Patent ID: 9114836
Filing Date: 2015-08-25
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle assembly comprising: a roof structure including a roof panel formed of aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy; a vehicle body including a pair of laterally spaced side panels, a front roof rail and a rear roof rail, each roof rail spanning between the side panels, the vehicle body supporting the roof structure, the vehicle body formed of steel or a steel alloy; at least one bracket securing the roof structure to the vehicle body, the bracket having a first portion fastened to the roof panel and a second portion extending away from the roof structure and welded to the vehicle body, the bracket formed of steel or a steel alloy; and an adhesive located inward of the weld connection of the vehicle body and second portion of the bracket for bonding the second portion to the vehicle body, the adhesive sealing the fastened connection of the roof panel and first portion of the bracket from moisture to prevent galvanic corrosion between the dissimilar materials of the roof panel and bracket, the adhesive further reducing thermal distortion of the attached roof panel relative to the vehicle body when the vehicle assembly is heated in a paint bake oven during the manufacture of the vehicle assembly.