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The Auto Body:
Frame Construction
Frame design has tended to evolve over time. Traditionally the frame has provided a sturdy base made of steel upon which the auto body and chassis are connected. However, over the years there has tended to be a shift toward unibodyconstruction in which frame and auto body are more closely integrated. Through design integration, the inner body is strengthened to support major auto parts and maintain vehicle integrity. In this way, the line between frame and body structures become blurred.
Body panels are integrated with the frame construction and are frequently load bearing panels and play an important role in maintaining the structural integrity of the vehicle.
Unibody frames do not have a separate frame, the frame and body are one piece.
Unibody frames are generally divided into three main sections, the doghouse(front end)greenhouse (passenger compartment) and the rear clip (rear end).
Crush Zones
Crush zones are specifically constructed areas of the frame that are designed to bend in the event of a collision. Strategically located along the front and rear rails, crush zones allow the dissipation of energy.
Most trucks, utility vehicles and older cars are equipped with a body-over-frame construction In this design, the auto body is bolted to a separate, thick metal frame.
Prior to the early 1980s, body-over frame construction was the standard manufacturing design. However, since then, unibody construction has increased to until it now constitutes over 95% of all passenger cars currently on the road.
A-Pillar The A-pillars consist of two roof supports located on either side of a vehicle's windshield. A-pillars are designed to support a large portion of the vehicle's weight in the event of a roll-over. |
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1. Auto Body
2. Body Types
3. Construction Materials
5. Major Body Parts
6. Interior
7. Restraint Systems
8. Glass
9. Auto Body Repair
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