Quarter PanelĪ quarter panel is the sheet metal that forms the passenger- and driver-side rear panels. Some vehicles, like large SUVs or minivans, also have a “D” pillar. The letter “A” refers to the pillar closes to the front, “B” is in the middle, and “C” is in the rear. These are the vertical supports of a car. It’s usually comprised of a sheet of pressed 14- to 18-gauge steel that is clad with a layer of sound-deadening materials. The firewall is the frame component that separates the engine bay from the passenger cabin. There are several holes and grooves built into it to allow for drivetrain components and electrical wiring. The floor pan is basically a metal sheet that’s welded to several cross members, forming the floor of the car. Part of the apron assembly is the strut tower, which helps prevent chassis flex while cornering. Strut Tower/Apron AssemblyĬars have front aprons and rear aprons, which are basically frames that hold the struts in place. Most of the time, this component is bolted on, meaning if it suffers damage, it can easily be replaced. Core/Radiator SupportĪ core support (also known as a radiator support), is a metal frame that surrounds the radiator, securing it in place. Because of their strength, they serve as a foundation for other frame components. These are two symmetrical beams on both the front and rear of the car. To help identify issues, automotive engineers and mechanics break unibody frames into smaller components. This type used to be the norm, but now it’s only found in trucks and large SUVs due to the superior strength and resistance it offers.

The other type of frame design is known as a body-on-frame (or ladder frame). For these reasons, a unibody frame is the most common construction method on most passenger vehicles. This type of frame not only reduces weight, which enhances fuel economy, but it provides better handling and improves the ride quality as well. What is a unibody frame? It basically means that the body of the vehicle, its floor plan, and its chassis all form a single structure.

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