Around the year 1896 – 1910, the vehicle body is made of wood for the chassis and body parts. It is still affected by the body when the horse-drawn carriage. The wood used has a thickness of about 10 mm. Connections between components using nails made of wrought iron. To the roof of the vehicle, some use regular fabric, canvas fabric, but there is also the use of wood in order that the body can be strong.
In 1921, Weymann introduce a floor construction which became the backbone of the other body parts, such as the walls of the vehicle and the vehicle seat. Floor deliberately made of strong materials, while other components may be made of a lightweight component. Wall connection to the floor using a steel plate that is bolted, and to eliminate the gap between the connection normally used timber. The panels are made of cloth, canvas and using the outside of the skin. However, this material has a short life.
Once the vehicle demand increases, we need a rapid process of making body and can be mass produced. The development of technology when metals were accelerated technology development vehicle body, where iron can be processed and formed using a press machine.
New in 1927 (see figure 1.3) overall vehicle body is made of metal, in which the vehicle body consisting of various components has been made of sheet plate formed / pressed. With the development of ways of processing the metal increases, the production of vehicle production can also be increased.
Vehicle demand continues to increase, causing a competition between companies in producing vehicles. Body of technical experts for each company trying to create a vehicle body according to need, and has ergonomics and comfort for driver and passengers.
The development of the body on the chassis technology from year to year are also progressing. For example, the original wheeled vehicle that does not have the same diameter, the rear wheels larger than the front wheels, spokes made of wood and metal coated steel wheels into the wheel that already use both rubber and metal alloy of iron or aluminum. Even now the technology is no tire wear in the tires (tubeless tire) that is more secure and easier to use.
The roof of the vehicle (head lining) which was originally only made of fabric, then shifted made of vinyl or plastic which is more attractive in appearance and easy to clean. The process of installation is also relatively easy to use adhesive (glue).
Passenger comfort in driving also be improved, for example, which has a spring seat and adjustable position, such as the interior door trim, panels, dashboard made of vinyl or plastic material even floor rugs are easy to clean. The steering system that used a walking stick turned into the steering wheel, gear shift lever also adjusts acceleration driver comfort and many other improvements.
Electrical systems are also being developed. At first light vehicles using oil, then developed using acetylene (carbide) and now use a battery as a power source. Function lights that used only as a means of illumination at night, when the lights also serve as cues and signposts in an effort to improve road safety. The lights are also in the interests of vehicle accessories to enhance the look of the vehicle.
The development of the vehicle body, also plays an important role in terms of the ability of the vehicle. First time Cugnot invented a steam engine vehicle, can only walk about 5 km / h, but this time the vehicle was able to run at speeds above 100 km / h but still comfortable, safe and not noisy. Most people probably just think that depends on the speed of the engine, but this time people started to realize that the speed of the vehicle is also influenced by the stability of the vehicle as well as the shape and surface of the vehicle body. As in racing, aerodynamics of a vehicle is very important to achieve the speed and stability of the vehicle, such as with a regular vehicle, the body is now becoming one of the very important thing and always do the development.