There are two distinct forms of frame construction in common use: 1.

The conventional pressed sheet frame to which all mechanical units are attached and on which the body is superimposed Body on Frame Construction 2. Frameless construction in which the body structure is so designed as to combine the functions of body and frame.

1. Body on Frame Construction

Body-on-frame is an old automobile construction technology. Mounting a separate body to a rigid frame which supports the drivetrain, engine, suspension etc. was the original method of building automobiles, and its use continues to this day. The original frames were made of wood (commonly ash), but steel ladder frames became common in the 1930s. The transmission system, powerplant, suspension, steering, wheels etc. are mounted on the frame on which body is finally mounted. The body is held to the chassis frame by a no. of body bolts passing through the base of the body and frame. This method is the traditional way of construction. Body-on-frame remains the preferred construction method for heavyduty commercial vehicles, especially those which are intended to carry and pull heavy loads, such as SUVs and trucks. They may be semi hand built as production on flow production lines is difficult.

Advantages of Body on Frame Construction

The body need not contribute to the overall strength of the vehicle. Body style variations are easier and cheaper with this form of construction. Body repair work is easier and cheaper. It can be easily altered Only possible construction for heavy vehicles

Disadvantages
As body is mounted on the chassis, body is along for the ride. Beams need depth and mass for rigidity therefore heavy in construction. Since it is a 2-D structure, torsional rigidity is very much low. Cannot be made completely on flow production lines.

2. Frameless/Unitary Construction

Evolution of design produced a body sufficiently robust to carry all the units which had earlier been held by frame. The unit consists of a no. of pressed sheet panels which are set up in a frame-work to hold them in the correct positions. The pressings are joined by either electric flash welding or spot welding. This all steel construction was introduced so that a separate frame can be eliminated. When suitably designed the body sheet is capable of withstanding various stresses without bracing. The thickness of the sheet metal depends on stress to be taken by the panels. Suitable stiffening and strengthening sections are placed at points of maximum load such as engine and suspension mountings. The entire unit can be made strong by using longitudinal and lateral members so that it would be able to carry the mechanical components and so do away with the separate frame. All the automobile components like powerplant, final drive, suspension, steering etc. are mounted on the body and bracing can be done by longitudinal or lateral members. In some cases a separate sub frame is used to mount engine and suspension.

Advantages of Unibody Construction

Reduced cost when manufactured in large nos. Light in weight due to absence of separate frame, therefore improved vehicle performance and fuel saving. Less weight therefore less inertia so accelerating and braking is quick. Lower body position may be obtained i.e. C.G remains close to ground thus resulting in increased stability. In this case the stresses are more evenly distributed over the whole assembly instead of being confined to the limited space of skeleton. Less body rattle and squeaks Greater rigidity.

Disadvantages
Reduction of strength due to lack of frame. Economical only for mass production

Repair in case of damage is complicated and expensive It restricts the types of bodies to certain extent.

The frame has therefore disappeared from the make-up of the quantity produced car finding a place only in larger vehicles and those vehicles which are more individually produced.