Patent ID: 8398157
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A vehicle body construction extending between a windshield and a door opening, the vehicle body construction comprising: an inner panel having first and second flanges disposed along opposite edges of a central portion; an outer panel having first and second flanges disposed along opposite edges of a central portion, the outer panel has a minimal first width along a front pillar portion of the door opening and a wider, second width along a header portion of the door opening; a stiffener received between the inner and outer panels having first and second flanges disposed along opposite edges of a central portion; and along a first portion between the windshield and door opening, the first edges of each of the inner panel, stiffener, and outer panel being joined together and the second edges of each of the inner panel, stiffener, and outer panel being joined together, and along a second portion between the windshield and door opening, the first edges of the inner panel and stiffener being joined together adjacent the windshield, the first edge of the outer panel joined to the central portion of the stiffener, and the second edges of each of the inner panel, outer panel, and the stiffener being joined together.