METHOD FOR PRECISE FITTING OF MOTOR VEHICLE FRONT END SHEET METAL

摘要

The invention provides a method by which the hood of a motor vehicle is precisely aligned and centered relative the fenders and the header without alternating trial-and-error steps of inspection and adjustment. The hood is prepared for assembly by attaching the hood hinges at a precise longitudinal location and attaching the latch striker at a position having a precise vertical distance from the appearance surface of the hood and precisely centered transversely between the edges of the hood. Pads attached to the hood at the forward corners are milled to a precise vertical distance from the appearance surface of the hood. The body is prepared to receive the hood by attaching the latch assembly to the header at a precisely centered transverse location and at a precise vertical distance from the appearance surfaces of the fenders and header. The adjusting screws for engaging the hood pads are adjusted to a precise vertical height relative the appearance surfaces of the fenders and header. A first gage hole is provided in the fender link of the hood hinge at a precise location relative the appearance surfaces of the hood and a mating second gage hole is provided on the fender at a precise location relative the appearance surfaces of the fender so that attachment of the hood to the body via the hood hinges precisely aligns and centers the hood.