Apparatus for mounting plastic body panel

摘要

Apparatus for mounting a plastic panel upon an underlying metal substructure. One end of the panel is fixedly mounted on the metal substructure. A mounting member for the other end of the panel includes a first molded plastic block slidable on a support bracket of the substructure and having an integrally molded spring finger engaging the bracket to resiliently urge the first mounting block to a certain longitudinal position on the metal substructure and a second mounting block connected thereto by a screw thread by which rotation of the second mounting block establishes a mounting face thereon at a precise position transversely of the vehicle body for abutment by and support of the panel in precise surface alignment with the adjacent body panel. The mounting face provides a field for the drilling of a hole for receiving a fastener attaching the panel to the mounting member. Thermal or hygroscopic growth of the panel induces longitudinal movement of the mounting member to permit distortion-free growth relative the underlying metal substructure.