Composite of sheet metal parts

A joining method for joining sheet metal parts to a composite, the composite forming part of an outer shell of a vehicle when assembled onto the vehicle, in which method:

• a) a first sheet metal part having a first outer shell region and a first joining region which projects from the first outer shell region via a bent transition towards an inner side of the first sheet metal part and
• b) a second sheet metal part having a second outer shell region and a second joining region which projects from the second outer shell region towards an inner side of the second sheet metal part are fixed relative to each other in a joining position;
• c) and the sheet metal parts are connected to each other in the joining position by welding or soldering, thereby producing a welding or soldering seam such that the joining regions form a gap and abut each other along a strip, wherein the strip runs between the bent transition of the first sheet metal part and the welding or soldering seam;
• wherein
• d) a flange edge and a flange are shaped in the first joining region, the flange projecting along the flange edge from an adjacent area of the first joining region;
• e) the sheet metal parts are connected to each other such that the welding or soldering seam runs in the first joining region along or alongside the flange edge, and wherein
• f) the first sheet metal part is fixed in a first fixing tool for flanging and the second sheet metal part is fixed in a second fixing tool and said two sheet metal parts are fixed in the joining position by the first and second fixing tools without re-fixing said two sheet metal parts.