Abstract: A wheel spindle and dust cup assembly comprising a spindle and a dust cup extending radially from the spindle. The dust cup is integrally formed with the spindle from a single shaft and may be formed through a cold forging process. A method of forming a one-piece dust cup and wheel spindle includes the acts of forming a shaft and forming from the material of the shaft a dust cup. The act of forming the dust cup may include the act of cold forging the dust cup. The one-piece design with a cold forged dust cup may completely seal the wheel bearing, retaining grease and preventing debris from entering. The one-piece design eliminates gaps between the dust cup and the wheel spindle so that foreign material cannot enter and grease cannot escape the wheel hub at the junction between the dust cup and the wheel spindle.

Abstract: A hood hinge mechanism having a pivot pin having a D-shaped cross sectional shape positioned within a recess. The hood and pin are pivotal to a position whereat the D-shaped cross section is oriented to pass through a slotted opening to the recess to thereby allow the hood to be removed or installed on the vehicle. A bracket coupled with the hood abuts a support member when the hood is pivoted to its fully open position such that the hood is held open by the weight of the hood and is generally blocked from being detached from the vehicle unless acted upon by an operator.