A method for manufacturing a hydroforming member includes the step of
providing a blank (10). The blank (10) is defined by blank wall (16). The
blank (10) is placed in a die assembly (14) having a die cavity (12)
defined by a die surface (24). The blank (10) is expanded so that the
blank wall (16) is forced against the die surface (24) to form the
hydroformed member. A portion of the blank wall conforms against a
wall-thinning element (26, 28) positioned along the die surface (24) to
form a removable wall section (46, 50) in a portion of the blank wall
(24). The removable wall section (46, 50) is then removed from the blank
wall (16) to form an opening in the hydroformed member.