Patent ID: 6035510
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B62D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for assembling a sliding sunroof frame and cover therefor on a motor vehicle roof having an underside sunroof reinforcement frame, comprising:a) providing a tool that has an upper part and a lower part spaced vertically from one another;b) providing a lifting frame carried by the lower part of said tool;c) providing a floating frame carried by the lower part of the tool;d) positioning said sliding sunroof frame and cover on the lower part of said tool;e) introducing the lower part of the tool into an opening of a motor vehicle body along with said lifting frame, said floating frame and said sunroof frame and cover and positioning the upper part of the tool above a roof opening provided in the roof of the motor vehicle body;f) operating the floating frame by using actuators disposed on the tool to properly align the sunroof frame and cover with the roof opening of the vehicle;g) operating the lifting frame to raise the sliding sunroof frame and press the sliding sunroof frame against the reinforcement frame disposed on the underside of the vehicle roof,h) fastening the sliding sunroof frame to the reinforcement frame,i) engaging and securing the cover with suction devices that are carried by the upper part of the tool, and then moving the suction devices upwards to move the cover upwards,j) moving the suction devices in a first direction so that the cover is pressed against a seal adjacent a front edge of the roof opening,k) moving a sliding sunroof mechanism connected with the cover in a direction opposite the first direction,l) fastening the cover to the sliding sunroof mechanism,m) disengaging the suction devices from the cover and removing the tool from the motor vehicle body.