Abstract: A vehicle door is made by providing a first sheet metal door panel with fastening portions at a peripheral portion of the first door panel. The fastening portions each have at least a portion that extends at a first angle of not greater than 90 degrees with respect to a body of the first door panel. A second sheet metal door panel is provided with flange portions at a peripheral portion of the second door panel. The flange portions extend transverse to a body of the second door panel. The vehicle door is formed by fastening each of at least two of the fastening portions of the first door panel to an associated one of the flange portions of the second door panel.

Abstract: A cargo tie down assembly and method of use thereof for a vehicle platform. The tie down assembly includes a tie down member for securing cargo on such a vehicle platform. The tie down member has an opening therethrough. An anchor is adapted to extend in a first opening in a rail of such a vehicle platform. The anchor extends across the opening in the tie down member for restricting movement of the tie down member between an operative and a retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle bed cover including a frame connected to a bed of a vehicle. A first cover portion is supported on the frame. The first cover portion extends over substantially one-half of the longitudinal extent of the bed. The first cover portion includes a pair of gull-wing doors pivotable in opposite directions about a central support of the first cover portion. The central support extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal extent of the bed. A second cover portion is slidably supported by the guide frame for telescoping movement between a first position covering substantially another one-half of the bed and a second position located under the first cover portion. An end panel on said second cover portion is pivotable relative to the second cover portion to a closed position to prevent access to the bed.

Abstract: A truck body is disclosed for mounting on a standard truck frame. The body includes extruded attachment components which run the full length of the body. The attachment components have T-slots formed beneath their surfaces for permitting attachment of optional equipment to the truck body. The attachment components are designed to conform to the shape of the truck body in an aesthetically pleasing manner. One type of extruded attachment component includes an integral hinge pin for rotatably supporting a toolbox lid.

Abstract: A truck body is disclosed for mounting on a standard truck frame. The body includes extruded attachment components which run the full length of the body. The attachment components have T-slots formed beneath their surfaces for permitting attachment of optional equipment to the truck body. The attachment components are designed to conform to the shape of the truck body in an aesthetically pleasing manner.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming curved vehicle door panels is disclosed. A jig is provided having a curved surface. A place of sheet metal is placed face down on the curved surface of the jig. The sheet metal is then compressed edgewise to cause it to bow in conformity with the curved surface. Then, a curved frame member is placed on the concave side of the bowed sheet metal. The frame is then fastened to the bowed sheets such that the frame holds the sheet in its bowed condition to form a curved vehicle door panel. Finally, the finished panel is removed from the jig.

Abstract: A paddle handle lock bolt includes a bellcrank retractor or trigger member which constitutes the central element of a three element drive train comprising a paddle handle, the bellcrank retractor, and a spring-loaded slide bolt. The bellcrank retractor can be selectively coupled to the paddle handle for selectively drivingly engaging the spring-loaded slide bolt in the retracting direction.