The present invention describes a reinforcing member that permits fiberglass pieces to be attached securely yet removably. The pieces can be simply and easily assembled and disassembled with common tools and with no specialized knowledge or ability. Unlike prior art, repairs do not necessarily involve sandblasting, gluing or laminating. The invention permits easy customization or replacement of pieces. The invention includes a reinforcing member having a box truss coupled with at least one gusset. One embodiment includes a truck hood having a center section and fenders. The hood has proven as durable and rigid as traditional unitary construction techniques.

A deformation element for absorbing lateral impact forces in the lateral region of a motor vehicle has at least two hollow chambers disposed one behind another in the direction of action of the lateral impact forces. An axial extension of which is in each case oriented at right angles to the direction of action of the lateral impact forces. The deformation element has at least one fastening portion for mounting the deformation element on an associated lateral sill portion of the vehicle.

A fairing panel retainer can include a retainer strip that is configured to conform to the contour of a vehicle body. The retainer strip includes alternating body attachment segments and raised panel attachment segments in a generally corrugated configuration. In addition, each of the body attachment segments includes a body fastener interface configured to accept a permanent fixed fastener to attach the fairing panel retainer to the vehicle body. Each of the panel attachment segments can include a panel fastener interface, for example, a bore through the panel attachment segment and a fastener plate slidably attached to a lower surface of the panel attachment segment. The body fastener interfaces and the panel fastener interfaces can be closely aligned along a longitudinal line or arc of the retainer strip. The fairing panel retainer can also include a transition surface to provide a smooth transition from the vehicle body surface to a fairing panel.