Structural component and a method of manufacturing such a component

A method for assembling a structural component for a motor vehicle, the component comprising first and second profiled sheet metal parts, which sheet metal parts have opposing free ends arranged to mate to form an overlapping portion over a predetermined distance, wherein a cross-section of the component through the overlapping portion has a hat shape with each profiled sheet metal part including first and second edge portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the component, first and second side portions that are each arranged to join a respective edge portion, and a central portion arranged to join the side portions, the method comprising:

• locating the first and second profiled sheet metal parts in an overlapping position;
• clamping the first and second profiled sheet metal parts together along the edge portions;
• applying clamping forces to at least two tabs separated by a recess at the free end of each central portion to deform each tab into contact with an adjacent central portion;
• and
• joining the first and second profiled sheet metal parts by welding spots at the first and second edge portions, the first and second side portions and at each tab on the central portion of each profiled sheet metal part.

A structural component for a motor vehicle, the structural component comprising:

• first and second profiled sheet metal parts joined together by welding spots, which sheet metal parts have opposing free ends mated to form an overlapping portion, wherein a cross-section of the component through the overlapping portion has a hat shape with each sheet metal part comprising:
• first and second edge portions extending in a longitudinal direction of the structural component;
• first and second side portions that are each joined to a respective edge portion;
• and
• a central portion joined to the side portions;
• wherein the free end of the central portion of each sheet metal part comprises two tabs separated by a recess, and the tabs of each sheet metal part are joined to a part of an adjacent central portion by welding spots.