Abstract: A process for welding of at least two separate vehicle panels (12, 14) to form an integral part (16) for a vehicle. There is provided at least one first panel (12) including a first weld line area (18) and at least one second panel (14) including a corresponding second weld line area (19), the second weld line area (19) abutting in a weldable relationship to the first weld line area (18). The first and second weld line areas (18, 19) have at least one first weldable portion (22) and at least one second portion (24) at which welding is substantially hindered during welding attachment of the first and second panels (12, 14). The process includes applying a curable adhesive at each second portion (24), placing in a welding fixture and welding the panels (12, 14) at each first weldable portion (22) such that the panels (12, 14) are held together during curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A process for welding of at least two separate vehicle panels (12, 14) to form an integral part (16) for a vehicle. There is provided at least one first panel (12) including a first weld line area (18) and at least one second panel (14) including a corresponding second weld line area (19), the second weld line area (19) abutting in a weldable relationship to the first weld line area (18). The first and second weld line areas (18, 19) have at least one first weldable portion (22) and at least one second portion (24) at which welding is substantially hindered during welding attachment of the first and second panels (12, 14). The process includes applying a curable adhesive at each second portion (24), placing in a welding fixture and welding the panels (12, 14) at each first weldable portion (22) such that the panels (12, 14) are held together during curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A process for welding of at least two separate vehicle panels (12, 14) to form an integral part (16) for a vehicle. There is provided at least one first panel (12) including a first weld line area (18) and at least one second panel (14) including a corresponding second weld line area (19), the second weld line area (19) abutting in a weldable relationship to the first weld line area (18). The first and second weld line areas (18, 19) have at least one first weldable portion (22) and at least one second portion (24) at which welding is substantially hindered during welding attachment of the first and second panels (12, 14). The process includes applying a curable adhesive at each second portion (24), placing in a welding fixture and welding the panels (12, 14) at each first weldable portion (22) such that the panels (12, 14) are held together during curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A process for welding of at least two separate vehicle panels (12, 14) to form an integral part (16) for a vehicle. There is provided at least one first panel (12) including a first weld line area (18) and at least one second panel (14) including a corresponding second weld line area (19), the second weld line area (19) abutting in a weldable relationship to the first weld line area (18). The first and second weld line areas (18, 19) have at least one first weldable portion (22) and at least one second portion (24) at which welding is substantially hindered during welding attachment of the first and second panels (12, 14). The process includes applying a curable adhesive at each second portion (24), placing in a welding fixture and welding the panels (12, 14) at each first weldable portion (22) such that the panels (12, 14) are held together during curing of the adhesive.

Abstract: A roof rail for a motor vehicle roof includes an elongated main body portion having an open channel extending between opposing first and second ends. An end portion is integrally formed with the main body portion at each of the first and second ends thereof for attaching the roof rail to the motor vehicle roof.

Abstract: A transformable truck bed is provided where the bed is enclosed by side walls that are removable so that a gooseneck mechanism could be used without being obstructed by the side walls. When the transformable bed is in the first position, or the base position, the insert side walls are removed. However, the base side walls are permanent and remain in place. Thus, the base side walls do enclose the bed but at a lower height than the insert side walls. In this position the transformable bed is capable of towing a trailer by using a gooseneck mechanism.

Abstract: A vehicle storage/cargo box system is provided. The system includes at least one access portion, such as but not limited to a door member, for providing access to the interior of a box portion. The box portion includes a weather stripping and door arrangement that allows flat access to the load floor of the box portion. The load floor of the box portion is above the level of the access door's weather stripping flange portion. The system includes various additional access portions, including but not limited to multiple door configurations that articulate in several different manners. The system also includes various storage and support devices such as but not limited to drawers, shelves, tables, and/or the like.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle having spaced apart upper and lower side rails includes an elongated upper cross member adapted to be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart upper side rails. The upper cross member has a mounting surface extending the length thereof. The front end assembly also includes an elongated lower cross member adapted be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart lower side rails. The lower cross member has a mounting surface extending along the length thereof. In addition, the front end assembly includes a component integration panel having upper and lower mounting portions for complementary mating engagement with the mounting surfaces of the respective upper and lower cross members to position the component integration panel between the upper and lower side rails and provide support to the component integration panel.

Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle having spaced apart upper and lower side rails includes an elongated upper cross member adapted to be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart upper side rails. The upper cross member has a mounting surface extending the length thereof. The front end assembly also includes an elongated lower cross member adapted be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart lower side rails. The lower cross member has a mounting surface extending along the length thereof. In addition, the front end assembly includes a component integration panel having upper and lower mounting portions for complementary mating engagement with the mounting surfaces of the respective upper and lower cross members to position the component integration panel between the upper and lower side rails and provide support to the component integration panel.