A method of preparing a molded cross vehicle beam which includes a hollow
blow molded thermoplastic rigid member that is integrally attached to a
rigid support, e.g., a U-shaped metal plate, and at least one attachment
element, is described. The rigid support (12) has a first surface, a
second surface and a plurality of perforations having edges. The
attachment element(s) (81, 84) have a first surface, a second surface and
a plurality of perforations having edges. The attachment element provides
a means of attaching the molded cross vehicle beam to a separate
structure (e.g., the A-pillars of an automobile). A thermoplastic parison
precursor of the hollow rigid thermoplastic member (15) is blow molded
against the first surfaces of the rigid support (12) and the attachment
element (81, 84). Portions of the thermoplastic parison extend through
perforations in each of the rigid support (12) and the attachment element
(81, 84), thereby attaching the hollow thermoplastic rigid member (15) to
the rigid support (12) and the attachment element (81, 84). The present
invention also relates to a process by which the molded cross vehicle
beam is prepared.