Abstract: The vehicle body of the present invention includes a first body structure formed from a plurality of tube members and a second body structure formed from sheet metal. The plurality of tube members are loosely fastened together so as to form the first body structure. The first body structure is splayed in a predetermined direction, inserted between two sheet metal members of the second body structure and fixedly secured thereto. Since the tube members are not rigidly fastened together, the tube members are free to move relative to one another in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, thereby permitting for size variation in the second body structure. The tube members are then securely fastened together. The design of the first and second body structures facilitates a welding process wherein the welds joining the first and second body structures may be staggered and offset to further improve the rigidity and durability of the vehicle body.

Abstract: An overcenter latch for securing a closure to a body panel includes a panel bracket disposed opposite a closure striker block with a rubber link pivotally connecting the bracket and an operating handle. The block has spaced apart outwardly opening recesses each having a transverse raceway providing opposed inboard and outboard pivot sockets. A pair of depending handle prongs, each terminating in an arcuate cam, are adapted to snap overcenter on an associated raceway for pivotal reception between respective inboard and outboard pairs of sockets. The cams are readily positioned in their associated inboard sockets without the link being tensed. During latching, the handle cams are initially rotated about an inboard socket axis to an overcenter point, wherein the link is tensed to a predetermined dimension less than the links theoretical latching overcenter length.