Patent ID: 6287442
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: B62D,C25D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of making a vehicle front end assembly comprising:injection molding an integrated front end reinforcement module including integrally molded fastener receptacles and integrally molded reinforcement ribs from a fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer;providing a partially assembled vehicle body having partially unattached body panels that are secured to the frame;securing a first set of fastener receptacles formed on the integrated front end reinforcement module to a frame;attaching the unattached body panels to a second set of fastener receptacles formed on the integrated front end reinforcement module to form a basic vehicle front end assembly;immersing the basic vehicle front end assembly in an electro-coat bath that is heated to more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit;painting the basic vehicle front end assembly; andbaking the basic vehicle front end assembly in a paint oven.