Apparatus and method for replacement of a bearer member of a longitudinal bearer joint in a motor vehicle body

Method for replacing a bearer member in a motor vehicle body longitudinal bearer joint which includes a cast light metal connector having a tubular socket sized for receivingly engaging one end of a first, forwardly disposed extruded light metal longitudinal bearer member originally secured in place by a surrounding transverse weld seam joining said first bearer member to a front edge of said socket, said method comprising in operative sequence the steps of:

• a) separating the weld seam;
• b) removing the first bearer member;
• c) providing said socket with a plurality of holes spaced apart along its circumference adjacent said front edge;
• d) inserting into the socket a replacement bearer member kit assembly which includes:
• i) a replacement hollow-section bearer member having a first end provided with a plurality of holes spaced for coalignment with said holes of said socket;
• ii) an insert piece fitted within a hollow interior of said replacement bearer member first end and having a plurality of threaded holes spaced apart for coalignment with said holes of both said replacement bearer member first end and said socket;
• e) aligning the respective holes of said socket and said replacement bearer member with the threaded holes of said insert piece;
• and
• f) securing said replacement bearer member and insert piece to said socket with threaded bolt fasteners.