Patent ID: 9150258
Filing Date: 2015-10-06
Classification: B62D

Abstract:
1. A method for assembling a body structure in a vehicle, comprising: fitting a pillar having first and second ends between a roof rail and a lower support such that the first end is disposed below a top of the roof rail; fastening the pillar to the roof rail and the lower support with first threaded fasteners by friction drilling holes through the pillar and the roof rail and the lower support; fitting a pillar flange on an inside portion of the roof rail; friction drilling a plurality of flange holes through the pillar flange and the roof rail; fastening the pillar flange to the roof rail with a plurality of second threaded fasteners, each engaging a respective one of the flange holes; fitting an inside pillar between the pillar flange and an inside portion of the lower support; and fastening the inside pillar to the pillar flange and the lower support with a plurality of third fasteners.