Hood top for a motor vehicle.

摘要

A hood top (1) for a motor vehicle comprises an outer panel (2), an inner panel (13) secured to the outer panel (2), and a striker (20) for a latch mechanism (30) secured to the inner panel (13) towards the front of the hood top by welded joints (14,25). The striker (20) and the part of the inner panel (13) to which it is secured are so disposed relative to the outer panel (2) that when the hood top (1) is closed a substantial proportion of the reaction to the closing forces on the hood top (1) is transmitted to the welded joints (14,15) as shear forces. Since welded joints are capable of withstanding greater shear forces than compressive or tensile forces, the required durability of the connection between the striker (20) and the inner panel (13) can be achieved without the necessity for additional reinforcements or complex shaping of the inner panel (13).