Abstract: According to the present invention, apertures are stamped in the outer flange of the vehicle body and a plurality of depressions are stamped into the inner panel of the vehicle body at a spacing corresponding with the spacing of the apertures of the outer panel. The panels are welded together with the outer panel flange overlying the inner panel flange and the plurality of apertures communicating with the plurality of depressions. The adhesive is applied and flows through the aperture and into the depressions. When the adhesive cures, the bead of adhesive has both an adhesive connection to the outer flange and also a mechanical connection with the inner and outer panels by virtue of having flowed into the depressions.

Abstract: According to the present invention, apertures are stamped in the outer flange of the vehicle body and a plurality of depressions are stamped into the inner panel of the vehicle body at a spacing corresponding with the spacing of the apertures of the outer panel. The panels are welded together with the outer panel flange overlying the inner panel flange and the plurality of apertures communicating with the plurality of depressions. The adhesive is applied and flows through the aperture and into the depressions. When the adhesive cures, the bead of adhesive has both an adhesive connection to the outer flange and also a mechanical connection with the inner and outer panels by virtue of having flowed into the depressions.

Abstract: A modular window assembly includes a glass panel with a peripheral molded PVC frame having an undersurface engageable with a pinchweld flange defining a window opening in a vehicle. A plurality of cylindrical, finned PVC studs are integrally molded to the PVC frame undersurface and are alignable with slots through the pinchweld. A central passage extends axially through each stud, most of the way, but not all the way therethrough. The diameter of each stud is slightly larger than each pinchweld slot. A pin in each central passage, when pushed, stretches the studs, decreases their diameter so that they pass through the pinchweld slots. Releasing the pins lets the studs resiliently return to their original shape to retain the window assembly to the vehicle.