Cars & Concepts, Inc.

Gerald D McKee

David L Draper

A method of converting a sedan body having doors with framed and sliding windows to a vehicle body having doors with unframed windows. The method is performed by cutting and removing at least a portion of the window frame and utilizing a glass window panel and seal at least one of which has a different construction than the corresponding component used with the framed door. Preferably, both a different glass window panel and a different seal are utilized.

Vehicle door conversion

A vehicle sunroof of the pop-up type which can be pivoted to a partially opened position or alternatively may be completely removed from the vehicle. The sunroof assembly has a stamped metal tray which forms a drainage channel located below the surface of the vehicle roof, the roof opening being closed by a panel which is sealed relative to the tray to form a substantially closed drainage channel from which any accumulated moisture can be drained.

Sunroof

A latch mechanism for holding a hinged panel in open and closed position relative to a framed opening in a vehicle body having a handle and a link pivoted to each other and to the panel and the vehicle, respectively, so that in a closed position an overcenter position of the pivot points of the latch handle and link maintain the panel in a closed position and in which one of the pivot connections is formed by sliding a latch mechanism which permits the link and handle to be locked in selected relative positions to hold the panel in an intermediately opened position or a fully opened position.

Latch mechanism for hinged panels

A vehicle body (10) including a pair of roof panels (12) for closing associated roof openings (14) incorporates a pair of drainage seals (16) that direct water from the roof for downward drainage. Each drainage seal (16) includes a one piece resilient seal member (30) having a front seal portion (32), a U-shaped roof seal portion (34) extending around the associated roof opening, and a rear seal portion (36) extending along a rear pillar (26) of the vehicle body. The front seal portion (32) of each seal member includes a flap (38) that defines a drainage passage (40) through which the water flows, preferably in a hidden manner by tucking the flap under a flange (48) on the associated front pillar (22). The rear seal portion (36) of each seal member includes a channel (100) for carrying water directed thereto from the roof seal portion (34) of the seal member. Connector lugs (102,104) provide connections between the different seal portions of the seal member and are located on opposite sides of a roof panel seal that is mounted on the associated roof panel at its outboard edge.

Drainage seal for vehicle having removable roof panels

A method of converting a sedan body having doors with framed and sliding windows to a vehicle body having doors with unframed windows including the substitution of a new glass window panel larger than the original glass panel and a new support system for holding the new panel in engagement with seals in the closed position of the door.

Growing community of inventors

Highland, MI, United States of America

Gerald D McKee