Low mass truck end gate utilizing aluminum stampings and extrusions

1. A product comprising:

an extruded support beam comprising aluminum constructed and arranged to be used as an inner support in a vehicle end gate, wherein the extruded support beam includes a bar portion and a leg extending down from the bar portion, and wherein the leg portion extends from the bar portion at an angle less than 90°.

2. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the bar portion and leg portion are one continuous un-joined single piece.

3. A product as set forth in claim 2 wherein the extruded support beam further comprises a tail portion extending from the leg portion.

4. A product as set forth in claim 3 wherein the tail portion extends from the leg portion in a direction generally parallel to the bar portion.

5. A product as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a stamped inner panel comprising aluminum connected to the extruded support beam comprising aluminum.

6. A product as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a stamped outer body panel connected to the extruded support beam.

7. A product as set forth in claim 6 wherein the stamped outer body panel comprises aluminum.

8. A product as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a cover overlying the end gate inner panel.

9. A product as set forth in claim 8 wherein the cover comprises a polymer.

10. A product as set forth in claim 9 wherein the cover further comprises reinforcing fibers.

11. A product as set forth in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of wing spars, each spar including a slot formed therein, and wherein the extruded support beam is received in the slot formed in each wing spar.

12. A product as set forth in claim 11 wherein each of the plurality of wing spars comprises a plastic or thermoset portion, and an expandable foam core portion.

13. A product as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a stamped outer body panel connected to the extruded support beam, and wherein each of the plurality of wing spars includes an outer profile edge, at least a portion of the outer profile edge being constructed and arranged to engage the stamped outer body panel.

14. A product comprising:

an extruded support beam comprising aluminum constructed and arranged to be used as an inner support in a vehicle end gate, wherein the extruded support beam includes a plurality of wing spars, wherein each of the plurality of wing spars include a slot formed therein, and wherein the extruded support beam is received in the slot formed in each of the plurality of wing spars.

15. A product as set forth in claim 14 wherein each of the plurality of wing spars comprises a plastic or thermoset portion, and an expandable foam core portion.

16. A product as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a stamped outer body panel connected to the extruded support beam, and wherein each of the plurality of wing spars includes an outer profile edge, at least a portion of the outer profile edge being constructed and arranged to engage the stamped outer body panel.