Abstract: A cross car structural support beam assembly is mounted between a pair of vehicle door pillars of a structural body of an automobile having an integrally formed male connecting snorkel projection for interfacing with air feeder tubes extending from ducts in the instrument panel assembly. The cross car beam assembly includes first and second plastic panels having at least one flow passage defined therebetween and at least one opening in the panels in fluid communication with the air flow passage. A third panel is mounted to the second panel to complete the cross car beam assembly and includes at least one tubular male connecting projection integrally formed into the outer surface of the third panel in fluid communication with the at least one air flow passage. The tubular male connecting projection interconnects with a tubular female connecting portion of an air feeder tube to supply air to a passenger compartment through ducts in an instrument panel assembly.

Abstract: A steering column support bracket for a vehicle that is attached to HVAC ducts extending transversely across the vehicle that are located between the dashboard and the front of dashboard cowl. The steering column support bracket is attached to the hinge pillar, the front of dashboard cowl and is connected by a brace to the compartment pan of the vehicle. Several embodiments of steering column support brackets are disclosed that are designed to engage the HVAC ducts. The steering column support bracket may be formed as a C-shaped structure, an under duct configuration, or in a clam shell structure. In addition to supporting the steering column of the vehicle, the steering column support bracket may support brake switches, a power steering motor, and a cruise control system.