Abstract: A hollow frame member of an aluminum alloy for a vehicle body frame includes a front pipe portion. The front pipe portion has an annular end surface as a surface receiving a collision load at a front end thereof. In the front pipe portion, a cross sectional area is gradually increased from a base end toward the receiving surface, and a thickness is gradually decreased from the base end toward the receiving surface. Thus, the front pipe portion can be crushed early and stably from the receiving surface upon collision of the vehicle to enhance the collision energy absorbing efficiency.

Abstract: A lightweight metal automobile framework having a hollow, impact-absorbing member, wherein the impact-absorbing member absorbs any impact by axial plastic deformation and has inner ribs passing through a center axis thereof. The impact-absorbing member may also have an axial end face partially removed to lessen an area on which a load is imposed at an instant of impact, thereby raising the average stress of the impact and lowering peak deceleration. Also, automobile framework members forming a front-end portion of the automobile framework may be detachably coupled to the automobile framework.

Abstract: An automobile front body structure which having a cranked front side frame disposed at a lower portion of a front body of an automobile and having an L-shaped portion, a dashboard lower with a lower part placed upon the L-shaped portion, and a gusset connected to the L-shaped portion of the front side frame by means of the lower part of the dashboard lower. By the reinforcing action of the gusset, the rear end of the front side frame is retained firmly, whereby the structure is strengthened against an external force applied thereto and undesired local deformation of the dashboard lower may be suppressed.

Abstract: A steering column is supported on a rear support portion provided on a steering hanger and on a front support portion provided on a steering pivot connected to the steering hanger, and a steering shaft provided at its rear end with a steering wheel is rotatably supported by the steering column. Opposite ends of a connection member are pivotally supported at a dashboard lower member and the steering pivot by pins. If the dashboard lower member is retreated by a frontal collision of a vehicle, the steering pivot and the front support portion are raised upward by a load transmitted through the connection member, and the upper end of the steering column is turned in a rearward and downward direction about the rear support portion. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent the steering wheel from being turned in an upward and forward direction, and an air bag can reliably be operated to protect the vehicle driver during the collision.

Abstract: A structure of a frame connecting portion capable of firmly connecting a floor frame member to a side frame member in an automobile is provided. An end portion of the floor frame member provided on the floor panel, having an approximately U-shaped cross section and reinforced by the frame stiffener, is connected to an end portion of the side frame member having an approximately U-shaped cross section. At the connecting portion, the frame stiffener, floor frame member and side frame member are stacked on each other and tied integrally by tightening means penetrating them.