Method of blow molding

A method for blow forming a metal tubular component into a single piece article carrier component such as an end support rail, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a molding tool having a first piece and a second piece with each of said first and second pieces forming an internal mold cavity when placed adjacent one another, each one of said first and second pieces including access portions which, when said first and second portions of said mold tool are placed adjacent one another, form first and second access openings extending orthogonally to one another such that an intermediate portion of a metal tubular member having a substantially 90.degree. bend may be placed within said first and second pieces and have its end portions protruding from said access portions before said first and second pieces are placed adjacent one another;
• placing said metal tubular member in one of said first and second pieces of said molding tool such that said end portions protrude out of said access portions, and placing the other one of said first and second pieces against said piece holding said metal tubular member;
• heating said molding tool to a temperature of between about 9000.degree. F.-1200.degree. F.;
• injecting a gas into said metal tubular member, said gas being under pressure to cause said intermediate portion of said metal tubular member disposed within said internal mold cavity to expand and conform to said internal mold cavity;
• allowing said mold tool to cool;
• and
• separating said first and second portions of said molding tool and removing said metal tubular member from said internal mold cavity.