MATERIALS '85: PLASTIC DOORS AND HOOD ON A LIMO? THAT'S JUST ONE OF MANY INNOVATIONS

This article describes some new materials and innovations in new vehicles for the 1980's. Cadillac's first front-drive limousine built off a De Ville Coupe, uses sheet moulding compound (SMC) plastic for hood and rear doors and contributes to a 1,200 lb weight reduction from the '84 model. SMC has long been used for small parts but rarely for major body panels. High strength steel (HSS) and aluminum are taking a bigger share of the original-equipment radiator and wheel markets. The driveshaft on carryover Ford Econoline fullsize vans switches to plastic composite construction. Other metals such as zinc and magnesium also have important new applications. Polycarbonate/polyesters are being used for bumpers. Other new plastic applications include soft front and rear fascias on Chrysler H-cars; urethane jounce bumpers, reinforced reaction-injection-moulded (RRIM) urethane fascia; etc. A dramatic new plastics application is the injection-moulded gas tank on Volkswagen of America. Sheet metal manifolds have been used to replace a cast iron unit in the Oldsmobile Calais. The quest for rust-free cars has led to precoated steel gains on some Chevys.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/2244862
• Corporate Authors:

  Ward's Communications Incorporated

  28 West Adams Street
  Detroit, MI  United States  48226
• Authors:
  • Smith, D C
  • Wrigley, A
• Publication Date: 1984-9

Media Info

• Features: Tables;
• Pagination: 5 p.
• Serial:
  • Ward's Auto World
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Ward's Communications
  • ISSN: 0043-0315
  • Serial URL: http://wardsauto.com

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aluminum; Bumpers; Composite construction; High strength steel; Magnesium; Materials; Plastics; Sheet molding compounds; Vehicle design; Vehicle weight; Zinc
• Subject Areas: Design; Materials; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00394221
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 793
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: May 31 1985 12:00AM