Patent ID: 7810874

Claim:
An instrument panel support structure configured for locating an instrument panel assembly in a fore/aft direction and an up/down direction within a passenger compartment of a vehicle, said support structure comprising: a lateral support bracket configured for attachment to a body panel of the vehicle; wherein said lateral support bracket presents a support surface defining an up/down datum feature; wherein said lateral support bracket includes a rear edge presenting a fore/aft datum feature; an end bracket configured for attachment to an end of the instrument panel assembly; said end bracket presenting a first edge and a projection extending from said first edge; wherein said first edge of said end bracket is configured to abut said up/down datum feature of said lateral support bracket to locate the instrument panel assembly in the up/down direction and said projection of said end bracket is configured to abut said fore/aft datum feature of said lateral support bracket to locate the instrument panel assembly in the fore/aft direction; and wherein said end bracket further includes a plate portion and said first edge extends along said plate portion, and said first edge of said plate portion defines a groove with said projection extending adjacent said groove.