Abstract: An endgate striker assembly engageable with an endgate latch, wherein the endgate striker assembly has a striker and an overmolded-annular shoulder. The striker has an attachment portion at one end, a head at the opposite end and a cylindrical shaft between the attachment portion and the head. The overmolded-annular shoulder is between the cylindrical shaft and the attachment portion. The overmolded-annular shoulder has an annular damper and an annular shoulder. The annular damper is molded over the surface of the annular shoulder facing the cylindrical shaft and at least part of the outer circumferential surface of the annular shoulder.

Abstract: A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.

Abstract: An endgate striker assembly engageable with an endgate latch, wherein the endgate striker assembly has a striker and an overmolded annular shoulder. The striker has an attachment portion at one end, a head at the opposite end and a cylindrical shaft between the attachment portion and the head. The overmolded annular shoulder is between the cylindrical shaft and the attachment portion. The overmolded annular shoulder has an annular damper and an annular shoulder. The annular damper is molded over the surface of the annular shoulder facing the cylindrical shaft and at least part of the outer circumferential surface of the annular shoulder.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.

Abstract: A tailgate includes a first panel, a second panel connected to the first panel at a first side and a second side opposite to the first side as well as a cavity defined by the first panel and the second panel. An opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side, provides access to the cavity. A storage compartment is positioned in the cavity. A latching mechanism, located within the cavity and outside of the storage compartment, includes a latch, a first latch actuator, and an actuator rod connecting the latch and the latch actuator, which is affixed to the first side of the tailgate. A compartment door, connected to the tailgate and movable between a first and second position, covers the storage compartment in a first position. The compartment door includes a striker, which is engage-able by the latch.

Abstract: An end gate includes a first panel. The end gate also has a first side and a second side. The end gate also includes an opening defined by the first panel between the first side and the second side. The end gate further includes a basket including a basket base and at least two ribs extending from the basket base and affixed to the first panel, wherein the basket base and at least two ribs define a volume accessible from the opening.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.

Abstract: A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a torque rod having a first fixed end relative to a storage area and a second fixed end relative to a panel, wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. A slider block is disposed on the torque rod between the first fixed end and the second fixed end wherein the slider block is free to be moved along an axis of the torque rod when a set screw is loosened from the torque rod, and wherein the slider block profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the torque rod when the set screw is tightened.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to fasten a hood panel to a vehicle body for covering a vehicle under-hood compartment includes a pivotable latch. The latch has a primary catch portion that facilitates closure of the under-hood compartment via the hood panel. The latch also has a secondary catch portion that limits position of the hood panel within a predetermined distance from the vehicle body and generates an opening between the vehicle body and the hood panel. The latch additionally has a release handle that shifts into the opening to permit operator access to the release handle for releasing the secondary catch portion to uncover the under-hood compartment. The mechanism also includes a resilient element that selectively preloads the primary catch portion to facilitate closure of the under-hood compartment and preloads the secondary catch portion to limit the position of the hood panel within the predetermined distance from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A mechanism configured to fasten a hood panel to a vehicle body for covering a vehicle under-hood compartment includes a pivotable latch. The latch has a primary catch portion that facilitates closure of the under-hood compartment via the hood panel. The latch also has a secondary catch portion that limits position of the hood panel within a predetermined distance from the vehicle body and generates an opening between the vehicle body and the hood panel. The latch additionally has a release handle that shifts into the opening to permit operator access to the release handle for releasing the secondary catch portion to uncover the under-hood compartment. The mechanism also includes a resilient element that selectively preloads the primary catch portion to facilitate closure of the under-hood compartment and preloads the secondary catch portion to limit the position of the hood panel within the predetermined distance from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes a hood having a top side and an underside. Also included is a centering tool operatively coupled to a top support member of a positioning and reinforcement structure, the centering tool extending upwardly from the positioning and reinforcement structure. Further included is a hood locating aperture defined by the hood and located at the underside of the hood, the hood locating aperture configured to receive the centering tool therein for locating the positioning and reinforcement structure to the hood.

Abstract: A tuning pin assembly for mounting a first structural component to a second structural component. A locating pin is fixed to the first component and has a shaft with an outer surface that is concentric about a pin axis. An eccentric cap has a radially inner pin engagement surface that is mounted on the outer surface and is concentric about the pin axis, a radially outer alignment surface that is eccentric about the pin axis and slides into an alignment hole in the second component to align the second component relative to the first component. A first rotation resistance feature is located on at least one of the outer surface of the locating pin and the pin engagement surface of the eccentric cap engaging between the outer surface and the pin engagement surface to resist torque applied to the eccentric cap to rotate the cap.

Abstract: A method of assembling a front end assembly of a vehicle is provided. The method includes integrally forming a positioning and reinforcement structure having a relatively rectilinear configuration comprising a top support member, a bottom support member, a first side member and a second side member. The method also includes detachably coupling a first wing structure to the first side member. The method further includes operably mounting a first fender assembly to a first side flange of the first wing structure. The method yet further includes operably coupling a centering bracket proximate the top support member. The method also includes locating and centering the positioning and reinforcement structure to a hood with the centering bracket. The method further includes fixedly securing the positioning and reinforcement structure to a radiator support disposed rearwardly of the positioning and reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A position-controlled front hood latch bracket for a vehicle includes a bracket base having a hood latch opening configured to receive a hood latch assembly having a latch base, the latch base having a perimeter and a plurality of locating apertures. The front hood latch bracket also includes a plurality of spaced-apart hood latch keeper features, the hood latch keeper features configured to receive and keep the perimeter of the latch base in slidable engagement with the bracket base while enabling a predetermined amount of movement of the latch base relative to the bracket base in a pre-assembly position. The bracket further includes a plurality of fastener apertures each configured to receive a fastener for detachably attaching the latch base to the bracket base, the locating apertures having a size and a location that exposes the fastener apertures in the preinstallation position regardless of the predetermined amount of movement.

Abstract: An inner fender panel for a structural fender of an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The panel includes an outer surface configured for attachment to the inner surface of an outer panel of the fender and an inner surface; the inner panel comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different. A structural fender for an automotive vehicle is also disclosed. The fender includes a formed outer panel having a viewable outer surface and an inner surface. The fender also includes a formed inner fender panel as described comprising a plurality of abutting inner fender panel sections that are joined to one another, each inner fender panel section having a thickness, at least two abutting inner fender panel sections having thicknesses that are different.

Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.

Abstract: A method of establishing a dimensional reference datum for a vehicle front end assembly is provided. The method includes locating a positioning and reinforcement structure proximate a front end of a vehicle chassis. Also included is operably coupling the positioning and reinforcement structure to a first vehicle component, wherein the positioning and reinforcement structure is moveable relative to the first vehicle component. Further included is fixedly centering the positioning and reinforcement structure relative to a second vehicle component. Yet further included is positioning and operably coupling a plurality of front end components based on the dimensional reference datum provided by the fixed centered position of the positioning and reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A hood bumper is provided and includes a first end including a body defining a longitudinal axis and a surface having an angular edge oriented along the longitudinal axis, a second end opposite the first end and including a skirt portion and a bumper portion protruding from a longitudinal end of the skirt portion in a protrusion direction defined along the longitudinal axis and an intermediate section interposed between the first and second ends. The intermediate section includes reverse-drive helical threading.

Abstract: A fascia support structure and aerodynamic shutter assembly for a vehicle includes a fascia support structure, comprising: a top portion comprising a substantially U-shaped body comprising a top fascia support member, a first side fascia support member and a second side fascia support member, the first side fascia support member having a first side baffle, the second side fascia support member having a second side baffle; and a bottom portion comprising a bottom baffle, the bottom portion attached to the first and second side fascia support members, the top portion and the bottom portion comprising a fascia support structure opening, at least one of the first side baffle, second side baffle or bottom baffle having a seal member disposed on a leading edge. The assembly also includes an aerodynamic shutter system comprising a shutter frame having a shutter frame opening and a plurality of rotatable shutters disposed therein.