.

Abstract: A tool for aligning a striker to a latch mechanism is provided. The tool includes a body locating portion and first and second locating portions. The body locating portion selectively couples the tool to a first structure, such as a vehicle body. The first location portion has a wedge member and a post member. The post member engages a latch ratchet in the latch mechanism and the tapered surfaces of the wedge member engage either the latch mechanism or the structure to which the latch mechanism is mounted. The second location portion includes a plate member, a positioning member and a positioning structure. The plate member has a first cavity which receives the positioning member. The plate member also has a slot which receives a member of the striker. The positioning structure is coupled to the plate member and slidable thereon along an axis parallel to the first cavity. The positioning structure adapted to contact a rear surface of the second structure.

Abstract: A body panel assembly is provided for dissipating impact energy. The body panel assembly includes an inner member having a desired inner area. The inner area is defined by a perimeter which includes a top, bottom, and sides. The assembly has an outer member with a desired outer area, defined by a perimeter which includes a top, bottom, and sides. The inner and outer members are positioned with respect to one another to define a cavity. An intermediate member is positioned in the cavity between the inner and outer members. The intermediate member extends from the top to the bottom of the inner and outer members. In addition, a structural material is positioned in a space between the outer member and the intermediate member for dissipating impact energy. The structural material extends from the top to the bottom of the intermediate and outer members and is comprised of foam or a honeycomb plastic.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a primary automotive door panel and door trim panel during a manufacturing process includes at least one rest block. The rest block has a rocker provided with first and second arms extending radially outwardly from a pivot axis at an angle to one another and perpendicular to the pivot axis such that adjacent surfaces of the arms form a radially outwardly opening recess. The rocker is supported for pivotal movement from a loading position in which the recess opens laterally to a work-supporting position in which the recess opens upwardly. The inner surfaces of the arm meet adjacent to the pivot axis to define a notch adapted to support a lower edge portion of the primary door panel when the rocker is in the work-supporting position. One of the arms has a shelf adapted to support the trim panel when the rocker is in the work-supporting position. The other arm carries a roller made of a soft, non-abrasive material such as rubber or plastic.

Abstract: A tool for aligning a striker with a latch for a door on a motor vehicle includes a base member and a striker setter positioned perpendicular to an end of the base member. The tool also includes a suction cup for holding the tool onto the vehicle, and a latch setter extending outwardly from an end of the base member. The alignment tool further includes a striker lead-in at one end of the striker setter for positioning the striker relative to the latch.