Tubular front end structure for automobiles and method for making the same

摘要

A tubular front end structure for use with a unitized automotive frame. The tubular front end structure includes a pair of upper frame rail members that are welded to the A-pillar at vertically spaced positions. A first upper rail member provides support for the fender and bends downwardly and forwardly to support tubular upper and lower radiator supports. The other upper rail member connects to the other upper rail member and bends downwardly to connect with the lower frame rail at an intermediate position to provide support for the shock tower. The lower frame rail is formed with an "S-bend" to correspond to the shape of the unitized automotive frame and includes a bracket attached thereto at the S-bend to increase the section properties of the lower frame rail as required to maintain the section properties of the replaced frame structure.