Importance

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Abstract

A hinge for a vehicle includes a stationary sheet metal hinge base adapted to attach to a vehicle, a sheet metal panel bracket adapted to attach to a vehicle panel, and a sheet metal hinge member operably connecting the hinge base and panel bracket. The panel bracket is slideably attached to the hinge member and movable between an extended position and a retracted final assembly position. The hinge member is also pivotally connected to the hinge base and rotatably movable through an arcuate path including a panel open position, a panel closed position and at least one intermediate position therebetween. The hinge member, when the panel bracket is in the extended position, is movable to the intermediate position in the arcuate path so that the panel is spaced from the vehicle to facilitate painting of the panel and the vehicle. The hinge member, when the panel bracket is in the retracted position, is movable to locate the panel relative to the vehicle in a final assembly position. Thus, the panel can be readily extended to facilitate painting and can be retracted for final panel fit during vehicle assembly without removing the panel from the vehicle.

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First Claim