Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automotive frame assembly (10) includes an inner rail (12) having an exterior side (26) and an interior side (30). First, the exterior side (26) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one flange (24) extending from a cross member (20). At least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) so as to fixedly attach the flange (24) to the inner rail (12). Thereafter, the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one lip (32) extending from an outer rail (12″). Likewise, at least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail so as to fixedly attach the lip (32) to the inner rail (12).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an automotive frame assembly (10) includes an inner rail (12) having an exterior side (26) and an interior side (30). First, the exterior side (26) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one flange (24) extending from a cross member (20). At least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) so as to fixedly attach the flange (24) to the inner rail (12). Thereafter, the interior side (30) of the inner rail (12) has fixedly attached thereto at least one lip (32) extending from an outer rail (12″). Likewise, at least one two-sided fastener (28) is operatively applied to the exterior side (26) and the interior side (30) of the inner rail so as to fixedly attach the lip (32) to the inner rail (12).

Abstract: A lightweight towing cross member assembly 10 is disclosed. The cross member assembly 10 includes relatively lightweight front and rear cross members 12, 14, and reinforcement plates 16, 18 which offer added support to the assembly 10. The heavy-gauge, load-bearing plates 16, 18 are localized in the areas of high stress (i.e., the center of the assembly 10), and provide the assembly 10 with the load-bearing ability and towing performance of prior towing cross member assemblies, which are manufactured solely from heavy-gauge materials.

Abstract: A vehicle body construction (10) and method including inspection of adhesively secured joints therein is provided. The vehicle body construction (10) comprises a pair of body members (18,20) having opposed surfaces (24,26). An adhesive bond (28) secures the opposed surfaces (24,26) to each other to thereby connect the pair of body members (18,20). One of the body members has small inspection openings (22) at spaced intervals to permit visual observation of whether there is adhesive (12) between the opposed surfaces (24,26) at the spaced intervals to thereby provide an indication of the integrity of the bond (28). The method includes forming body members (18,20) with opposed surfaces (24,26) having inspection openings (22) at spaced intervals, forming an adhesive bond (28) between the opposed surfaces (18,20) to connect the body members (18,20) and visually observing the inspection openings (22) for the presence of the adhesive (12) for an indication of the integrity of the adhesive bond (28).

Abstract: A hood apparatus for covering an engine compartment of an automotive vehicle having a windshield, a ventilation opening disposed forward of the windshield and a cross rail member disposed between the ventilation opening and the engine compartment is disclosed. The apparatus includes a closure projection secured to the bottom face of the hood member at a predetermined location along the trailing edge of the hood member and disposed generally parallel to the transverse axis of the vehicle. The closure projection includes a generally planar web depending vertically from the bottom face of the hood member and having one edge secured thereto. A seal between the closure projection of the hood and a matingly shaped cross rail member of the vehicle body structure prevents engine compartment fumes from entering the passenger compartment ventilation opening. When the hood is opened, the closure projection moves upward and rearward to provide a clear engine service access path.