Auto Roof panel

Auto Roof panel
The roof panel is one of the largest of all major body panels, and it is also one of the simplest in construction. The area which the roof covers varies between different makes and models of cars.
On some cars, the roof panel ends at the windscreen. On others it extends downwards around the windscreen so that the windscreen opening is actually in the roof. On some cars the roof ends above the rear window, while on others it extends downwards so that the rear window opening is in the lower rear roof. When this is the case the roof panel forms the top panel around the rear boot opening. Some special body designs incorporate different methods of rear window construction, which affects the roof panel; this is particularly true for estate cars, hatchbacks and hardtop convertibles. Alter- natively the top is joined to the rear quarter panel by another smaller panel which is part of the roof assembly.
The stiffness of the roof is built in by the curvature given to it by the forming presses, while the reinforcements, consisting of small metal strips placed crosswise to the roof at intervals along the inside surface, serve to stiffen the front and rear edges of the windscreen and rear window frames. In some designs the roof panel may have a sliding roof built in (Figure 1.47) or a flip-up detachable sunroof incorporated.

Figure 1.47 Body side assemblies, roof, BC-post, front and rear door of a hatchback (Proton)
1 Panel outer rear door
2 Panel inner rear door
3 Panel outer front door
4 Panel inner rear door
5 Panel hood
6 Panel cowl top inner
7 Panel cowl top outer
8 Panel assy dash
9 Reinf. radiator side RH
10 Stay hood lock
11 Crossmember front end
12 Reinf. radiator side LH
13 Bar front end upper
14 Bulkhead front pillar lower
15 Bulkhead front pillar side sill
16 Bracket crossmember front
17 Bracket crossmember
18 Reinf. pillar front inner lower
19 Pillar front inner lower
20 Sidemember front
21 Panel front fender
22 Pan front floor
23 Reinf. front pillar lower
24 Extension upper frame outer
25 Side structure
26 Reinf. front pillar centre
27 Pillar front inner upper
28 Rail roof side inner
29 Rail roof front
30 Pillar centre inner
31 Pillar centre outer
32 Pillar rear inner
33 Rail roof rear
34 Panel roof