A method and apparatus for permanently joining two or more metallic vehicle frame components using magnetic impulse welding techniques is disclosed. In a first embodiment, an overlap joint is formed by the joinder of two individual open channel side rail sections to form a portion of a vehicle frame side rail. The first side rail section is initially formed slightly smaller in size than the second side rail section so that it may be disposed telescopically therein with clearance. An electromagnetic coil is provided for generating a magnetic field which causes the side rail sections to move toward one another at a high velocity. The high velocity impact and the large pressures cause the two side rail sections to weld or molecularly bond. Alternatively, a bracket can be joined to a side rail section in a similar manner. In a second embodiment, a pair of closed channel structural members are formed using hydroforming techniques. The end portions of two hydroformed structural members are then disposed concentrically within an electromagnetic coil. When energized, the electromagnetic coil causes the end portions to move toward one another so as to weld or molecularly bond.