Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic construction member, in particular an impact-absorbing external body panel, such as an engine hood or mudguard for a motor vehicle. The body panel is formed of a sandwich construction having inner and outer skins bonded to a soft core of, for example, hard foam, a honeycomb structure or paper webs. The connection between the surface of the skins and that of the core is selectively interrupted. In this way, crumple zones are formed in selected regions of the body panel.

Abstract: In a sandwich component, in particular for hoods, deck lids or the like, for the bodywork of a motor vehicle, comprising a core layer interposed between covering layers and a reinforcement member adjacent which the core layer is recessed and which is joined to the covering layers and the core layer by means of plastic foam, the reinforcement member being made dish-shaped and provided with a base having openings and with a projecting flange having openings, and the flange being adjacent to one covering layer from the inside and the base being adjacent to the other covering layer from the inside.

Abstract: A composite sandwich formed by enclosing a central resilient layer of a soft compressible material between two plate-shaped parts of foamable synthetic material and inserting the assembly into a cavity formed from two shells of prefabricated sheet metal. The resultant composite is subjected to a heat treatment for about 10 minutes at about 200.degree. C. so that the foamable material expands to fill the cavity.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle body, a rigidly fastened roof (10) of composite material rests upon a frame rigid with the body as a complete prefabricated component. The roof (10) is formed as a composite component which is produced in a hot pressing process and is formed by an air-tight and rain-proof outer layer (11), an intermediate structural layer (12) and a semi-rigid, porous inner layer (13) with a padding and/or decorative layer (14). The continuous edge around the roof is shaped by hot pressing deformation of all the layers to form joining flange areas of different cross-sections which are joined to the areas of the frame rigid with the body by a permanently resilient, vibration-absorbing adhesive bead and by additional screw connections at strategic points.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor car body with concealed drip moulding arrangement, whereby a rain channel formed from a fold in the edge of a roof-plate, possibly connected with a part of an internal and/or external side wall plate is covered in the side view by the edge of an adjacent pivotable door or a fixed cover.

Abstract: A vehicle roof having a moveable panel arranged in a framed roof aperture. The panel can be deployed outwardly at its rear edge and can, if required, be detached completely from the roof frame. The panel is attached to the roof frame at its forward edge through at least two hinges and at its rear edge through a deploying mechanism comprising two lateral lever arms.