Abstract: A hood control apparatus comprises at least one counterbalancing spring engaged between a forward tilt hood and a top surface radiator frame mounted under the hood. The spring is chosen to have a spring rate such that, when the hood is opened, the spring supports the hood in an open equilibrium position less than fully open. A locking latch device is provided for latching the hood in the open position against unintended closure thereof.

Abstract: A fuel tank protective cage and mounting device for a vehicle such as school bus including a shelf section that is welded to front and rear sections and to right and left longitudinally extending members to provide a protective cage that is a totally welded structure. The right and left longitudinally extending members protect the fuel tank from puncture by the edges of the lower flange of the frame rails and also adds considerable strength and rigidity to the protective cage and mounting device. The protective cage is secured to the outer vertical surfaces of the frame rails and the fuel tank is located between the frame rails and secured to the cage.

Abstract: A fuel tank mounting and protective cage for vehicles such as school buses including side structures and a bottom shelf structure, each of these structures being weldments constructed of low carbon, high strength steel tubing having rectangular cross-sections. The bottom structure is connected to the side structures by bolt assemblies, preferably disposed in laterally offset parallel rows, to produce stiff joints between the sections with the result that there is less rotation and localized deformation of the protection cage in the event of an accident. Hold down devices are carried by the bottom shelf structure for securing the fuel tank directly to the bottom shelf structure so that the bottom shelf and fuel tank may be removed as a unit for service.

Abstract: A protective cage and mounting device for a fuel tank of a vehicle such as school bus wherein the fuel tank is secured directly to the protection cage, the cage being secured to a vehicle frame rail. The protective cage includes a front section, rear section, side section, and a truss-like bottom shelf section, each of these sections being weldments constructed of low carbon, high strength steel tubing having rectangular cross-sections. The sections are welded to each other to produce stiff joints between said sections with the result that there is less parallelogramming and localized deformation of the protection cage in the event of an accident. Hold down devices are carried by the bottom shelf section for securing the fuel tank thereto.