Abstract: A vehicle having a convertible top includes internal body reinforcement members including a belt line reinforcement assembly attached to the upper back panel and the upper portion of the body quarter panels. The belt line reinforcement assembly is connected to quarter panel reinforcements to form a box-like structure having an aperture therethrough which disposes the trunk and passenger compartments of the vehicle in communication. The quarter panel reinforcement members are attached to the body quarter panels and the wheelhouse panels of the vehicle. A cross-support member attached to the rear seat riser portion of the compartment floor pan and rocker panel reinforcement are also provided. A header is mounted to the upper edge of the vehicle windshield and is provided with a recessed rear portion for receiving the front cross-bow of the convertible top in a flush alignment with the upper surface of the header.

Abstract: A support structure for a vehicle includes a first support member positioned below and secured to the underside of the vehicle rocker panel. In one embodiment, a portion of the first support member extends laterally outward from the rocker panel and is secured to an exterior vertical portion of the rocker panel. A decorative member is secured to the side of the vehicle and is adapted to overlie a portion of the first support member. A second support member is alternately secured to the interior side of the rocker panel to increase the structural strength of the support structure.

Abstract: A movable roof panel for vehicles having an opening in the roof is slidable between open and closed positions. A pair of longitudinally extending guide rails having recessed, horizontally disposed guide tracks therein, are connected to a frame assembly surrounding the edges of the roof opening. The guide tracks define a forward, vertically inclined portion and a rearward, substantially horizontal position. Front and rear guide pins extending from brackets connected to the longitudinal edges of the movable roof panel slidably engage the guide tracks to control the movement of the movable roof panel between open, closed and intermediate positions. Alternately, a stationary roof panel is disposed in the roof opening with the movable roof panel.