Repair and assembly tool

Abstract

A closing tool is provided for assembling an outer panel of a tailgate, decklid, door or the like to an interior panel. The closing tool may work in conjunction with an opening tool which operates to separate the outer panel from the interior panel at the hem flange. The closing tool includes a receptacle for receiving a partially open hem flange and the interior panel and a shaft. The shaft further defines a base at its lateral end for receiving an impact from a hammer or the like. Upon impact, the receptacle surrounds the partially open hem flange and the interior door panel thereby closing the hem flange.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tool for assembling an outer door panel to an interior door panel, the tool comprising: 
 a receptacle for receiving a partially open outer door panel and the interior door panel; and    a shaft integral to the receptacle.    
     
     
         2 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the receptacle is substantially planar.  
     
     
         3 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the receptacle is defined by a first projection, a second projection and a connecting member wherein the connecting member is integral to the first projection and the second projection.  
     
     
         4 . The tool defined in  claim 2  wherein the substantially planar receptacle is defined by a first projection, a second projection and a connecting member wherein the connecting member is integral to the first projection and the second projection.  
     
     
         5 . The tool defined in  claim 2  wherein the receptacle is integral to the shaft.  
     
     
         6 . The tool defined in  claim 2  wherein the receptacle is mounted onto the shaft.  
     
     
         7 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the receptacle is integral to the shaft.  
     
     
         8 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the receptacle is mounted onto the shaft.  
     
     
         9 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the lateral end of the shaft defines a base for receiving an impact thereby allowing the receptacle to surround and close the hem flange.  
     
     
         10 . The tool defined in  claim 1  wherein the tool is formed of nylon-reinforced injection molded plastic.  
     
     
         11 . An assembly tool for attaching an outer door panel to an interior door panel at the hem flange, the tool comprising: 
 a receptacle defined by a first projection and a second projection wherein the first projection is integral to the second projection; and a shaft.    
     
     
         12 . The assembly tool defined in  claim 11  wherein the assembly tool is formed of nylon-reinforced injection molded plastic.