HILITE INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1998-02-17
MOTOR VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Previous: PHC INC /MA/, 10-Q, 1998-02-17
Next: CONCORD COMMUNICATIONS INC, SC 13G, 1998-02-17




                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                   FORM 10-Q



QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 for the quarterly period ended December 31, 1997



Commission file number                  0-22924



                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
              (Exact name of registrant specified in its charter)


           Delaware                                               75-2147742
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
 incorporation or organization)                              Identification No.)


          1671 S. Broadway
          Carrollton, Texas                                        75006
(Address of principal executive offices)                         (Zip code)


                                 (972) 466-0475
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]       No [_]

As of  February  13,  1998,  the Company had  4,900,000  shares of Common  Stock
outstanding.


<PAGE>

                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
               FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                     INDEX




                                                                            Page
Part I    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

          Item 1.   Consolidated Financial Statements
                     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of  
                     December 31, 1997 and June 30, 1997...................... 3

                    Consolidated Statements of Operations 
                     for the Three and Six Months Ended 
                     December 31, 1997 and 1996............................... 4

                    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
                     for the Three and Six Months Ended
                     December 31, 1997 and 1996............................... 5

                    Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial
                     Statements .............................................. 6


          Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                     Financial Condition and Results of
                     Operations..............................................  9




Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION.................................................. 14




                                      -2-


<PAGE>

                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
                          Consolidated Balance Sheets

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  December 31,       June 30,
                                                                      1997            1997
                                                                  ------------    ------------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>       
                                     ASSETS

Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents ...................................   $       --      $       --
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
    $237,268 and $195,427 at Dec. 31 and June 30, respectively      10,501,832       9,991,098
  Tooling receivables .........................................        126,156          96,734
  Inventories .................................................     10,351,896      10,075,786
  Deferred income taxes .......................................      1,774,082       1,774,082
  Prepaid expenses and other ..................................      1,241,399         739,803
                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total current assets ......................................     23,995,365      22,677,503
                                                                  ------------    ------------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost ........................     39,642,659      38,400,240
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization ...............    (13,732,805)    (12,077,533)
                                                                  ------------    ------------
Property, plant and equipment, net ............................     25,909,854      26,322,707

Assets held for disposal ......................................      2,253,800       2,330,800
Goodwill, net of amortization .................................      5,725,360       5,888,167
                                                                  ------------    ------------

TOTAL ASSETS ..................................................   $ 57,884,379    $ 57,219,177
                                                                  ============    ============

                      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses .......................   $ 11,595,869    $ 11,875,962
  Long-term debt - current portion ............................      2,422,945       2,422,950
  Income taxes payable (receivable) ...........................       (370,927)         49,883
                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total current liabilities .................................     13,647,887      14,348,795
                                                                  ------------    ------------

Long-term debt ................................................     16,244,159      16,486,252
Deferred income taxes .........................................      2,595,392       2,595,392
Subordinated debt .............................................      1,785,184       1,785,184
                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total non-current liabilities .............................     20,624,735      20,866,828

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized,
    none issued and outstanding ...............................           --              --
  Common stock, $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized,
    4,900,000 issued and outstanding ..........................         49,000          49,000
  Dividends paid ..............................................       (122,500)
  Additional paid-in capital ..................................      9,105,674       9,105,674
  Retained earnings ...........................................     14,579,583      12,848,880
                                                                  ------------    ------------
    Total shareholders' equity ................................     23,611,757      22,003,554
                                                                  ------------    ------------

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ....................   $ 57,884,379    $ 57,219,177
                                                                  ============    ============
</TABLE>



              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                   interim consolidated financial statements.


                                       -3-
<PAGE>

                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
                     Consolidated Statements of Operations

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Three Months Ended               Six Months Ended           
                                                            December 31,                   December 31,                          
                                                        1997           1996            1997           1996
                                                    ------------   ------------    ------------   ------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>             <C>            <C>         
Net sales .......................................   $ 20,626,491   $ 16,372,759    $ 41,656,789   $ 34,425,936
Cost of sales ...................................     16,404,695     15,252,476      33,370,096     30,328,159
                                                    ------------   ------------    ------------   ------------

Gross profit ....................................      4,221,796      1,120,283       8,286,693      4,097,777

Selling, general and administrative expenses ....      2,307,094      1,988,086       4,711,049      3,913,469
                                                    ------------   ------------    ------------   ------------

Operating income (loss) .........................      1,914,702       (867,803)      3,575,644        184,308

Interest expense, net ...........................        409,507        416,381         800,018        830,902
                                                    ------------   ------------    ------------   ------------

Income (loss) before income taxes ...............      1,505,195     (1,284,184)      2,775,626       (646,594)

Income tax provision ............................        566,617       (505,836)      1,044,922       (271,336)
                                                    ------------   ------------    ------------   ------------

Net income (loss) ...............................   $    938,578   $   (778,348)   $  1,730,704   $   (375,258)
                                                    ============   ============    ============   ============


Per share data:

Basic and fully-diluted earnings (loss) per share   $       0.19   $      (0.16)   $       0.35   $      (0.08)
                                                    ============   ============    ============   ============

Weighted average number of
  shares outstanding ............................      4,900,000      4,900,000       4,900,000      4,900,000
                                                    ============   ============    ============   ============
                                                                                                
</TABLE>







              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                   interim consolidated financial statements.
                                        
                                        
                                       -4-


<PAGE>

                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Six Months Ended
                                                                December 31,
                                                            1997           1996    
                                                        -----------    -----------
<S>                                                     <C>            <C>         
Cash flows from operations:
  Net income (loss) .................................   $ 1,730,704    $  (375,258)
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to
      net cash provided by operations:
       Depreciation .................................     1,678,262      1,739,165
       Amortization .................................       162,806        164,985
                                                        -----------    -----------
       Increase in net deferred income taxes ........          --          244,493
    Cash provided from operations before changes in
      operating assets and liabilities ..............     3,571,772      1,773,385

    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable ...      (511,274)     1,412,735
       (Increase) decrease in tooling receivable ....       (29,422)       760,982
       Increase in inventories ......................      (276,110)      (450,355)
       Increase in prepaid expenses and
         other current assets .......................      (501,594)      (150,556)
       Increase (decrease) in accounts payable
         and accrued expenses .......................      (279,556)     1,495,592
       Decrease in income taxes payable .............      (420,809)      (513,377)
                                                        -----------    -----------
    Total changes in operating assets and liabilities    (2,018,765)     2,555,021
                                                        -----------    -----------
Net cash provided by operations .....................     1,553,007      4,328,406
                                                        -----------    -----------

Cash flows used in investing activities:
  Net additions to property, plant and equipment ....    (1,188,409)    (2,790,231)
                                                        -----------    -----------

Net cash used in investing activities ...............    (1,188,409)    (2,790,231)
                                                        -----------    -----------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Payment of cash dividend ..........................      (122,500)          --
  Repayment of debt and capital lease ...............    (1,211,473)    (1,149,166)
  Repayment of subordinated debt ....................          --          (75,000)
  Net increase (decrease) in note payable ...........       969,375       (314,009)
                                                        -----------    -----------

Net cash from financing activities ..................      (364,598)    (1,538,175)
                                                        -----------    -----------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents ...........          --             --   
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ....          --             --   
                                                        -----------    -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..........   $      --      $      --   
                                                        ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
                                                
                                                
              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                   interim consolidated financial statements.
                                                
                                       -5-



<PAGE>

                            HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
         Notes to Consolidated Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)


1.      BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        The interim financial  statements of Hilite Industries,  Inc. ("Hilite")
at December 31, 1997 and for the six-month  period ended  December 31, 1997, are
unaudited,   but  include  all  adjustments   (consisting  of  normal  recurring
adjustments) which the Company considers necessary for a fair presentation.  The
June 30, 1997 balance sheet was derived from the balance  sheet  included in the
Company's  audited  Financial  Statements  as included in the  Company's  Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

        In order to  create  a more  flexible  corporate  structure  for  making
acquisitions,  engaging in capital  raising  activities and for tax  efficiency,
Hilite was  reorganized  on January 30,  1998.  On that date Hilite  completed a
transfer of all of its assets to Hilite  Industries  - Texas,  Inc.,  a Delaware
corporation ("Hilite Texas"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hilite. Following the
transfer  of its assets to Hilite  Texas and  Hilite  Texas'  assumption  of the
related liabilities, Hilite Texas simultaneously transferred 99% of those assets
to Hilite  Industries  - Delaware,  Inc., a newly  formed  Delaware  corporation
("Hilite  Delaware") in exchange for all of the issued and outstanding shares of
common  stock  of  Hilite  Delaware.  Hilite  Texas  and  Hilite  Delaware  then
contributed  those assets to Hilite Industries  Automotive,  LP ("Hilite LP"), a
newly  formed  Texas  limited  partnership.  Hilite  Texas  contributed  to  the
partnership  its  ownership  of 1% of the  total  Hilite  assets  and in  return
received a 1% general partnership  interest,  and Hilite Delaware contributed to
the  partnership  its  ownership of 99% of the total Hilite assets and in return
received a 99% limited partnership interest.  Hilite LP is now performing all of
the manufacturing, sales and product development activities previously performed
by Hilite in the state of Texas. In this Report,  the term the "Company"  refers
collectively  to Hilite,  Hilite  Texas,  Hilite  Delaware,  Hilite LP and North
American  Spring and  Stamping  Corp.  ("NASS"),  a Delaware  corporation  and a
wholly-owned  subsidiary of Hilite.  The  reorganization  had no affect on NASS.
NASS remains a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hilite.

        The accompanying  unaudited  financial  statements have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted  accounting  principles for interim financial
information and with the  instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation
S-X. Accordingly,  they do not include all of the information and footnotes, and
should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited  Financial  Statements.
Operating  results for the  six-month  period  ended  December  31, 1997 are not
necessarily  indicative  of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1998.

        Effective  December 31, 1997 the Company adopted  Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 128, Earnings per Share. The statement  requires basic
and fully-diluted  earnings per share to be separately stated on the face of the
Statement of Operations.


                                      -6-
<PAGE>


2.      INVENTORIES

        Inventories  at December  31, 1997 and June 30,  1997  consisted  of the
        following:


                                                 Dec. 31           June 30
                                               -----------       -----------
        
        Raw materials ......................   $ 4,519,182       $ 3,916,344
        Work in process ....................     2,346,161         2,254,960
        Finished goods .....................     3,486,553         3,904,482
                                               -----------       -----------
                                               $10,351,896       $10,075,786
                                               ===========       ===========


3.      RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

        As a result of operating  problems and  inefficiencies  at the specialty
        components and  assemblies  division,  the Company's  Board of Directors
        approved a plan to  substantially  restructure the NASS  operations.  In
        conjunction  with this plan,  the  Company  recorded a charge to pre-tax
        earnings in fiscal 1997 totaling approximately $2,700,000. The charge is
        comprised of a reduction  (approximately $900,000) in the net book value
        of certain assets primarily  machinery,  equipment and tooling, to their
        estimated fair value, net of estimated selling costs, accrual of certain
        costs  which the  Company  expects to incur in  terminating  contractual
        obligations,  but for which no future economic  benefit will be received
        (approximately $1,600,000) and other costs (approximately $200,000). For
        the three and six months ended December 31, 1997 approximately  $186,000
        and  $406,000,  respectively,  had been charged  against the accrual for
        terminating   contractual  obligations  and  approximately  $10,000  and
        $20,000,  respectively,  had been  charged  against the accrual of other
        costs.


4.      DEBT

        Effective  September 18, 1997, the Company  executed an amendment to its
        existing loan  agreement  ("the  Agreement")  with a bank to reflect new
        terms in the Company's credit facilities. Under the new terms the credit
        facilities consist of the following:

        1)      A  revolving  line of credit  of up to  $12,000,000  subject  to
                availability  requirements.  As of December 31, 1997, $7,470,000
                had  been  used  and  $3,113,000  is  currently  available.  The
                interest  rate on the line of credit is either LIBOR plus 1 1/2%
                or prime rate less 1/2% which resulted in a blended rate ranging
                from 7.084% to 8.00% at December 31, 1997. The revolving line of
                credit  expires on July 21, 1999.  An annual  commitment  fee of
                1/4% is payable  quarterly on the average  unused portion of the
                revolving line of credit;

        2)      Term loans with an original principal balance of $13,700,000 and
                a balance at December 31, 1997 of $9,008,000. Principal payments
                on  the  term  loan  of  

                                      -7-


<PAGE>


                approximately   $163,000  together  with  interest  are  payable
                monthly.  The maturity date of the term loans is August 1, 2002.
                The interest rate on the term loans, LIBOR plus 1 1/2% was 7.53%
                at December 31,  1997.  The term loans were used for funding the
                acquisition  of NASS  on  July  21,  1995  and  for  refinancing
                existing Company debt;

        3)      An  equipment   acquisition   facility  of  $3,000,000  for  the
                financing  of equipment  purchases.  Any term loans issued under
                this facility will bear interest,  at the Company's  option,  at
                either prime rate or LIBOR plus 1 1/2%. As of December 31, 1997,
                no amounts were outstanding under this facility.

        In  addition to the above  credit  facilities,  the  Company  also has a
        fifteen  year real  estate note and two five year  equipment  term notes
        with  the same  bank.  The  real  estate  note,  which  has an  original
        principal  amount of  $960,000  and a  $635,000  outstanding  balance at
        December 31,  1997,  is payable in monthly  installments  of $5,333 plus
        interest at the prime rate (8.50% at December  31, 1997) and becomes due
        and  payable on November 1, 2007.  The  equipment  term notes which have
        original principal amounts of $1,497,000 and $645,000, respectively, and
        outstanding balances of $973,000 and $581,000, respectively, at December
        31, 1997,  are payable in monthly  installments  of $24,961 and $10,757,
        respectively  at LIBOR plus 1 1/2%  (7.13% and 7.73%,  respectively,  at
        December 31, 1997) and becomes due and payable on May 31, 2001 and 2002,
        respectively.  The due dates on each of the real  estate  and  equipment
        notes' can be accelerated, at the bank's option, to July 21, 1999.

        The  notes  and  credit   facilities  are   collateralized  by  accounts
        receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate of the Company.


5.      CONTINGENCIES

        On January 28, 1998, the Company  announced that it had been notified by
        a  division  of  Ford  Motor  Company  that a part  manufactured  by the
        Company's  specialty  components and assemblies division may be involved
        in a recall  regarding a fuel gauge  accuracy  problem with certain 1997
        model year vehicles.  Based upon information  currently available to the
        Company,  management  believes  that this  matter  will be resolved in a
        manner not materially adverse to the Company.


6.      SUBSEQUENT EVENT

        In May 1997 the Company  initiated a suit in the United States  District
        Court for the Northern District of Illinois  (Eastern  Division) against
        the  Selling  Shareholders  of NASS.  The Company  alleged,  among other
        things, that the Selling  Shareholders made material  misrepresentations
        in  connection  with the  acquisition  of NASS.  On February 13, 1998 an
        agreement was reached  between the Company and the Selling  Shareholders
        of NASS to settle the suit. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement,
        the  Company is  relieved  of its  obligation  to pay  approximately  $2
        million in principal  and interest  under the Note issued as 


                                      -8-
<PAGE>



        part of the  consideration for the acquisition of NASS. The Company will
        not be required to make any future  payments  under the  employment  and
        non-compete  agreements with the Selling  Shareholders and, in addition,
        the  Selling  Shareholders  reimbursed  the Company for a portion of its
        legal  fees  incurred  in  connection  with the law  suit.  The  Selling
        Shareholders, however, remain bound by the non-competition provisions in
        their  respective  employment  agreements.   In  addition,  the  parties
        executed limited mutual general releases.


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND  ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION  AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations
- ---------------------

QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

Net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 1997 were  $20,626,000  compared to
$16,373,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 1996,  representing a increase of
$4,253,000  (26.0%).  Brake valve sales  increased  21.5% to  $6,586,000  in the
second fiscal  quarter of 1998 from  $5,421,000 in the prior year.  The increase
resulted from new programs which  commenced since the first quarter of the prior
year such as the P-90 and W-Car  programs for GM and the relief valve and UPN150
program for Bosch. Power transmission  component sales increased from $4,690,000
in fiscal 1997 to $4,838,000 or 3.2%. This increase is attributable to increased
sales of  air-conditioning  compressor clutches for the heavy truck industry and
4-wheel drive transfer case  components  offset by decreased  sales for machined
brackets to  Mitsubishi.  Second  quarter sales by the specialty  components and
assemblies  division  were  $9,202,000,  an  increase  of 46.9% over last year's
second  quarter sales of  $6,262,000.  The increase in sales is primarily due to
significantly  higher  sales  of  certain  assemblies  to  Motorola,   Inc.  and
approximately $700,000 of price increases, some of which are for parts which are
scheduled to be  discontinued  by the Company and sourced to other  suppliers by
the third quarter as part of the restructuring plan for the specialty components
and assemblies division,  approved by the Board of Directors in June 1997. Sales
for parts to be sourced elsewhere were  approximately $1.8 million in the second
quarter.  The impact of price  changes in the  quarter,  other than those at the
specialty components and assemblies division, was not significant.

The Company's  gross profit was  $4,222,000  (20.5% of net sales) for the second
quarter of the 1998 fiscal year compared to gross profit of $1,120,000  (6.9% of
net sales) for the second quarter of the 1997 fiscal year.  All three  divisions
experienced  an  increase  in gross  profit with the  specialty  components  and
assemblies  division  having the largest  increase.  The impact of the price and
volume  increases of the specialty  components and  assemblies  division and the
volume increase of the brake valve division were the primary contributors to the
increased  gross  profit;  the  Company's  sales  volume  increase,   without  a
corresponding  increase in fixed costs,  also contributed to the increased gross
profit percent. In addition,  in the second quarter of the prior year there were
approximately  $920,000 of  additional  expenses  related to negative  inventory
adjustments,  increased warranty reserves, additional management and engineering
resources and increased maintenance and tooling of equipment.



                                      -9-
<PAGE>

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  were  $2,307,000  (11.2% of net
sales) in the second  quarter of the 1998  fiscal year  compared  to  $1,988,000
(12.2% of net sales) in the second quarter of the 1997 fiscal year. The increase
of $319,000 in selling,  general and administrative expenses is primarily due to
increased  commissions,  legal,  consulting  costs and research and  development
costs.  Approximately $200,000 of costs associated with terminating  contractual
obligations  (primarily  sales  representative  agreements) and other costs were
charged  against  an  accrual  established  in the  prior  year  as  part of the
restructuring  charge for the  specialty  components  and  assemblies  division.
Approximately  $60,000  was  expensed  in the second  quarter of fiscal  1998 in
connection with a new sales representative agreement.

Interest  expense was  $410,000  for the three  months  ended  December 31, 1997
compared to $416,000 for the three months ended December 31, 1996. The impact of
changes in interest rates was not significant.

Net income was $939,000  (4.6% of net sales) for the second  quarter of the 1998
fiscal year  compared  to a loss of $778,000  ((4.8%) of net sales) for the same
period of the prior fiscal year, representing an increase of $1,717,000.


SIX MONTHS  ENDED  DECEMBER 31, 1997  COMPARED TO SIX MONTHS ENDED  DECEMBER 31,
1996

Net sales for the six months ended December 31, 1997 were  $41,656,000  compared
to  $34,426,000  for the six months  ended  December 31,  1996,  representing  a
increase of $7,231,000 (21.0%). Brake valve sales increased 14.1% to $12,561,000
in the first six months of fiscal 1998 from  $11,008,000  for the same period of
the prior year. The increase  resulted from new programs which  commenced  since
the first  quarter of the prior year such as the P-90 and W-Car  programs for GM
and the relief valve and UPN150 program for Bosch. Power transmission  component
sales  increased from $9,860,000 in fiscal 1997 to $10,597,000 or 7.5% in fiscal
1998.  This  increase is  attributable  to increased  sales of  air-conditioning
compressor clutches for the heavy truck industry and 4-wheel drive transfer case
components offset by decreased demand for machined brackets to Mitsubishi. Sales
by the specialty  components and assemblies division for the first six months of
fiscal 1998 were  $18,498,000,  an  increase of 36.4% over last year's  sales of
$13,559,000.  The increase in sales is  primarily  due to  significantly  higher
sales of certain  assemblies to Motorola,  Inc. and approximately  $1,300,000 of
price  increases,  some of  which  are  for  parts  which  are  scheduled  to be
discontinued  by the Company and sourced to other suppliers by the third quarter
as part of the  restructuring  plan for the specialty  components and assemblies
division, approved by the Board of Directors in June 1997. Sales for parts to be
sourced  elsewhere  were  approximately  $3.3 million in the first six months of
fiscal year 1998. The impact of price changes during the six-month period, other
than  those  at the  specialty  components  and  assemblies  division,  was  not
significant.

Based on $14,000,000 of new business previously announced, brake valve sales are
expected to increase by  approximately  15% in each of fiscal 1998 and 1999 over
the prior year and that the power  transmission  components  division  sales are
expected to increase by approximately  12% in

                                      -10-


<PAGE>



each of the two  years.  Because  of the  restructuring  plan in  process at the
Company's  specialty  components  and  assemblies  division  which  includes the
elimination  of  approximately  $8,000,000 of non-core  products,  sales for the
division are  estimated to decrease by  approximately  20% in the second half of
the 1998 fiscal  year from the first half.  These  estimates  assume  automotive
build rates continue at current levels and that the timing of product resourcing
takes place on schedule.

The Company's gross profit was $8,286,000 (19.9% of net sales) for the first six
months of the 1998 fiscal year compared to gross profit of $4,098,000  (11.9% of
net sales) for the first six months of the 1997 fiscal  year.  The impact of the
price and volume increases of the specialty  components and assemblies  division
and  the  volume   increase  of  the  brake  valve  division  were  the  primary
contributors to the increased gross profit; the Company's sales volume increase,
without  a  corresponding  increase  in fixed  costs,  also  contributed  to the
increased gross profit percent. In addition,  in the second quarter of the prior
year  there  were  approximately  $920,000  of  additional  expenses  related to
negative  inventory   adjustments,   increased  warranty  reserves,   additional
management and  engineering  resources and increased  maintenance and tooling of
equipment.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  were  $4,711,000  (11.3% of net
sales) in the first six months of the 1998  fiscal year  compared to  $3,913,000
(11.4%  of net  sales) in the first six  months  of the 1997  fiscal  year.  The
increase  of  $798,000  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses  is
primarily due to increased commissions, legal, consulting costs and research and
development costs.  Approximately  $400,000 of costs associated with terminating
contractual  obligations  (primarily sales representative  agreements) and other
costs were charged  against an accrual  established in the prior year as part of
the restructuring  charge for the specialty  components and assemblies division.
Approximately  $120,000 was expensed  during the first six months of fiscal 1998
in connection with a new sales representative agreement.

Interest  expense  was  $800,000  for the six months  ended  December  31,  1997
compared to $831,000 for the six months ended December 31, 1996. The decrease is
primarily due to lower average debt balances from the prior year.  The impact of
changes in interest rates was not significant.

Net  income was  $1,731,000  (4.2% of net sales) for the first six months of the
1998  fiscal year  compared to a loss of $375,000  ((1.1%) of net sales) for the
same period of the prior fiscal year,  representing an increase of $2,106,000 or
$0.43 per share.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------

During the first six months of fiscal 1998, the Company's net cash provided from
operations before changes in operating assets and liabilities  (working capital)
was  $3,572,000  compared to $1,173,000 of the prior year.  Cash was used during
the first  six  months of fiscal  1998 to fund a  working  capital  increase  of
$2,019,000. In fiscal 1997, a working capital decrease of $2,555,000 contributed
to cash in the  first six  months  of fiscal  1998.  At  December  31,  1997 the
Company's  

                                      -11-

<PAGE>


working  capital was  $10,347,000  compared to working  capital of $8,329,000 at
June 30,  1997.  The current  ratio was 1.8 to 1 at December 31, 1997 and 1.6 to
1.0 at June 30,  1997.  The book value per share  increased to $4.82 at December
31, 1997 from $4.49 per share at June 30, 1997.

Affecting the change in working capital was a $541,000  increase in accounts and
tooling  receivables  from the June 30, 1997 balance as compared to a $2,174,000
decrease in accounts and tooling receivables during the same period of the prior
year.  The  increase in accounts  receivable  is a result of the higher level of
sales as  compared  to prior  periods,  particularly  late in the  quarter.  The
average number of days sales outstanding for receivables was 52 days at December
31, 1997  compared to 44 days at June 30, 1997 and 59 days at December 31, 1996.
The increase in the average  number of days sales  outstanding is typical of the
December  31  quarter  when cash  receipts  slow down due to the  holidays.  The
decrease in the number of days sales outstanding at December 31,1997 compared to
December 31, 1996 is due to a temporary acceleration in payment by a significant
customer  associated  with a special  project.  When the special  payment  terms
return to  normal,  which is  projected  in the fourth  quarter,  the days sales
outstanding  are expected to be consistenet  with the prior year. As of December
31, 1997, no significant  amounts were  considered  uncollectible.  Inventory at
December  31,  1997 was 1.9  months  supply  compared  to 1.8  months  supply at
December 31, 1996.

Accounts  payable  and  accrued  expenses at  December  31,  1997  decreased  by
approximately $280,000 from the June 30, 1997 balance. The decrease is primarily
due to  approximately  $420,000 of payments made against reserves related to the
restructuring plan at the specialty components and assemblies division.

The Company's  capital  expenditures  were  $1,188,000  for the six months ended
December 31, 1997. The Company presently estimates capital  expenditures for the
year ending  June 30,  1998 will  approximate  $3,500,000,  unless new  business
opportunities  require additional capital commitments.  As of December 31, 1997,
commitments,  net of progress payments,  were $500,000 for capital  expenditures
and $900,000 for tooling which is expected to be reimbursed from customers.

The Company  utilized  cash to pay down long term debt by a net of $365,000  and
$1,538,000  in the first six months of fiscal 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  The
Company has a general  credit  facility of up to  $12,000,000  and an  equipment
acquisition  facility of $3,000,000  (collectively the "Credit  Facilities") for
working capital and capital  equipment  needs. The Credit  Facilities  mature on
July  21,  1999.  As of  December  31,  1997,  $7,470,000  was  outstanding  and
$3,113,000 was available  under the general  credit  facility and $3,000,000 was
available under the equipment acquisition facility. An annual fee of one quarter
of  one  percent  is  payable  monthly  on the  unused  portion  of  the  Credit
Facilities.  The bank has the right to accelerate  each of the maturity dates of
the  consolidated  term note and real estate note to coincide  with the maturity
date of the Credit Facilities.

On October 22, 1997 and January 28, 1998, respectively,  the Company announced a
quarterly  cash  dividend  program  with a 2 1/2 cents per share  dividend to be
distributed  in each of November 

                                      -12-


<PAGE>



1997 and February 1998.  With 4,900,000  shares  currently  outstanding,  a cash
distribution  of $122,500 was paid in the second quarter and will be paid in the
third quarter.

Subsequent to the balance sheet date,  the Company agreed to a settlement of its
lawsuit  with the  Selling  Shareholders  of NASS (See  Note 5 to the  Financial
Statements).  As a result of that settlement,  the Company's  subordinated  debt
will be eliminated  and goodwill will be reduced by a like amount.  Accordingly,
interest expense related to the debt will be eliminated.

On January  28,  1998,  the  Company  announced  that it had been  notified by a
division of Ford Motor Company (See Note 6 to the Financial  Statements)  that a
part manufactured by the Company's specialty  components and assemblies division
may be involved in a recall regarding a fuel gauge accuracy problem with certain
1997 model year  vehicles.  Based upon  information  currently  available to the
Company,  management  believes that this matter will be resolved in a manner not
materially adverse to the Company.

Management   anticipates   that  cash  flow  from  operations  and  bank  credit
availability will be adequate to fund the existing acquisition debt, anticipated
capital  and tooling  requirements  and working  capital  needs of its  existing
operations for the next two years.


Seasonality
- -----------

Net sales and  operating  results do not follow a predictable  seasonal  pattern
from quarter to quarter because the development, initial production and sales of
new  products  may occur at  different  times of the year.  Generally,  in these
periods certain  inefficiencies  are experienced which result in higher costs to
the Company. In addition,  the Company usually experiences  somewhat lower sales
in the quarters ended  December 31 and September 30 as automobile  manufacturers
traditionally close their plants for vacations or model changeovers during these
periods, resulting in lower demand for the Company's products.


Inflation
- ---------

The Company believes that the relatively  moderate rate of inflation has not had
a significant impact on the Company's revenues or profitability.


Safe Harbor for Forward-looking Statements
- ------------------------------------------

Except for historical  information contained herein,  certain statements in this
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of results of  operation  and  financial
condition and other sections of this document contain forward-looking statements
that are made pursuant to the safe harbor  provisions of the Private  Securities
Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  Words  such  as  "expects,"   "anticipates,"
"intends,"  "plans,"  "believes,"  "seeks,"  "estimates,"  or variations of such
words and similar  expressions  are  intended to identify  such  forward-looking
statements.  These  


                                      -13-
<PAGE>



statements are not guarantees of future  performance  and involve  unknown risks
and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods
to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks include, among others,
risks associated with the manufacturing process and start-up of new products and
risks related to  technological  changes in components  which affect the life of
the product. Further, there can be no assurance that the Ford Owner Notification
Program will be resolved in a manner consistent with the Company's  expectations
or without  affecting the Company's  attempt to regain its Q1 status.  These and
other risks are described in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
1997 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"),  copies of which
are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from the Company.



                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The  annual  meeting  of  stockholders  of Hilite  (the  "Meeting")  was held on
November 12, 1997. Proxies for the Meeting were solicited pursuant to Regulation
14A of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,  as  amended,  and  there  was no
solicitation in opposition.

At the Meeting, James E. Lineberger, Daniel W. Brady, Samuel M. Berry, Ronald G.
Assaf and James D. Gerson were elected as directors of the  Registrant for terms
of one year. The votes were as follows:


                              Shares Voted                  Shares Withheld
                                  For                         from Voting
                              ------------                  ---------------
James E. Lineberger             4,163,877                        21,275
Daniel W. Brady                 4,163,877                        21,275
Samuel M. Berry                 4,163,877                        21,275
Ronald G. Assaf                 4,162,877                        22,275
James D. Gerson                 4,162,877                        22,275

Also at the Meeting, Proposal 2 which sought the approval of an amendment to the
Company's  1993 Stock  Option  Plan to  increase  the total  number of shares of
Common Stock  reserved  for issuance  under the 1993 Stock Option Plan by 25,000
shares to 125,000 shares was adopted with 4,632,670  shares voted for and 88,306
shares voted against.

On or about  December  24, 1997 Hilite  received  written  consents in lieu of a
meeting of the stockholders representing approximately 75.7% of the total issued
shares and  outstanding  voting stock,  adopting a resolution to reorganize  its
corporate structure.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>


ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

Cash Dividend
- -------------

On October 22, 1997 and January 28, 1998, the Company  announced  quarterly cash
dividends of 2 1/2 cents per share. The October dividend was paid in November of
1997 and the January  dividend will be distributed in February 1998.  Subsequent
dividends will depend upon future operating results.


New Board Member
- ----------------

At the January 27, 1998 Board of Director's  meeting,  Mr. John F. Creamer,  Jr.
was elected to the Company's  Board of Directors.  Mr.  Creamer is a Director of
Echlin,  Inc., an aftermarket and original  equipment supplier to the automobile
industry,  the President and owner of Distribution  Marketing Services,  Inc., a
consulting  firm  to  the  automotive  aftermarket  and  the  President  of  the
Automotive  Warehouse  Distributors  Association,  a trade  association  for the
automotive  aftermarket.  In  addition  to his  Director  responsibilities,  Mr.
Creamer  has agreed to consult  with the  Company on  business  development  and
marketing issues.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)     Exhibits

Exhibit
Number                  Description

10.1           Second Amended and Restated  Secured Loan Agreement dated January
               30,  1998  among  Hilite  Industries,   Inc.,  Hilite  Industries
               Automotive, LP, and Comerica Bank - Texas.

10.2           Settlement  Agreement and Mutual  General  Release dated February
               13, 1998 among Hilite Industries,  Inc., Michael L. McKee, Donald
               P. Degenhardt and Robert S. Johnson.

10.3           Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement  dated  December  31, 1997
               between Hilite  Industries,  Inc. and Hilite  Industries - Texas,
               Inc.

10.4           Assignment  and  Assumption  Agreement  dated  December  31, 1997
               between Hilite  Industries - Texas,  Inc. and Hilite Industries -
               Delaware, Inc.

10.5           Limited  Partnership  Agreement  dated  December 31, 1997 between
               Hilite Industries - Texas, Inc. and Hilite Industries - Delaware,
               Inc.

(b)     There  were no reports on Form 8-K filed  during the  quarter  for which
        this report is filed.

                                      -15-


<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                                HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.





Date:  February 13, 1998                          /s/  Daniel W. Brady
                                                -----------------------
                                                Daniel W. Brady
                                                Chief Executive Officer




Date:  February 13, 1998                         /s/  Roy Wiegmann
                                                -----------------------
                                                Roy Wiegmann
                                                Chief Financial Officer



                                      -16-






               SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT


           THIS SECOND  AMENDED AND RESTATED  SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT is executed
this 30th day of January, 1998, by and among HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC., a Delaware
corporation,  HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP, a Texas limited partnership, and
COMERICA BANK-TEXAS.

                                   WITNESSETH

           (The  capitalized  terms used in the following  paragraphs shall have
the meanings given such terms in Section 1 of this Agreement,  unless  otherwise
defined in such paragraphs.)

           WHEREAS,  Parent and Bank have entered into that certain  Amended and
Restated  Secured Loan Agreement,  dated as of July 21, 1995, as amended by that
certain (i) First Amendment to Secured Loan Agreement,  effective as of June 30,
1997, and (ii) Second  Amendment to Secured Loan  Agreement,  dated as of August
29, 1997 (as amended, the "Existing Loan Agreement");

           WHEREAS,   pursuant  to  a  reorganization  and  a  series  of  asset
transfers,  Partnership  has  succeeded  to  substantially  all of the assets of
Parent and in connection  therewith  Borrowers  have  requested that Bank permit
Partnership  to be added as an  additional  borrower,  to  assume,  jointly  and
severally,  all Indebtedness  under the Existing Loan Agreement,  and to restate
the Existing Loan Agreement; and

           WHEREAS,  Bank and Borrowers have agreed to amend, modify and restate
the Existing Loan Agreement as set forth in this Agreement  subject to the terms
and conditions set forth in this Agreement;

           NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  premises  and the mutual
promises herein contained, Borrower and Bank agree as follows:

SECTION 1. DEFINITIONS

           1.1        Defined Terms.  As used in this  Agreement,  the following
terms shall have the following respective meanings:

           "ACCOUNTS,"  "CHATTEL PAPER," "DOCUMENTS,"  "EQUIPMENT,"  "FIXTURES,"
"GENERAL  INTANGIBLES,"  "GOODS,"  "INSTRUMENTS"  AND "INVENTORY" shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the UCC on the date of this Agreement.

           "ACCOUNTS  RECEIVABLE"  shall mean and include all Accounts,  Chattel
Paper and General  Intangibles now owned or hereafter  acquired by Borrowers and
Guarantors.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 1

<PAGE>



           "ACQUISITION"  shall mean the  transactions  pursuant to which Parent
acquired all of the issued and  outstanding  capital stock of NASS,  pursuant to
the transactions evidenced by the Acquisition Documents.

           "ACQUISITION  AGREEMENT"  shall  mean  that  certain  Stock  Purchase
Agreement dated as of July 21, 1995, between Parent and Seller.

           "ACQUISITION  DOCUMENTS" shall mean the Acquisition Agreement and the
agreements,  documents  and  instruments  executed in  connection  therewith  or
contemplated thereby, and all amendments thereto.

           "AFFILIATE"  shall mean,  when used with  respect to any person,  any
other person which,  directly or indirectly,  controls or is controlled by or is
under  common  control  with  such  person.  For  purposes  of this  definition,
"control"  (including the correlative  meanings of the terms "controlled by" and
"under common control with"), with respect to any person, shall mean possession,
directly or  indirectly,  of the power to direct or cause the  direction  of the
management and policies of such person,  whether through the ownership of voting
securities or by contract or otherwise.

           "AGREEMENT"  shall mean this Second Amended and Restated Secured Loan
Agreement, as the same may be renewed,  extended, amended and restated from time
to time.

           "BANK" shall mean Comerica Bank-Texas, a state banking association.

           "BANKRUPTCY  CODE" shall mean Title 11 of the United  States Code, as
amended, or any successor act or code.

           "BORROWER" shall mean  individually,  Parent,  Partnership,  or their
successors  and  assigns,   and  collectively,   they  may  be  referred  to  as
"BORROWERS".

           "BORROWING   BASE"  shall  mean,  as  of  any   applicable   date  of
determination, the sum of (a) 85% of the aggregate outstanding principal balance
of Borrowers' and Guarantors' Eligible Accounts,  plus (b) 30% of Borrowers' and
Guarantors'  Eligible  Raw  Materials  Inventory  and  Eligible  Finished  Goods
Inventory,   calculated   at  the   lesser  of  book  or  fair   market   value.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Bank  shall  have  the  right  to  adjust  the
aforementioned percentages for advances against Eligible Accounts,  Eligible Raw
Materials  Inventory and Eligible  Finished Goods Inventory as and when Bank (in
exercising its reasonable  credit  judgment) deems it necessary and proper to do
so.

           "BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE" shall mean a certificate in the form and
content of Exhibit A to this  Agreement  or such other form as Bank may request,
completed in all  appropriate  respects  and executed by the chief  executive or
chief  financial  officer  of  each  Borrower,   and  setting  forth  Borrowers'
computation of the Borrowing Base as of the date of such certificate.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 2

<PAGE>



           "BUSINESS DAY" shall mean any day other than a Saturday,  Sunday,  or
day on which  Bank is  authorized  to be  closed  under the laws of the State of
Texas.

           "CASH FLOW" of any person shall mean,  for any  applicable  period of
determination,  the Net Income (after deduction for income taxes and other taxes
of such person  determined by reference to income or profits of such person) for
such period, plus, to the extent deducted in computation of such Net Income, the
amount of depreciation and amortization expense, all as determined in accordance
with GAAP.

           "CERCLA"  shall  mean  the  Comprehensive   Environmental   Response,
Compensation,  and Liability  Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C.  ss.ss.  9601 et seq.),  as
amended  from  time  to  time,  including,  without  limitation,  the  Superfund
Amendments and Reauthorization Act ("SARA").

           "CLOSING DATE" shall mean January 30, 1998.

           "COLLATERAL"  shall mean all property of Borrowers and Guarantors now
or hereafter in the  possession of Bank or any Affiliate of Bank (or as to which
Bank or any Affiliate of Bank now or hereafter controls  possession by documents
or otherwise),  all amounts in all deposit or other accounts  (including without
limitation an account  evidenced by a  certificate  of deposit) of Borrowers and
Guarantors  now  or  hereafter  with  Bank  or any  Affiliate  of  Bank,  all of
Borrowers'  and  Guarantors'  Accounts,  Chattel  Paper,  Documents,  Equipment,
Fixtures,  General  Intangibles,  Goods,  Instruments  and  Inventory,  wherever
located  and  whether  now  owned  or  hereafter  acquired,  together  with  all
replacements  thereof,  substitutions  therefor,  accessions  thereto,  and  all
proceeds  and  products  of any of the  foregoing,  and all  Real  Property  and
additional  personal  property  of  Borrowers  and  Guarantors  which  is now or
hereafter  subject  to a  security  interest,  mortgage,  lien,  claim  or other
encumbrance  granted  by  Borrowers  and  Guarantors  to, or in favor of,  Bank.
Additionally, Collateral shall include the Pledged Interests.

           "CONSOLIDATED" OR "CONSOLIDATED"  shall mean when used with reference
to any financial term in this  Agreement,  the aggregate for two or more persons
of the  amounts  signified  by such term for all such  persons  determined  on a
consolidated  basis in accordance with GAAP. Unless otherwise  specified herein,
references  to  "consolidated"  financial  statements  or data  of any  Borrower
includes consolidation with its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

           "CURRENT  MATURITIES  OF  LONG  TERM  DEBT"  shall  mean,  as of  any
applicable date of determination,  that portion of Long Term Debt that should be
classified as current in accordance with GAAP.

           "DEBT" shall mean, as of any applicable  date of  determination,  all
items of  indebtedness,  obligation or liability of a person  (other than,  with
respect  to a  Borrower,  Subordinated  Debt),  whether  matured  or  unmatured,
liquidated or unliquidated, direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, joint or
several, that should be classified as liabilities in accordance with GAAP.

           "DEED OF TRUST"  shall mean,  collectively,  (i) that certain deed of
trust and security  agreement with assignment of rents,  dated October 28, 1992,
executed by Parent in favor of


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 3

<PAGE>



Bank,  pursuant to which Parent  granted Bank a first  priority lien on the Real
Property  described  therein (as modified,  the "Parent Deed of Trust") and (ii)
that certain mortgage and security  agreement with assignment of rents, dated as
of July 21,  1995,  executed  by NASS in favor of Bank  pursuant  to which  NASS
grants Bank a first  priority  lien on the Real Property  described  therein (as
modified, the "NASS Deed of Trust").

           "DEFAULT"  shall mean a condition or event which,  with the giving of
notice or the passage of time, or both, would become an Event of Default.

           "DISBURSEMENT DATE" shall mean each date upon which Bank makes a loan
to Borrowers under Section 2.1 of this Agreement.

           "ELIGIBLE  ACCOUNTS"  shall  mean those  Accounts  of  Borrowers  and
Guarantors for which each of the  representations and warranties in Section 5.16
of this Agreement are true and which has been represented by each Borrower to be
an Eligible Account on a Borrowing Base Certificate.

           "ELIGIBLE  FINISHED  GOODS  INVENTORY"  shall  mean that  portion  of
Borrowers'  and  Guarantors'  Inventory  which is comprised of finished goods or
returned  and  repossessed  goods  for  which  each of the  representations  and
warranties  in  Section  5.17 of this  Agreement  are  true,  and which has been
represented by each Borrower to be an item of Eligible  Finished Goods Inventory
on a Borrowing Base Certificate.

           "ELIGIBLE  RAW  MATERIALS  INVENTORY"  shall  mean  that  portion  of
Borrowers'  and  Guarantors'  Inventory  which is comprised of raw materials for
which  each  of the  representations  and  warranties  in  Section  5.17 of this
Agreement  are true,  and which has been  represented  by each Borrower to be an
item of Eligible Raw Materials Inventory.

           "ENVIRONMENTAL  LAW"  shall  mean any  federal,  state or local  law,
statute,  ordinance,  judgment,  rule or  regulation  (a)  pertaining to health,
industrial hygiene, or the environmental  conditions on, under or about the Real
Property, including, but not limited to, CERCLA, SARA and RCRA; or (b) governing
the use, storage, treatment, handling,  manufacture,  transportation or disposal
of Hazardous Substances.

           "EQUIPMENT  ACQUISITION  LOAN"  shall mean a term loan  described  in
Section 2.2.2 of this Agreement.

           "EQUIPMENT  ACQUISITION NOTE" shall mean a promissory note conforming
to Section  2.2.2 of this  Agreement and in the form and content of Exhibit D to
this Agreement.

           "EQUIPMENT  LOAN" shall mean the term loan described in Section 2.2.1
of this Agreement.

           "EQUIPMENT  NOTE" shall mean a promissory  note conforming to Section
2.2.1 of this  Agreement  and in the  form  and  content  of  Exhibit  E to this
Agreement.


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 4

<PAGE>




           "ERISA"  shall mean the Employee  Retirement  Income  Security Act of
1974, as amended, or any successor act or code.

           "EVENT  OF  DEFAULT"  shall  mean any of those  conditions  or events
listed in Section 9.1 of this Agreement.

           "FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" shall mean all those balance sheets,  earnings
statements and other  financial data (whether of Borrowers,  Guarantors,  any of
their  Subsidiaries,  or  otherwise)  which have been  furnished to Bank for the
purposes  of,  or in  connection  with,  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions
contemplated hereby.

           "FINANCING  STATEMENTS"  shall mean financing  statements  describing
Bank as secured party and a Borrower  and/or a Guarantor as debtor  covering the
Collateral and otherwise in such form, for filing in such jurisdictions and with
such filing offices, as Bank shall reasonably deem necessary or advisable.

           "GAAP"  shall  mean,  as of any  applicable  date  of  determination,
generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied.

           "GUARANTOR"   shall  mean   individually,   NASS,  HTX  or  HDE,  and
collectively, they may be referred to as "GUARANTORS".

           "GUARANTY" shall mean (i) an Amended and Restated  Guaranty  executed
by NASS in favor of Bank and  (ii) a  Guaranty  executed  by HTX and HDE each in
favor of Bank, in form and content of Exhibit H to this  Agreement,  as amended,
restated, or modified from time to time.

           "HAZARDOUS  SUBSTANCE"  shall  mean  one or  more  of  the  following
substances:

                      (a) those  substances  included  within the definitions of
           (i)   "hazardous   substances",   "hazardous   materials"  or  "toxic
           substances",  in CERCLA,  SARA, RCRA,  Toxic Substances  Control Act,
           Federal Insecticide,  Fungicide and Rodenticide Act and the Hazardous
           Materials  Transportation  Act (49 U.S.C.  Sections 1801 et seq.), or
           (ii) "solid  waste",  as defined under the Texas Solid Waste Disposal
           Act;

                      (b) such other substances,  materials and wastes which are
           or become  regulated as hazardous  or toxic under  applicable  local,
           state or federal law, or the United States  government,  or which are
           or become  classified as hazardous or toxic under federal,  state, or
           local laws or regulations; and

                      (c)  any  material,  waste  or  substance  which  is:  (i)
           asbestos;  (ii)  polychlorinated  biphenyls;  (iii)  designated  as a
           "hazardous substance" pursuant to Section 311 of the Clean Water Act,
           33  U.S.C.  Sections  1251 et seq.  (33  U.S.C.  ss.  1321) or listed
           pursuant to Section 307 of the Clean Water Act 33 U.S.C.  ss.  1317);
           (iv)  explosives;  (v)  radioactive  materials;  or  (vi)  petroleum,
           petroleum products or any fraction thereof.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 5

<PAGE>



           "HDE"  shall  mean  Hilite  Industries-Delaware,   Inc.,  a  Delaware
corporation.

           "HTX"  shall  mean   Hilite   Industries-Texas,   Inc.,   a  Delaware
corporation.

           "INDEBTEDNESS"   shall  mean  all  loans,   advances,   indebtedness,
obligations and liabilities of Borrowers to Bank under this Agreement,  together
with all other indebtedness, obligations and liabilities whatsoever of Borrowers
to Bank,  whether matured or unmatured,  liquidated or  unliquidated,  direct or
indirect,  absolute or contingent,  joint or several,  due or to become due, now
existing or hereafter arising.

           "LEGAL  RATE" shall mean the  maximum  rate of  nonusurious  interest
permitted  to be paid by  Borrowers  or  received  by Bank with  respect  to the
Indebtedness  from time to time under  applicable state or federal law as now or
as may be hereafter in effect.

           "LIBOR  RATE"  shall have the same  meaning  assigned  thereto in the
Notes.

           "LOAN  DOCUMENTS"  shall mean (a) this  Agreement,  (b) the  Security
Agreements,  Pledge  Agreements,  and the  Notes  and any and all  other  notes,
mortgages,  deeds of trust,  security agreements,  pledge agreements,  financing
statements  and other  agreements,  documents  and  instruments  ever  delivered
pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement,  and (c) all future  renewals,
extensions, or restatements of, or amendments,  modifications or supplements to,
all or any part of the foregoing.

           "LOANS" shall mean the Revolving Loans and the Term Loans.

           "LONG  TERM  DEBT"  shall  mean,  as  of  any   applicable   date  of
determination,  all Debt of a Borrower  (other  than  Subordinated  Debt and the
outstanding principal balance of all Revolving Loans) which should be classified
as "funded  indebtedness" or "long term indebtedness" on a balance sheet of such
Borrower prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.

           "NASS" shall mean North American Spring & Stamping Corp.  (Delaware),
a Delaware corporation.

           "NET INCOME"  shall mean the net income (or loss) of a person for any
period determined in accordance with GAAP but excluding in any event:

                      (a) any gains on the sale or other disposition, not in the
           ordinary  course of  business,  of  investments  or fixed or  capital
           assets, and any taxes on the excluded gains and any tax deductions or
           credits on account on any excluded losses; and

                      (b) in the case of Borrower, net earnings of any Person in
           which  Borrower has an ownership  interest,  unless such net earnings
           shall have  actually  been  received  by Borrower in the form of cash
           distributions.

           "NOTES" shall mean the Revolving Credit Note and the Term Notes.


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 6

<PAGE>




           "PARENT" shall mean Hilite Industries, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

           "PARTNERSHIP"  shall mean Hilite Industries  Automotive,  LP, a Texas
limited partnership.

           "PBGC" shall mean the Pension  Benefit  Guaranty  Corporation  or any
person  succeeding to the present  powers and  functions of the Pension  Benefit
Guaranty Corporation.

           "PERMITTED LIENS" shall mean:

                      (a) liens and encumbrances in favor of Bank;

                      (b) liens for  taxes,  assessments  or other  governmental
           charges  incurred in the ordinary course of business and for which no
           interest,  late  charge or  penalty is  attaching  or which are being
           contested in good faith by appropriate  proceedings and, if requested
           by Bank, bonded in an amount and manner satisfactory to Bank;

                      (c)  liens,   not   delinquent,   created  by  statute  in
           connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance, social
           security and similar statutory obligations;

                      (d)   liens   of   mechanics,    materialmen,    carriers,
           warehousemen  or other like  statutory  or common law liens  securing
           obligations incurred in good faith in the ordinary course of business
           that are not yet due and payable;

                      (e)  encumbrances  consisting of existing or future zoning
           restrictions,  existing  recorded  rights-of-way,  existing  recorded
           easements,  existing  recorded  private  restrictions  or existing or
           future public restrictions on the use of real property, none of which
           materially  impairs the use of such  property in the operation of the
           business  for which it is used and none of which is  violated  in any
           material respect by any existing or proposed structure or land use;

                      (f) existing  liens  described on Schedule 5.5 attached to
           this Agreement; and

                      (g) liens securing  indebtedness  related to  acquisitions
           permitted by Section 7.11 of this Agreement.

           "PERSON"  OR  "PERSON"  shall  mean  any   individual,   corporation,
partnership,  joint venture,  association,  trust,  unincorporated  association,
joint stock company, government,  municipality, political subdivision or agency,
or other entity.

           "PLEDGE AGREEMENT" shall mean a pledge agreement or pledge agreements
in form and  substance  satisfactory  to the Bank  pursuant  to which all of the
Pledged Interests are pledged to Bank as security for the Indebtedness.

           "PLEDGED  INTERESTS"  shall  mean at any time (i) all of the  capital
stock in NASS, HDE, and HTX, and (ii) all of the general and limited partnership
interests in Partnership.


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 7

<PAGE>




           "PRIME  RATE" shall mean that annual rate of interest  designated  by
the Bank as its prime  rate,  which rate may not be the lowest  rate of interest
charged by Bank to any of its customers,  and which rate is changed by Bank from
time to time.

           "PUT DATE" shall have the meaning specified in the Real Estate Note.

           "RCRA" shall mean the Resource  Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976
(42 U.S.C. Sections 6901, et seq.), as amended from time to time.

           "REAL  ESTATE  LOAN"  shall mean the term loan  described  in Section
2.2.3 of this Agreement.

           "REAL ESTATE NOTE" shall mean that certain  promissory note described
in Section 2.2.3 of this Agreement.

           "REAL PROPERTY" shall mean all real property,  wherever located,  now
or  hereafter  owned or  occupied by  Borrowers  and/or  Guarantors  or in which
Borrowers and/or Guarantors now or hereafter have any rights, title or interest.

           "RESTRUCTURING"  shall mean the  transactions  pursuant  to which (i)
ultimately,  Partnership  will  succeed  to  substantially  all of the assets of
Parent,  and (ii) HTX, a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of Parent would own, as sole
general  partner,  a one percent (1%) interest in Partnership;  and (iii) HDE, a
wholly-owned   subsidiary  of  HTX,  would  own,  as  sole  limited  partner,  a
ninety-nine percent (99%) interest in Partnership.

           "RESTRUCTURING  DOCUMENTS"  shall mean any agreements,  documents and
instruments  executed in connection with the  Restructuring,  as the same may be
renewed, amended and restated from time to time.

           "REVOLVING CREDIT COMMITMENT AMOUNT" shall mean from period beginning
from the date hereof and continuing  until the  Termination  Date,  $12000000;
provided,  however,  that if Borrowers  reduce the Revolving  Credit  Commitment
Amount from time to time under  Section 2.1.5 of this  Agreement,  the Revolving
Credit Commitment Amount shall be deemed to be such lesser amount.

           "REVOLVING  CREDIT NOTE" shall mean a promissory  note  conforming to
Section 2.1.2 of this Agreement and in the form and content of Exhibit C to this
Agreement.

           "REVOLVING  LOAN"  shall  mean an advance  made by Bank to  Borrowers
under Section 2.1 of this Agreement on a Disbursement Date.

           "SECURITY  AGREEMENTS" shall mean (i) that certain Security Agreement
(Inventory  and Accounts  Receivable)  dated July 21, 1995,  executed by NASS in
favor of Bank, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Security  Agreement
(Inventory  and  Accounts  Receivable)  dated as of the date  hereof,  (ii) that
certain Security Agreement (Equipment) dated July 21, 1995,


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 8

<PAGE>



executed by NASS in favor of Bank, as amended by that certain First Amendment to
Security Agreement (Equipment),  dated as of the date hereof, (iii) that certain
Security Agreement (Inventory and Accounts Receivable), dated December 21, 1990,
executed  by Parent in favor of Bank,  as  amended  by the  First  Amendment  to
Security  Agreement  (Inventory and Accounts  Receivable) dated August 25, 1995,
and  the  Second  Amendment  to  Security  Agreement   (Inventory  and  Accounts
Receivable)  dated as of the date hereof,  (iv) that certain Security  Agreement
(Equipment),  dated  December 21, 1990,  executed by Parent in favor of Bank, as
amended by the First Amendment to Security  Agreement  (Equipment)  dated August
25, 1995, and the Second Amendment to Security Agreement (Equipment) dated as of
the date hereof, (v) that certain Patent Security Agreement,  dated December 21,
1990,  executed by Parent in favor of Bank and recorded on March 22, 1991 by the
Acquisition Division of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Reel 5640, Frame
166, (vi) that certain  Trademark  Security  Agreement  dated December 21, 1990,
executed  by Parent in favor of Bank,  (vii)  that  certain  Security  Agreement
(Inventory and Accounts  Receivable),  dated as of the date hereof,  executed by
Partnership  in  favor  of Bank  and  (viii)  that  certain  Security  Agreement
(Equipment),  dated as of the date hereof,  executed by  Partnership in favor of
Bank.

           "SELLER"  shall  mean,   collectively,   Michael  L.  McKee,   Donald
Degenhardt and Robert Johnson.

           "SUBORDINATED  DEBT" shall mean  indebtedness  of a Borrower to third
parties  which  has  been  subordinated  to  the  Indebtedness   pursuant  to  a
subordination agreement in form and content satisfactory to Bank.

           "SUBORDINATED  NOTE"  shall  mean  that  certain  subordinated  note,
executed  by Parent and  payable to the order of Seller  making all  present and
future  indebtedness of Parent to Seller  subordinate to the Indebtedness and in
form and substance satisfactory to Bank.

           "SUBSIDIARY"  shall mean any  corporation  (whether  now  existing or
hereafter  organized or acquired) in which more than fifty  percent (50%) of the
outstanding  securities  having  ordinary  voting  power  for  the  election  of
directors, as of any applicable date of determination,  shall be owned directly,
or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries, by a Borrower or a Guarantor.

           "TANGIBLE  EFFECTIVE NET WORTH" shall mean, as of any applicable date
of determination, Tangible Net Worth plus Subordinated Debt.

           "TANGIBLE  NET  WORTH"  shall  mean,  as of any  applicable  date  of
determination,  the  excess of (a) the net book  value of all assets of a person
(other  than  patents,  patent  rights,  trademarks,  trade  names,  franchises,
copyrights,  licenses,  goodwill,  and  similar  intangible  assets)  after  all
appropriate  deductions in accordance with GAAP (including,  without limitation,
reserves for doubtful receivables, obsolescence, depreciation and amortization),
over (b) all Debt of such person.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 9

<PAGE>



           "TAX  REFUNDS"  shall mean refunds or claims for refunds of any taxes
at any time paid by a  Borrower  to the  United  States of America or any state,
city, county or other governmental entity.

           "TELEPHONE NOTICE AUTHORIZATION" shall mean,  collectively,  (i) that
certain  Telephone Notice  Authorization,  dated December 21, 1990,  executed by
Parent,  (ii) that certain Telephone Notice  Authorization  dated July 21, 1995,
executed by Parent and (iii) a Telephone  Notice  Authorization,  dated the date
hereof,  executed  by  Borrowers,  in the form and  content of Exhibit G to this
Agreement  authorizing telephone notice of borrowing and establishing a codeword
system of identification in connection therewith.

           "TERM  LOANS"  shall  mean  the  Equipment   Acquisition  Loans,  the
Equipment Loan and the Real Estate Loan.

           "TERM  NOTES"  shall  mean  the  Equipment   Acquisition  Notes,  the
Equipment Note and the Real Estate Note.

           "TERMINATION DATE" shall mean the earlier of (a) July 21, 1999 or, if
this  Agreement is extended  pursuant to Section 2.11,  the last day of any such
extended term; (b) the date on which Bank's  commitment to make Revolving  Loans
and Equipment  Acquisition  Loans is terminated by Borrower  pursuant to Section
2.1.5;  or (c) the date on which Bank's  commitment to make Revolving  Loans and
Equipment Acquisition Loans is terminated pursuant to Section 9.2.

           "UCC" shall mean the Uniform  Commercial Code as adopted and in force
in the State of Texas, as from time to time amended.

           1.2        Accounting  Terms.  All accounting  terms not specifically
defined in this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with GAAP.

           1.3        Singular and Plural.  Where the context  herein  requires,
the singular number shall be deemed to include the plural,  the masculine gender
shall include the feminine and neuter genders, and vice versa.

SECTION 2. CREDIT FACILITIES, INTEREST AND FEES

           2.1        Revolving Loans.

                      2.1.1 Revolving  Credit  Commitment.  Subject to the terms
and  conditions of this  Agreement,  Bank agrees to make loans to Borrowers on a
revolving  basis in such  amount as  Borrowers  shall  request  pursuant to this
Section 2.1 at any time from the date of this  Agreement  until the  Termination
Date, up to an aggregate  principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed
the lesser of (i) the Revolving Credit  Commitment  Amount or (ii) the Borrowing
Base.

                      2.1.2 Revolving  Credit Note. The Revolving Loans shall be
evidenced by the Revolving Credit Note, executed by Borrowers, dated the date of
this Agreement, payable to


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 10

<PAGE>



Bank on the Termination Date (unless sooner accelerated pursuant to the terms of
this Agreement),  and in the principal  amount of the original  Revolving Credit
Commitment  Amount.  The Revolving  Loans shall bear interest in accordance with
the terms of the Revolving Credit Note and shall be secured by the Collateral.

                      2.1.3 Notice.  Borrowers may by telephone give Bank notice
of Borrowers' desire for a Revolving Loan no later than 2:00 p.m. Dallas,  Texas
time in order to have the date of notice be the Disbursement Date, otherwise the
following Business Day shall be the Disbursement Date. Such notice shall specify
the principal  amount of the proposed  advance for such Revolving Loan. Prior to
such  telephone  notice,  Borrowers  shall have executed and delivered to Bank a
Telephone Notice Authorization.

                      2.1.4 Bank Obligations.  Bank agrees to make the Revolving
Loan on each  Disbursement  Date  established  by notice to Bank from  Borrowers
conforming to the requirements of Section 2.1.3 by crediting the deposit account
of Borrowers with Bank specified in the Telephone  Notice  Authorization  in the
amount  of such  Revolving  Loan;  provided,  however  that  Bank  shall  not be
obligated to do so if:

                      (a) any of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4
           of this Agreement  shall not have been satisfied or waived by Bank in
           accordance with Section 10.3 of this Agreement, or

                      (b) such proposed Revolving Loan would cause the aggregate
           unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Loans outstanding under this
           Agreement  to exceed the lesser of the  Revolving  Credit  Commitment
           Amount or the Borrowing Base on such Disbursement Date.

                      2.1.5 Termination or Reduction in Commitment by Borrowers.
Borrowers,  at any time and from  time to time  (except  as may  hereinafter  be
provided),  upon at least five (5) Business Days' prior written notice  received
by Bank, may  permanently  terminate  Bank's  commitment to make Revolving Loans
under this  Agreement or  permanently  reduce the  Revolving  Credit  Commitment
Amount by an integral multiple of $100000;  provided, however,  notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Note, at the sole option of
Bank, the  termination of Bank's  commitment to make Revolving  Loans shall also
constitute the termination and  acceleration of the Term Loans. On the effective
date of such termination or reduction,  Borrowers shall pay to Bank, in the case
of a termination,  the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Loans,
and, if required by Bank,  the  aggregate  unpaid  principal  amount of all Term
Loans,  or,  in the case of a  reduction,  the  amount,  if any,  by  which  the
aggregate  unpaid  principal  amount of all  Revolving  Loans  exceeds  the then
reduced  Revolving Credit  Commitment  Amount,  together in either case with all
interest  accrued and unpaid on the  principal  amounts so  prepaid.  The notice
shall specify the Termination Date or the reduced  Revolving  Credit  Commitment
Amount and the effective  date of the reduction,  as the case may be.  Borrowers
may not revoke any such notice of  termination  or  reduction  without the prior
written consent of Bank.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 11

<PAGE>



                      2.1.6      Mandatory Payments.

                      (a) Borrowers shall pay to Bank, on demand,  any amount by
           which the aggregate  unpaid  principal  amount of all Revolving Loans
           from  time  to  time  exceeds  the  lesser  of the  Revolving  Credit
           Commitment  Amount or the Borrowing Base,  together with all interest
           accrued and unpaid on the amount of such excess.

                      (b)  If  the  aggregate  unpaid  principal  amount  of the
           Equipment  Loan shall exceed  ninety  percent  (90%) of the appraised
           value of the  Equipment of  Borrowers  as specified in any  appraisal
           delivered to the Bank by or on behalf of the Borrowers, the Borrowers
           shall,  within  five  (5)  Business  Days  of any  delivery  of  such
           appraisal,  prepay the Equipment Loan in the amount, if any, by which
           the outstanding principal amount of the Equipment Loan on the date of
           prepayment  under this Section  2.1.6(b) exceeds ninety percent (90%)
           of the  appraised  value set forth in such  appraisal,  together with
           accrued   interest  on  the  amount  prepaid  to  the  date  of  such
           prepayment.

           2.2        Term Loans.

                      2.2.1   Equipment  Loan  and  Equipment   Note.  Bank  has
previously  made term  loans  (the  "EQUIPMENT  LOANS")  to Parent  pursuant  to
Sections  2.2.1 and 2.2.2 of the  Existing  Loan  Agreement,  and the  aggregate
unpaid   principal   balance   thereof   outstanding   on  the  date  hereof  is
$8,847,357.68.  Borrowers  hereby  represent  and  agree  that  such  loans  are
unconditionally   owed  by  Borrowers  to  Bank  without   offset,   defense  or
counterclaim of any kind, nature or description  whatsoever.  The Equipment Loan
shall be evidenced by the Equipment Note to be executed by Borrowers, payable to
Bank in monthly principal  installments as specified in the Equipment Note, with
all unpaid principal and accrued but unpaid interest to be due and payable seven
(7) years from the date the Equipment Loan was made (unless  sooner  accelerated
pursuant to the terms of this  Agreement  or unless,  at the option of Bank,  it
becomes  payable earlier upon the  Termination  Date).  The Equipment Loan shall
bear interest and shall be payable in accordance with the terms of the Equipment
Note, and it shall be secured by the Collateral.

                      2.2.2   Equipment    Acquisition   Loans   and   Equipment
Acquisition Notes.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,  Bank
agrees to make Equipment Acquisition Loans to Borrowers,  from time to time from
the date hereof until the Termination  Date, to finance  Borrowers'  purchase of
Equipment for use in Borrowers' business.  Each Equipment Acquisition Loan shall
be in a minimum amount of $50000 and the aggregate original principal amount of
all Equipment  Acquisition  Loans shall not exceed  $3000000,  or such greater
amount to which Bank, in its sole discretion, may agree upon Borrowers' request.
The amount of each Equipment Acquisition Loan shall not exceed:

                      (a) In the case of Equipment  Acquisition Loans to finance
           purchases of new  Equipment,  eighty percent (80%) of the actual cost
           of new Equipment being purchased (exclusive of taxes,  transportation
           and  shipping   charges  and   installation  or  make-ready  fees  or
           expenses); and



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 12

<PAGE>



                      (b) In the case of Equipment  Acquisition Loans to finance
           purchases of used Equipment,  the lesser of (i) seventy percent (70%)
           of the actual cost of used Equipment or (ii) the orderly  liquidation
           value of used Equipment being purchased.

So long as any Indebtedness remains  outstanding,  Bank shall have the right, at
Borrowers'  sole expense,  to obtain new  appraisals of the orderly  liquidation
value of the  Equipment  from time to time as Bank  deems  necessary;  provided,
however, that a decrease in the value of the Equipment, as evidenced by any such
appraisal,  shall not be deemed an Event of Default.  Each Equipment Acquisition
Loan shall be evidenced by an Equipment  Acquisition Note in the form of Exhibit
D hereto,  to be  executed  by  Borrower,  dated  the date such Loan is  funded,
payable  to Bank in up to sixty  (60)  (or  such  lesser  number  as Bank  shall
determine in Bank's sole discretion) equal monthly  installments  (unless sooner
accelerated  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or unless, at the option of
Bank,  it  becomes  payable  earlier  upon  the  Termination  Date),  and in the
principal  amount of such  Loan.  Each  Equipment  Acquisition  Loan  shall bear
interest  in  accordance  with  the  terms  of the  Equipment  Acquisition  Note
evidencing  such  Equipment  Acquisition  Loan  and  shall  be  secured  by  the
Collateral.

                      2.2.3 Real Estate Loan and Real Estate Note. Bank has made
a fifteen  (15) year term loan (the "REAL  ESTATE  LOAN") to Parent  pursuant to
Section 2.2.3 of the Existing Loan Agreement.  The Real Estate Loan is evidenced
by the Real  Estate Note which  (together  with the Parent Deed of Trust and the
NASS Deed of Trust)  shall be modified to reflect the  assumption  by  Borrowers
jointly and severally of the Indebtedness in a manner  satisfactory to Bank. The
Real Estate Note shall remain,  as originally  executed by Parent,  repayable to
Bank in monthly  installments  as specified  in the Real Estate  Note,  with all
unpaid  principal and accrued but unpaid  interest to be due and payable in full
on November 1, 2007  (unless  sooner  accelerated  pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement  or  unless,  at the  option  of Bank,  it  becomes  payable  upon the
Termination  Date,  or unless,  as described in the Real Estate Note, it becomes
payable  upon a Put  Date).  Borrowers  hereby  acknowledge  and agree  that the
outstanding  principal  balance of the Real Estate Loan is $629,333.39 as of the
Closing  Date,  and such amount is  unconditionally  owed by  Borrowers  to Bank
without  offset,  defense or  counterclaim  of any kind,  nature or  description
whatsoever.  The Real  Estate  Loan  shall bear  interest  and be  repayable  in
accordance  with the terms of the Real Estate  Note,  and it shall be secured by
the Collateral.

           2.3        Interest.

                      2.3.1 Fluctuating Rate. To the extent the rate of interest
applicable to a Loan is a fluctuating rate, the rate of interest shall change as
and when the LIBOR Rate  and/or the Bank's  Prime Rate  (which ever is used as a
basis for the computation of such fluctuating rate) changes.

                      2.3.2 Basis of Computation.  The amount of all interest on
any Indebtedness  shall be computed for the actual number of days elapsed on the
basis of a year consisting of 360 days.

                      2.3.3 Maximum Interest Rate.  Notwithstanding  anything in
this Agreement or in any other document or instrument to the contrary, if at any
time the rate of interest applicable


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 13

<PAGE>



to any  Loan,  as  computed  on the basis of the  "contract  rate"  defined  and
specified in the Note  evidencing  such Loan,  would exceed the Legal Rate,  the
interest  payable  under such Note shall be computed upon the basis of the Legal
Rate,  but any  subsequent  reduction in such contract rate shall not reduce the
applicable  interest rate thereafter  applicable under such Note below the Legal
Rate until the aggregate  amount of interest accrued and payable under such Note
as to such Loan equals the total amount of interest  which would have accrued if
interest on such Loan had been at all times computed solely on the basis of such
contract rate.

                      2.3.4  Adjustments  of  Excess  Interest.  No  agreements,
conditions,  provisions or stipulations contained in this Agreement or any other
instrument,  document or  agreement  between any Borrower and Bank or default of
any Borrower,  or the exercise by Bank of the right to accelerate the payment of
the  maturity of principal  and  interest or to exercise  any option  whatsoever
contained  in this  Agreement  or any other  agreement  between any Borrower and
Bank,  or the  arising of any  contingency  whatsoever,  shall  entitle  Bank to
collect,  in any event,  interest exceeding the Legal Rate and in no event shall
any  Borrower be obligated  to pay  interest  exceeding  such Legal Rate and all
agreements,  conditions  or  stipulations,  if any,  which  may in any  event or
contingency whatsoever operate to bind, obligate or compel any Borrower to pay a
rate of interest  exceeding  the Legal Rate,  shall be without  binding force or
effect,  at law or in equity,  to the extent only of the excess of interest over
such Legal  Rate.  In the event any  interest  is charged in excess of the Legal
Rate ("EXCESS"),  each Borrower acknowledges and stipulates that any such charge
shall be the result of an accident  and bona fide error,  and such Excess  shall
be,  first,  applied to reduce the  principal  then  unpaid  hereunder;  second,
applied to reduce the  Indebtedness;  and third,  returned to such Borrower,  it
being  the  intention  of the  parties  hereto  not to enter at any time  into a
usurious or otherwise illegal relationship.  Each Borrower recognizes that, with
fluctuations  in the Prime  Rate,  the LIBOR  Rate and the Legal  Rate,  such an
unintentional  result  could  inadvertently  occur.  By the  execution  of  this
Agreement,  each Borrower  covenants that (a) the credit or return of any Excess
shall  constitute the  acceptance by such Borrower of such Excess,  and (b) such
Borrower shall not seek or pursue any other remedy, legal or equitable,  against
Bank,  based in whole or in part upon the  charging or receiving of any interest
in excess of the  maximum  authorized  by  applicable  law.  For the  purpose of
determining  whether  or not any  Excess  has been  contracted  for,  charged or
received by Bank, all interest at any time contracted  for,  charged or received
by Bank in  connection  with  this  Agreement,  shall  be  amortized,  prorated,
allocated  and spread in equal parts  during the entire term of this  Agreement.
The  provisions  of this Section 2.3.4 shall be deemed to be  incorporated  into
every document or communication relating to the Indebtedness which sets forth or
prescribes  any account,  right or claim or alleged  account,  right or claim of
Bank  with  respect  to each  Borrower  (or any  other  obligor  in  respect  of
Indebtedness).  All such documents and  communications and all figures set forth
therein shall,  for the sole purpose of computing the extent of the Indebtedness
and obligations of any Borrower (or other obligor)  asserted by Bank thereunder,
be  automatically  recomputed  by any  Borrower  or  obligor,  and by any  court
considering the same, to give effect to the  adjustments or credits  required by
this Section 2.3.4.

                      2.3.5  Revolving  Loan  Unused  Line Fees.  If the average
outstanding  daily balance of the Revolving Loans during any calendar quarter is
less than the Revolving Credit Commitment Amount, Borrowers shall pay to bank an
unused line fee equal to one-quarter of


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 14

<PAGE>



one  percent  (.25%)  per annum upon the  amount by which the  Revolving  Credit
Commitment Amount exceeds the average outstanding daily balance of the Revolving
Loans  during  such  period.  Such fee shall be due and  payable  on the 1st day
following the end of such calendar quarter and on the Termination Date.

                      2.3.6 Equipment  Acquisition Loan Unused Line Fees. If the
average outstanding daily balance of the Equipment  Acquisition Loans during any
calendar  quarter is less than  $3000000  (or such greater  amount as Bank may
hereafter  agree to pursuant to Section 2.2.2  hereof),  Borrowers  shall pay to
Bank an unused line fee equal to  one-quarter  of one  percent  (.25%) per annum
upon  the  amount  by  which  $3000000  (or such  greater  amount  as Bank may
hereafter  agree to  pursuant  to Section  2.2.2  hereof)  exceeds  the  average
outstanding daily balance of the Equipment Acquisition Loans during such period.
Such  fee  shall be due and  payable  on the 1st day  following  the end of such
calendar quarter and on the Termination Date.

                      2.3.7 Commitment Fee. Borrower shall pay to Bank as of the
Closing Date, a commitment fee of $49000 which shall be deemed fully earned and
nonrefundable at the closing of the transactions  contemplated  hereby and shall
be paid concurrently with the Acquisition Loan hereunder.

           2.4        Preparation  Fees.  Upon demand of Bank from time to time,
Borrowers  shall pay to Bank the amount of the reasonable  expenses  (including,
without Imitation,  reasonable  attorneys' fees, and disbursements)  incurred by
Bank from time to time in connection  with the preparation of this Agreement and
related  instruments  and/or  the  making  (or  preparation  for the  making) of
advances hereunder.

           2.5        [This Section is intentionally omitted].

           2.6        Prepayments.

                      2.6.1 Mandatory Prepayments.  If any Borrower sells any of
the  Collateral,  or if any of such  Collateral is taken by  condemnation,  such
Borrower  shall  immediately  pay to Bank,  unless  otherwise  agreed by Bank in
writing,  a sum equal to the difference  between (x) the proceeds received by or
behalf of such Borrower from such sale or  condemnation,  less (y) capital gains
taxes  arising  from such sale or  condemnation  and  expenses  incurred by such
Borrower in connection with such sale or condemnation.  Any such amount shall be
applied (i) to accrued  interest and then to installments  of principal,  in the
inverse order of their maturities, as a prepayment of the Equipment Loan (or the
Equipment Acquisition Loan, if such Collateral was purchased with proceeds of an
Equipment  Acquisition  Loan)  or  the  Real  Estate  Loan  to the  extent  such
Collateral  consists of Real Estate of  Borrowers,  or (ii) if the  Indebtedness
evidencing the Term Notes is indefeasibly paid in full, such other  Indebtedness
as Bank may elect.

                      2.6.2  Optional  Prepayments.  Borrowers,  at any time and
from time to time,  upon at least one (1) Business  Day's prior  written  notice
received  by Bank,  may prepay the unpaid  principal  amount of any Term Note in
whole or in part without  premium,  provided,  however,  that any such  optional
prepayment under this Section 2.6.2 shall be made in integral multiples of


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 15

<PAGE>



$25000  and  applied  (a) to  accrued  interest  and  then to  installments  of
principal,  in the inverse  order of their  maturities,  on such Note, or (b) at
Bank's option, such other Indebtedness as Bank may elect.

           2.7        Lock Box. Each Borrower  shall cause such  Borrower's  and
each  Guarantor's  account  debtors to make  payments to such  Borrower and such
Guarantor,  as the case may be, in care of a lock box account to be  established
with Bank  prior to the  Closing  Date.  Bank  shall  have  sole  access to such
account. Each Borrower shall endorse and cause each Guarantor to endorse to Bank
and  forthwith  deliver  to Bank all  payments  which it  receives  on  Accounts
Receivable or from the sale of any Inventory or arising from any other rights or
interests of such  Borrower  therein,  in the form received by such Borrower and
such Guarantor, as the case may be, without commingling with any funds belonging
to such  Borrower.  All payments so received by Bank shall be applied in payment
of the Indebtedness,  first to Bank's costs and expenses, then to interest, then
to  principal  on such  Loans  as Bank  may  elect  (in  inverse  order of their
maturities  if  principal  amounts are due in  installments),  and then to other
Indebtedness. The surplus, if any, shall be paid over to such Borrower.

           2.8        Basis of Payments.  All sums  payable by each  Borrower to
Bank under this Agreement or the other  documents  contemplated  hereby shall be
paid directly to Bank at its principal  office set forth Section 10.10 hereof in
immediately  available  United  States  funds,  without  set off,  deduction  or
counterclaim.  In its sole  discretion,  Bank may charge any and all  deposit or
other  accounts  (including,  without  limitation,  an  account  evidenced  by a
certificate  of  deposit)  of any  Borrower  with  Bank for all or a part of any
Indebtedness then due;  provided,  however,  that this  authorization  shall not
affect any Borrower's  obligation to pay, when due, any Indebtedness  whether or
not account balances are sufficient to pay amounts due.

           2.9        Receipt of Payments.  Any payment of the Indebtedness made
by mail will be deemed tendered and received only upon actual receipt by Bank at
the address  designated  for such  payment,  whether or not Bank has  authorized
payment by mail or any other  manner,  and shall not be deemed to have been made
in a timely manner unless received on the date due for such payment,  time being
of the essence.  Each Borrower  expressly assumes all risks of loss or liability
resulting  from  non-delivery  or  delay  of  delivery  of any  item of  payment
transmitted by mail or in any other manner. Acceptance by Bank of any payment in
an amount less than the amount then due shall be deemed an acceptance on account
only, and the failure to pay the entire amount then due shall be and continue to
be an Event of Default,  and at any time  thereafter and until the entire amount
then due has been paid,  Bank shall be entitled  to exercise  any and all rights
conferred upon it herein upon the  occurrence  and during the  continuance of an
Event of Default.  Each Borrower  waives the right to direct the  application of
any and all payments at any time or times hereafter  received by Bank from or on
behalf  of such  Borrower.  Each  Borrower  agrees  that  Bank  shall  have  the
continuing exclusive right to apply and to reapply any and all payments received
at any time or times hereafter  against the  Indebtedness in such manner as Bank
may deem advisable,  notwithstanding any entry by Bank upon any of its books and
records.  Each Borrower  expressly  agrees that to the extent that Bank receives
any payment or benefit  and such  payment or benefit,  or any part  thereof,  is
subsequently invalidated,  declared to be fraudulent or preferential,  set aside
or is required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver, or any other


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 16

<PAGE>



party under any bankruptcy  act,  state or federal law,  common law or equitable
cause,  then to the extent of such payment or benefit,  the Indebtedness or part
thereof  intended to be satisfied  shall be revived and  continued in full force
and effect as if such  payment or benefit  had not been made and,  further,  any
such  repayment  by Bank,  to the extent  that Bank did not  directly  receive a
corresponding  cash payment,  shall be added to and be  additional  Indebtedness
payable upon demand by Bank.

           2.10       Recordation by Bank of Amounts Due. The date and amount of
each Loan made by Bank and of each  repayment of principal and interest  thereon
received by Bank shall be recorded by Bank in its records.  The aggregate unpaid
amount so  recorded  by Bank shall  constitute  the best  evidence of the amount
owing and unpaid on the  Indebtedness;  provided,  however,  that the failure by
Bank so to record any such amount or any error in so  recording  any such amount
shall neither increase nor limit any Borrower's obligations under this Agreement
or any of the Notes to repay the principal amount of all the Loans together with
all interest accrued or accruing thereon.

           2.11       Term of Agreement.  Bank's  commitment  to make  Revolving
Loans and Equipment Acquisition Loans shall be for a period of time beginning on
the date hereof until the Termination  Date. If, after Bank's receipt and review
of each  Borrower's  most recent fiscal year end audited  financial  statements,
Bank desires to extend its commitment to make Revolving  Loans and/or  Equipment
Acquisition  Loans hereunder for an additional  period of time, Bank will notify
Borrowers   of  the  terms   upon   which  Bank  would  be  willing  to  do  so.
Notwithstanding  any such notice or any  negotiations  between the parties  with
respect to the terms of any proposed extension, Bank shall not be deemed to have
committed to any  extension or renewal  term until  actual  approval  thereof by
Bank's loan committee.  Failing such loan committee approval, this Agreement and
Bank's  commitment to make Revolving  Loans,  and Equipment  Acquisition  Loans,
hereunder  shall  terminate  as aforesaid on the  applicable  Termination  Date.
Subsequent  renewal periods,  if any, shall be negotiated from time to time in a
like manner.

           2.12       All Loans at  Option of Bank  become  Due and  Payable  on
Termination Date.  Notwithstanding  anything in this Agreement or in any Note to
the contrary,  Bank shall have the sole option,  upon the  Termination  Date, to
require  payment in full of all  Indebtedness,  including,  without  limitation,
payment in full of all Revolving Loans and all Term Loans.

SECTION 3. SECURITY

           To secure full and timely performance of Borrowers' covenants set out
in this  Agreement  and to  secure  the  repayment  of the  Notes  and all other
Indebtedness,  each Borrower agrees to grant and assign,  or cause to be granted
and assigned,  a lien upon, and security interest in, the Collateral pursuant to
the Security Agreements,  the Pledge Agreements,  the Financing Statements,  and
such other agreements as Bank shall from time to time require.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 17

<PAGE>



SECTION 4. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO OBLIGATIONS OF BANK

           4.1 Conditions to Initial Disbursement. The obligations of Bank under
this Agreement are subject to the occurrence,  prior to or  simultaneously  with
the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions:

                      4.1.1  Documents  Executed and Filed.  Each Borrower shall
have  executed  (or  caused  to be  executed)  and  delivered  to Bank  and,  as
appropriate,  there  shall  have been  filed or  recorded  with  such  filing or
recording offices as Bank shall deem appropriate, the following:

                      (a) this Agreement;

                      (b) the Fifth Amended and Restated  Revolving  Credit Note
           and the Amended and Restated Equipment Note;

                      (c) the Guaranties, executed by the Guarantors in favor of
           Bank;

                      (d)  the  Security   Agreement   (Inventory  and  Accounts
           Receivable), executed by Partnership in favor of Bank;

                      (e)  the  Security  Agreement  (Equipment),   executed  by
           Partnership in favor of Bank;

                      (f) the  documents,and  instruments  which modify the Real
           Estate  Note,  the  Parent  Deed of Trust  and NASS  Deed of Trust to
           reflect the  assumption  by  Borrowers  jointly and  severally of the
           Indebtedness, in form and substance satisfactory to Bank:

                                 (i) a copy of the title  insurance  commitment;
                      and

                                 (ii)  evidence  satisfactory  to Bank that such
                      Deed of Trust has been appropriately recorded and that all
                      other  actions  necessary  or,  in the  opinion  of  Bank,
                      desirable  to perfect and protect the  security  interests
                      and mortgage liens created by such Deed of Trust have been
                      taken;

                      (g) the First Amendment to Security  Agreement  (Inventory
           and Accounts Receivable), executed by NASS;

                      (h) the First Amendment to Security Agreement (Equipment),
           executed by NASS;

                      (i) the Second Amendment to Security Agreement  (Inventory
           and Accounts Receivable), executed by Parent;

                      (j)   the   Second   Amendment   to   Security   Agreement
           (Equipment), executed by Parent;


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 18

<PAGE>




                      (k) the Pledge Agreements;

                      (l) the Financing Statements;

                      (m) the  Restructuring  Documents and all other  documents
           executed in connection with the Restructuring;

                      (n)  landlord  and  mortgagee   waivers  and/or   estoppel
           certificates  with respect to  Borrowers'  now owned or occupied Real
           Property, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Bank;

                      (o) the  Telephone  Notice  Authorization,  in the form of
           Exhibit G, attached hereto;

                      (p) a Lockbox  Agreement,  duly executed by Borrowers,  in
           form and substance satisfactory to Bank; and

                      (q) such other  documents  and  instruments  as Bank shall
           reasonably require.

                      4.1.2 Certified Resolutions. Each of Parent, NASS, HDE and
HTX shall have furnished to Bank a copy of resolutions of the Board of Directors
of such Person  authorizing  the  execution,  delivery and  performance  of this
Agreement,  the borrowing hereunder,  the Notes, the Restructuring Documents and
the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, which shall have been certified
by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Person as of the Closing Date as
being complete, accurate and in effect. Partnership shall have furnished to Bank
a copy  of  resolutions  of the  Board  of  Directors  of  HTX  authorizing  the
execution,  delivery and performance of this Agreement, the borrowing hereunder,
the Notes, the Restructuring  Documents and the other Loan Documents,  by HTX on
behalf of Partnership,  to which  Partnership is a party,  which shall have been
certified by the Secretary or Assistant  Secretary of HTX as of the Closing Date
as being complete, accurate and in effect.

                      4.1.3 Certified  Articles or Certificate of Incorporation.
Each of the Parent, NASS, HTX and HDE shall have furnished to Bank a copy of its
Certificate of Incorporation  including all amendments  thereto and restatements
thereof, and all other charter documents of such Person, all of which shall have
been  certified as of a date within  thirty (30) days of the Closing Date by the
state agency issuing the same.

                      4.1.4 Certified Bylaws. Each of the Parent,  NASS, HTX and
HDE shall have furnished to Bank a copy of the Bylaws of such Person,  including
all amendments thereto and restatements thereof, which shall have been certified
by the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of such Person, as applicable, as of the
Closing Date as being complete, accurate and in effect.

                      4.1.5 Certified Partnership  Agreement.  Partnership shall
have  furnished  to Bank a copy  of the  Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership  of
Partnership, which shall have been certified


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 19

<PAGE>



by the  Secretary or Assistant  Secretary of HTX as of the Closing Date as being
complete accurate and in effect.

                      4.1.6  Certificate  of  Limited  Partnership.  Partnership
shall have furnished to Bank a Certificate of Limited Partnership,  certified by
the state  agency  issuing the same as of a date within  thirty (30) days of the
Closing Date.

                      4.1.7 Certificates of Good Standing and Existence. Each of
Borrowers  and  Guarantors  shall have  furnished to Bank  certificates  of good
standing and existence, if applicable,  with respect to such Person, which shall
have been  certified  by the state  agency  issuing the same as of a date within
thirty (30) days of the Closing Date.

                      4.1.8 Certificate of Incumbency. Each of Parent, NASS, HDE
and HTX shall have furnished to Bank a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant
Secretary of such Person, certified as of the Closing Date, as to the incumbency
and signatures of the officers of such Person signing this Agreement, the Notes,
Restructuring  Documents and any other Loan  Documents to which such Person is a
party.  Partnership  shall have furnished to Bank a certificate of the Secretary
or  Assistant  Secretary  of  HTX,  certified  as of  Closing  Date,  as to  the
incumbency  and  signatures of the officers of HTX signing this  Agreement,  the
Notes,  the  Restructuring  Documents and the other Loan  Documents on behalf of
Partnership to which Partnership is a party.

                      4.1.9 Opinion of Borrowers'  Counsel.  Borrower shall have
furnished to Bank the  favorable  written  opinion of legal counsel to Borrower,
dated as of the  Closing  Date,  in form and  content  satisfactory  to Bank and
Bank's legal counsel.

                      4.1.10 UCC Lien  Searches.  Bank shall have  received  UCC
record and copy searches, evidencing the appropriate filing and recording of the
Financing Statements and disclosing no notice of any liens or encumbrances filed
against any of the Collateral  other than the Financing  Statements or Permitted
Liens.  If such  searches  disclose  any liens or  encumbrances  other  than the
Financing  Statements or Permitted  Liens,  Borrowers  shall have furnished Bank
with releases or  modifications  thereof,  in form and content  satisfactory  to
Bank.

                      4.1.11 Casualty Insurance.  Borrowers shall have furnished
to Bank, in form,  content and amounts and with companies  satisfactory to Bank,
casualty insurance policies with loss payable clauses in favor of Bank, relating
to the assets and properties (including,  but not limited to, the Collateral) of
Borrowers.

                      4.1.12 Environmental Audit. Borrowers shall have furnished
to Bank an environmental audit report,  covering the Real Property of NASS which
is now owned or  occupied  by NASS,  in form,  content  and by an  environmental
consultant  acceptable to Bank.  Each Borrower agrees that Bank may disclose the
contents of the  environmental  audit report to such  governmental  agencies and
entities as Bank deems  necessary  under  applicable  law,  and  Borrower  shall
deliver to Bank the written consent to such  disclosure  from the  environmental
consultant


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 20

<PAGE>



and the  seller of any  property  the  purchase  of which by  Borrower  is being
financed in whole or part under this Agreement.

                      4.1.13  Financial  and Other  Information.  Each  Borrower
shall have furnished to Bank its current financial statements,  agings,  reports
and certificates set forth in Section 6.1.1 through Section 6.1.8.

                      4.1.14  Restructuring.  The Restructuring  Documents shall
have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto,  all conditions to
the consummation of the  Restructuring  shall have been satisfied or waived with
Bank's consent, and the terms and provisions of the Restructuring  Documents and
the structure of the Restructuring shall be satisfactory to Bank.

                      4.1.15 Commitment Fees.  Borrower shall have paid to Bank,
in immediately  available  funds, a commitment fee of $49000,  which commitment
fee is  non-refundable  and  shall  be  deemed  fully  earned  as of the date of
execution of this Agreement.

           4.2        Conditions to All  Disbursements.  The obligations of Bank
to make any Revolving Loan on any Disbursement Date, including,  but not limited
to, the initial Disbursement Date, are subject to the occurrence, prior to or on
the  Disbursement  Date related to such Revolving Loan, of each of the following
conditions:

                      4.2.1 Certificate.  Bank shall have received a certificate
in  compliance  with the terms of Section  6.1.7  hereof,  executed by the chief
executive or chief financial officer of each Borrower,  certified as of the date
of delivery of such certificate and confirming that as of such date:

                      (a) no  Default or Event of Default  has  occurred  and is
           continuing; and

                      (b)  the  warranties  and  representations  set  forth  in
           Section 5 of this  Agreement  are true and  correct on and as of such
           date except as otherwise disclosed to Bank in such certificate.

                      4.2.2 Borrowing Base Certificate. Bank shall have received
from  Borrowers a Borrowing  Base  Certificate  in compliance  with the terms of
Section 6.1.8 hereof, executed by the chief executive or chief financial officer
of each  Borrower,  certified as of the date  required  under  Section 6.1.8 and
confirming that, as of such date, to the best of such officer's  knowledge,  the
aggregate  unpaid  principal  amount  of  all  Revolving  Loans  (including  the
Revolving Loans made on or prior to such date) does not exceed the lesser of the
Revolving  Credit  Commitment  Amount or the Borrowing Base as in effect on such
date.

                      4.2.3 Bank Satisfaction. As of such Disbursement Date:

                      (a) no  Default or Event of Default  has  occurred  and is
           continuing;



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 21

<PAGE>



                      (b) all of the warranties or representations  set forth in
           Section 5 of this Agreement shall be true and correct; or

                      (c) any  provision of law, any order of any court or other
           agency  of  government  on any  regulation,  rule  or  interpretation
           thereof shall have had any material adverse effect on the validity or
           enforceability of this Agreement, the Notes, the Security Agreements,
           the Deed of Trust, the Pledge Agreements,  the Financing  Statements,
           the Subordinated Note or any other Loan Documents.

                      4.2.4 Approval of Bank Counsel. All actions,  proceedings,
instruments and documents required to carry out the transactions contemplated by
this  Agreement or incidental  thereto and all other related legal matters shall
have been reasonably satisfactory to and approved by legal counsel for Bank, and
said counsel shall have been furnished with such certified copies of actions and
proceedings  and  such  other  instruments  and  documents  as they  shall  have
reasonably requested.

SECTION 5. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

           On the date of this Agreement and upon each  subsequent  Disbursement
Date, Borrower represents and warrants to Bank that:

           5.1        Corporate Existence and Power. (a) Parent is a corporation
duly  organized,  validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of the
State of Delaware;  (b)  Partnership is a limited  partnership  duly  organized,
validly  existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas; (c)
Parent is qualified to transact  business as a foreign  corporation in Texas and
is in good standing under the laws of the State of Texas;  (d) each Borrower has
the power and  authority to own its  properties  and assets and to carry out its
respective  business as now being  conducted and is qualified to do business and
in good standing in every jurisdiction  wherein such qualification is necessary;
and (e) each  Borrower  has the power and  authority  to  execute,  deliver  and
perform its  respective  obligations  under this  Agreement,  to borrow money in
accordance  with its terms,  to execute,  deliver  and  perform  its  respective
obligations  under the Notes,  the  Restructuring  Documents  and the other Loan
Documents to which it is a party, to grant to Bank liens and security  interests
in the  Collateral  as hereby  contemplated  and to do any and all other  things
required of it hereunder.

           5.2        Authorization and Approvals.  The execution,  delivery and
performance  of this  Agreement,  the  borrowings  hereunder and the  execution,
delivery  and  performance  of the Notes,  the Security  Agreements,  the Pledge
Agreements,  the Financing Statements,  the Subordinated Note and the other Loan
Documents to which it is a party (a) have been duly  authorized by all requisite
corporate or partnership action of each Borrower; (b) except for UCC filings and
filings with the U.S.  Patent & Trademark  Office,  do not require  registration
with or consent or approval of, or other action by, any federal,  state or other
governmental authority or regulatory body, or, if such registration,  consent or
approval is required,  the same has been  obtained  and  disclosed in writing to
Bank; (c) will not violate any provision of law, any order of any court or other
agency of government,  the  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  Bylaws,  or limited
partnership agreement


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 22

<PAGE>



of any  Borrower,  any  provision  of any  indenture,  note,  agreement or other
instrument  to which  such  Borrower  is a  party,  or by which it or any of its
respective  properties  or assets are bound;  (d) will not be in conflict  with,
result in a breach of or constitute  (with or without notice or passage of time)
a default under any such indenture, note, agreement or other instrument; and (e)
will not result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance
of any nature  whatsoever  upon any of the  properties or assets of any Borrower
other than in favor of Bank and as contemplated hereby.

           5.3        Valid and Binding  Agreement.  This  Agreement is, and the
Notes, the Security Agreements, the Pledge Agreements, the Financing Statements,
the Acquisition Documents and all other Loan Documents to which each Borrower is
a party,  when delivered,  valid and binding  obligations of such Borrower.  The
Pledge Agreements,  Guaranties and Security Agreements executed by Guarantors in
favor of Bank,  and all other Loan  Documents  to which such  Person is a party,
when  delivered,  will be  valid  and  binding  obligations  of such  Person  in
accordance with their terms.

           5.4        Actions, Suits or Proceedings. There are no actions, suits
or proceedings, at law or in equity, and no proceedings before any arbitrator or
by or before any governmental commission, board, bureau, or other administrative
agency,  pending, or, to the best knowledge of Borrowers,  threatened against or
affecting  Borrowers,  Guarantors or any of their Subsidiaries or any properties
or rights of  Borrowers,  Guarantors  or any of their  Subsidiaries,  which,  if
adversely  determined,  could materially impair the right of Borrowers or any of
their Subsidiaries to carry on business  substantially as now conducted or could
have a material  adverse  effect  upon the  financial  condition  of  Borrowers,
Guarantors, or any of their Subsidiaries.

           5.5        No Liens,  Mortgagees  or Security  Interests.  Except for
Permitted Liens, none of Borrowers',  Guarantors' or their Subsidiaries'  assets
and properties,  including,  without limitation,  the Collateral, are subject to
any mortgage,  pledge,  lien, security interest or other encumbrance of any kind
or character.

           5.6        Accounting Principles.  All consolidated and consolidating
balance sheets,  earnings  statements and other financial data furnished to Bank
for the purposes of, or in connection  with, this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement,  have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, and
do or will fairly present the financial  condition of Borrowers,  Guarantors and
their  Subsidiaries as of the dates, and the results of their operations for the
periods,  for  which  the  same are  furnished  to Bank.  Without  limiting  the
generality  of the  foregoing,  the Financial  Statements  have been prepared in
accordance  with GAAP  (except as  disclosed  therein)  and fairly  present  the
financial  condition of Borrowers,  Guarantors and their  Subsidiaries as of the
dates,  and the results of its operations for the fiscal periods,  for which the
same are  furnished  to Bank.  No Borrower  nor any  Guarantor  has any material
contingent  obligations,  liabilities  for  taxes,  long-term  leases or unusual
forward or long-term  commitments not disclosed by, or reserved  against in, the
Financial Statements.

           5.7        Financial  Condition.  Each of Borrowers and Guarantors is
solvent,  able to pay its debts as they mature,  has capital sufficient to carry
on its business and has assets the fair


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 23

<PAGE>



market  value of which  exceed its  liabilities,  and none of the  Borrowers  or
Guarantors will be rendered insolvent undercapitalized or unable to pay maturing
debts by the  execution  or  performance  of this  Agreement  or the other  Loan
Documents. There has been no material adverse change in the business, properties
or condition  (financial or otherwise) of Borrowers,  Guarantors or any of their
Subsidiaries since the date of the latest of the Financial Statements.

           5.8        Conditions  Precedent.  As of each  Disbursement  Date (a)
there is no Default or Event of Default  which has occurred  and is  continuing,
(b) all of the  warranties  and  representations  set forth in Section 5 of this
Agreement are true and correct,  (c) the aggregate unpaid  principal  balance of
all  Revolving  Loans   (including  the  Revolving  Loan  to  be  made  on  such
Disbursement  Date) does not exceed the maximum amount  permitted  under Section
2.2.1  hereof,  (d) the  aggregate  unpaid  principal  balance of all  Equipment
Acquisition  Loans (including any Equipment  Acquisition Loan to be made on such
Disbursement  Date) does not exceed the maximum amount  permitted  under Section
2.2.2 hereof, and (e) no provision of law, no order of any court or other agency
of government and no regulation,  rule or interpretation  thereof shall have had
any material adverse effect on the validity or enforceability of this Agreement,
the Notes,  the  Security  Agreements,  the  Pledge  Agreements,  the  Financing
Statements, the Deed of Trust or any other documents contemplated hereby.

           5.9        Taxes.  Each Borrower and its Subsidiaries have each filed
by the due date  therefor  all  federal,  state and local tax  returns and other
reports  they are  required  by law to file,  have paid or caused to be paid all
taxes,  assessments and other governmental  charges that are shown to be due and
payable under such returns,  and have made adequate provision for the payment of
such taxes, assessments or other governmental charges which have accrued but are
not yet payable.  No Borrower has any knowledge of any  deficiency or assessment
in connection  with any taxes,  assessments  or other  governmental  charges not
adequately disclosed in the Financial Statements.

           5.10       Compliance with Laws.  Each Borrower and its  Subsidiaries
have each  complied  with all  applicable  laws,  to the extent that  failure to
comply  would  materially  interfere  with the  conduct of the  business of such
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

           5.11       Indebtedness.   Except  as  disclosed  on  Schedule   5.11
attached  hereto,  no Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  has any indebtedness
(other  than  indebtedness  owed to Bank) for money  borrowed  or any  direct or
indirect obligations under any leases (whether or not required to be capitalized
under GAAP) or any agreements of guarantee or surety except for the  endorsement
of negotiable  instruments by such Borrower or its  Subsidiaries in the ordinary
course of business for deposit or collection.

           5.12       Material Agreements.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 5.12
attached hereto, no Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has any material leases,
contracts or commitments of any kind (including, without limitation,  employment
agreements,  collective bargaining agreements, powers of attorney,  distribution
contracts,  patent or  trademark  licenses,  contracts  for future  purchase  or
delivery of goods or rendering of services, bonus, pension and retirement plans,
or  accrued  vacation  pay,  insurance  and  welfare  agreements);  to the  best
knowledge of each Borrower, all


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 24

<PAGE>



parties to such  agreements  have complied  with the  provisions of such leases,
contracts or commitments;  and to the best knowledge of each Borrower,  no party
to such  agreements is in default  thereunder,  nor has there occurred any event
which with  notice or the  passage of time,  or both,  would  constitute  such a
default.

           5.13       Margin Stock.  No Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  is
engaged principally,  or as one of its important activities,  in the business of
extending  credit for the purpose of purchasing  or carrying any "margin  stock"
within the  meaning of  Regulation  U of the Board of  Governors  of the Federal
Reserve System,  and no part of the proceeds of any Loan hereunder will be used,
directly  or  indirectly,  to  purchase  or carry any margin  stock or to extend
credit to others for the purpose of  purchasing  or carrying any margin stock or
for any other purpose which might violate the  provisions of Regulation G, S, T,
U or X of the said Board of Governors. No Borrower owns any margin stock.

           5.14       Pension  Funding.  No Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries
has incurred any accumulated  funding  deficiency within the meaning of ERISA or
incurred any liability to the PBGC in connection with any employee  benefit plan
subject to Title IV of ERISA established or maintained by Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries and no reportable  event,  within the meaning of Section 4043(b) of
ERISA and with respect to which the thirty (30) day notice  requirement under 29
C.F.R. ss. 2615 is not waived, or prohibited  transaction,  as defined in ERISA,
has occurred with respect to such plans.

           5.15       Misrepresentation.  No warranty or  representation  by any
Borrower  contained herein or in any certificate or other document  furnished by
such Borrower  pursuant hereto contains any untrue statement of material fact or
omits to state a material fact necessary to make such warranty or representation
not misleading in light of the  circumstances  under which it was made. There is
no fact which any Borrower has not disclosed to Bank in writing which materially
and adversely affects nor, so far as such Borrower can now foresee, is likely to
prove to affect materially and adversely the business,  operations,  properties,
prospects, profits or condition (financial or otherwise) of such Borrower or any
of its  Subsidiaries  or ability of such  Borrower to perform this  Agreement or
Guarantors  to  perform  the  Guaranties,  the  Pledge  Agreements  or  Security
Agreements, as applicable.

           5.16       Eligible  Accounts.  As to  each  Account  represented  by
Borrowers to be an "Eligible Account" on a Borrowing Base Certificate, as of the
date of each such Borrowing Base Certificate:

                      (a) Such  Account  arose  in the  ordinary  course  of the
           business of  Borrowers  or  Guarantors  out of either (i) a bona fide
           sale of Inventory by Borrowers or  Guarantors,  and in such case such
           Inventory  has in fact been shipped to, and accepted and retained by,
           the  appropriate  account  debtor  or the  sale  has  otherwise  been
           consummated in accordance with such account  debtor's order therefor,
           or (ii)  services  performed  by  Borrowers  or  Guarantors  under an
           enforceable  contract,  and in such case such  services  have in fact
           been performed for the appropriate  account debtor in accordance with
           such contract.


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 25

<PAGE>




                      (b)  Such   Account   represents   a  legally   valid  and
           enforceable  claim which is due and owing to Borrowers or  Guarantors
           by such  account  debtor  and for such  amount as is  represented  by
           Borrowers or Guarantors to Bank on such Borrowing  Base  Certificate,
           such  Account is due and  payable  not more than sixty (60) days from
           the  delivery  of the related  Inventory  or the  performance  of the
           related services giving rise to such Account and not more than ninety
           (90) days have passed  since the invoice date  corresponding  to such
           Account.

                      (c) The unpaid  balance of such Account as  represented by
           Borrowers or Guarantors to Bank on such Borrowing Base Certificate is
           not subject to any defense,  counterclaim,  set off,  contra account,
           credit,  allowance or  adjustment  by the account  debtor  because of
           returned,  inferior  or damaged  Inventory  or  services,  or to each
           Borrower's  knowledge  for any other  reason,  except  for  customary
           discounts  allowed by Borrowers or Guarantors in the ordinary  course
           of business for prompt  payment,  and there is no  agreement  between
           Borrowers or  Guarantors,  the related  account  debtor and any other
           person for any rebate, discount,  concession or release of liability,
           in whole or in part.

                      (d)  The  transactions  leading  to the  creation  of such
           Account comply with all applicable local,  state and federal laws and
           regulations.

                      (e)  Borrowers  or  Guarantors  have  granted  to  Bank  a
           perfected  security  interest  in  such  Account  (as an  item of the
           Collateral) prior in right to all other Persons (other than Permitted
           Liens), and such Account has not been sold,  transferred or otherwise
           assigned by any Borrower or any  Guarantor to any Person,  other than
           Bank.

                      (f) Such  Account is not  represented  by any note,  trade
           acceptance,  draft or other  negotiable  instrument or by any chattel
           paper,  except  any  such as have  been  endorsed  and  delivered  by
           Borrowers  or  Guarantors  to Bank  on or  prior  to  such  Account's
           inclusion on such Borrowing Base Certificate.

                      (g) No Borrower or Guarantor has received, with respect to
           such Account,  any notice of the death (with respect to an individual
           account debtor) of the related account debtor or any partner thereof,
           nor  of  the  dissolution,  liquidation,  termination  of  existence,
           insolvency,  business failure, appointment of a receiver for any part
           of the property of,  assignment  for the benefit of creditors  by, or
           the filing of a petition in  bankruptcy  or the  commencement  of any
           proceeding  under any  bankruptcy or  insolvency  laws by or against,
           such account debtor.

                      (h) The account debtor on such Account is not:

                                 (i) an Affiliate of Borrowers or Guarantors;

                                 (ii)  the  United  States  of  America  or  any
                      department, agency, or instrumentality thereof,


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 26

<PAGE>




                                 (iii) a citizen or resident of any jurisdiction
                      other  than (A) one of the United  States of  America  (B)
                      Canada  with  respect  to  Accounts  of  Canadian  account
                      debtors   not   exceeding   $200000   in  the   aggregate
                      outstanding  at any time and (C)  Germany,  Italy,  Spain,
                      Great Britain,  France, Greece,  Switzerland,  Netherland,
                      Denmark,  or Mexico with respect to Accounts not exceeding
                      $500000 in the aggregate  outstanding at any time,  which
                      the account debtor thereunder is Ford Motor Company; or

                                 (iv) an account  debtor  whom Bank has,  in the
                      exercise of such Bank's reasonable discretion,  determined
                      to be (based on such facts as Bank deems  appropriate)  an
                      ineligible  account  debtor  and  as  to  which  Bank  has
                      notified Borrower.

           5.17       Eligible   Finished   Goods  and  Eligible  Raw  Materials
Inventory.  As to each item of Inventory represented by Borrowers and Guarantors
to be Eligible Finished Goods Inventory or Eligible Raw Materials Inventory on a
Borrowing  Base  Certificate,  as of  the  date  of  each  such  Borrowing  Base
Certificate:

                      (a) Such  item of  Inventory  is of good and  merchantable
           quality and is usable or salable by  Borrowers or  Guarantors  in the
           ordinary  course of Borrowers' or  Guarantors'  business,  and is not
           obsolete.

                      (b)  Borrowers  or  Guarantors,  as the case may be,  have
           granted  to  Bank a  perfected  security  interest  in  such  item of
           Inventory (as an item of the Collateral)  prior in right to all other
           persons (other than Permitted Liens),  and such item of Inventory has
           not been sold,  transferred or otherwise  assigned by any Borrower or
           Guarantor to any person other than Bank.

                      (c) Such item of  Inventory  is located  within the United
           States of America at such  location or  locations  as  Borrowers  and
           Guarantors,  as the  case  may  be,  shall  have  represented  in the
           Security Agreements relating to Inventory.

           5.18       [This Section Intentionally Omitted.]

           5.19       No  Conflicting  Agreements.  No  Borrower  or  any of its
Subsidiaries  is in default under any  shareholder  agreement,  preferred  stock
agreement or any other agreement to which it is a party or by which it or any of
its property is bound,  the effect of which might have a material adverse effect
on the business or  operations  of any Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries.  No
provision of the  Certificate of  Incorporation,  By-Laws,  limited  partnership
agreement or preferred  stock, if any, of any Borrower,  and no provision of any
existing mortgage,  indenture,  note, contract,  agreement,  statute (including,
without  limitation,  any applicable  usury or similar law),  rule,  regulation,
judgment,  decree or order  binding on any Borrower or affecting the property of
any Borrower  conflicts with, or requires any consent under, or would in any way
prevent the execution,  delivery or carrying out of the terms of, this Agreement
and the  other  Loan  Documents,  and the  taking  of any such  action  will not
constitute a default under, or result


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 27

<PAGE>



in the  creation or  imposition  of, or  obligation  to create any lien upon the
property of any Borrower pursuant to the terms of any such mortgage,  indenture,
note, contract or agreement.

           5.20       Restructuring.  No default has  occurred  under any of the
Restructuring Documents.

SECTION 6. AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

           On a continuing basis from the date of this Agreement until the later
of the  Termination  Date  or when  the  Indebtedness  is  paid in full  and all
Borrowers have performed all of their other obligations hereunder, each Borrower
covenants and agrees that it will, at its sole expense:

           6.1        Financial and Other Information.

                      6.1.1 Annual Financial  Reports.  Furnish to Bank, in form
and reporting basis  satisfactory to Bank, not later than ninety (90) days after
the close of each fiscal year of Borrower, beginning with the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1998, consolidated financial statements of Borrowers and Guarantors (on
a  consolidated   and   consolidating   basis  if  any  Borrower  then  has  any
Subsidiaries)  containing  the  consolidated  balance  sheet  of  Borrowers  and
Guarantors as of the close of each such fiscal year,  consolidated statements of
income and retained earnings and a consolidated statement of cash flows for each
such fiscal year, and such other  comments and financial  details as are usually
included in similar  reports.  Such reports shall be prepared in accordance with
GAAP by independent certified public accountants of recognized standing selected
by Borrowers and acceptable to Bank and shall contain unqualified opinions as to
the fairness of the statements therein contained.

                      6.1.2   Monthly Financial Statements.  Furnish to Bank not
later  than  twenty-five  (25)  days  after the  close of each  calendar  month,
beginning  with the month  ending  June 30,  1998,  financial  statements  (on a
consolidated and consolidating  basis if any Borrower then has any Subsidiaries)
containing the consolidated  balance sheet of Borrowers and Guarantors as of the
end of such period,  statements of income and retained earnings of Borrowers and
Guarantors  and  a  consolidated  statement  of  cash  flows  of  Borrowers  and
Guarantors for the portion of the fiscal year up to the end of such period,  and
such other  comments and  financial  details as are usually  included in similar
reports.  These statements shall be prepared on the same accounting basis as the
statements  required  in Section  6.1.1 of this  Agreement  and shall be in such
detail as Bank may reasonably require,  and the accuracy of the statements shall
be certified by the chief executive or financial officer of each Borrower.

                      6.1.3  Aging  of  Accounts.   Furnish,  or  caused  to  be
furnished, to Bank monthly by the tenth day of each month an aging as of the end
of  the  preceding  month  of  Borrowers'  and  Guarantors'  Accounts  in a form
satisfactory to Bank.

                      6.1.4  Aging  of  Payables.   Furnish,  or  caused  to  be
furnished, to Bank monthly by the tenth day of each month an aging of Borrowers'
and Guarantors'  accounts payable as of the end of the preceding month in a form
satisfactory to Bank.


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 28

<PAGE>




                      6.1.5  Inventory  Listing.   Furnish,   or  caused  to  be
furnished,  to Bank  monthly  by the tenth day of each  month,  a listing of the
Borrowers'  and  Guarantors'  Eligible  Raw  Materials  Inventory  and  Eligible
Finished Goods Inventory, and the cost and location thereof as of the end of the
preceding month in a form satisfactory to Bank.

                      6.1.6 Shares and Shareholders. Promptly inform Bank of any
options,  warrants or rights to purchase, or any agreement for the subscription,
purchase or  acquisition  of, any shares of the capital stock of any Borrower or
of any of the Subsidiaries issued or entered into after the Closing Date.

                      6.1.7  Certificate.  Together  with each  delivery  of the
financial  statements  required by Sections  6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of this  Agreement,
furnish to Bank a certificate,  in the form of Exhibit B hereto, executed by the
chief  executive or chief  financial  officer of each Borrower,  certified as of
such date, and confirming that, as of such date:

                      (a) no Default or Event of Default has occurred, or if any
           such  matter  exists,  stating  the  nature  thereof,  the  period of
           existence  thereof,  and what action  Borrowers  propose to take with
           respect thereto;

                      (b)  the  warranties  and  representations  set  forth  in
           Section 5 of this  Agreement  are true and  correct on and as of such
           date, except as otherwise specified in such certificate; and

                      (c) each Borrower is in compliance  with all the terms and
           conditions contained in this Agreement;

and  attached to which  certificate  shall be a report in form  satisfactory  to
Bank,  prepared  by such  chief  executive  or chief  financial  officer of each
Borrower, setting forth information and calculations that demonstrate compliance
(or  noncompliance)  with each of the  covenants set forth in Sections 6.5, 6.6,
and 6.7 of this Agreement.

           As  part of each  such  Borrowing  Base  Certificate,  Borrowers  and
Guarantors  shall  prepare  reports of its Accounts and  Inventory (in the forms
shown in Exhibit A); provided,  however,  that Borrowers and Guarantors shall be
required to update  their  Inventory  reports only at the end of each month and,
for each Borrowing Base  Certificate  submitted  effective as of the 15th day of
each month,  Borrowers and Guarantors  shall use the inventory  calculations for
the most recent month-end.

                      6.1.8 Borrowing Base Certificate.  Furnish to Bank, in the
form of  Exhibit  A hereto  by the  20th day of each  month,  a  Borrowing  Base
Certificate as of the 15th day of such month, executed by the chief executive or
chief financial  officer of each Borrower,  confirming that the aggregate unpaid
principal  amount of all  Revolving  Loans  does not  exceed  the  lesser of the
Revolving Credit  Commitment Amount or the Borrowing Base as then in effect (or,
if such is not the case,  accompanied  by a prepayment of the  Revolving  Credit
Note in accordance with Section 2.1.6 of this Agreement).


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 29

<PAGE>




           As  part of each  such  Borrowing  Base  Certificate,  Borrowers  and
Guarantors  shall  prepare  reports of its Accounts and  Inventory (in the forms
shown in Exhibit A); provided,  however,  that Borrowers and Guarantors shall be
required to update  their  Inventory  reports only at the end of each month and,
for each Borrowing Base  Certificate  submitted  effective as of the 15th day of
each month,  Borrowers and Guarantors  shall use the inventory  calculations for
the most recent month-end.

                      6.1.9  Adverse   Events.   Promptly  inform  Bank  of  the
occurrence of any Default or Event of Default,  or of any other occurrence which
has or could reasonably be expected to have a materially adverse effect upon any
Borrower's  or any of  its  Subsidiaries'  business,  properties,  or  financial
condition  or  upon  any  Borrower's  ability  to  comply  with  its  respective
obligations hereunder.

                      6.1.10 Shareholder Reports.  Promptly furnish to Bank upon
becoming available a copy of all financial statements,  reports,  notices, proxy
statements  and  other  communications  sent  by  any  Borrower  or  any  of its
Subsidiaries to their  stockholders,  and all regular and periodic reports filed
by any Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  with any securities  exchange,  the
Securities and Exchange Commission, or other governmental authority.

                      6.1.11 Management Letters.  Furnish to Bank, promptly upon
receipt thereof, copies of all management letters and other reports of substance
submitted to any Borrower or any of its  Subsidiaries  by independent  certified
public  accountants in connection  with any annual or interim audit of the books
of such Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

                      6.1.12 Other Information As Requested. Promptly furnish to
Bank such other  information  regarding  the  operations,  business  affairs and
financial  condition of any Borrower and its Subsidiaries as Bank may reasonably
request from time to time and permit Bank, its employees,  attorneys and agents,
to inspect all of the books,  records and  properties  of any  Borrower  and its
Subsidiaries at any reasonable time.

           6.2        Insurance.  Keep its insurable  properties  (including but
not  limited to the  Collateral)  and the  insurable  properties  of  Borrowers,
Guarantors and their Subsidiaries  adequately insured and maintain (a) insurance
against fire and other risks  customarily  insured  against  under an "all-risk"
policy and such  additional  risks  customarily  insured  against  by  companies
engaged in the same or a similar  business to that of  Borrowers,  Guarantors or
their  Subsidiaries,  as the case may be, (b)  self-insurance  against  worker's
compensation claims, (c) public liability and product liability  insurance,  and
(d) such  other  insurance  as may be  required  by law or as may be  reasonably
required in writing by Bank,  all of which  insurance  shall be in such amounts,
containing  such terms,  in such form, for such purposes,  prepaid for such time
period, and written by such companies as may be reasonably satisfactory to Bank.
Each Borrower will promptly  deliver to Bank evidence  satisfactory to Bank that
such  insurance  has  been so  procured,  including  satisfactory  loss  payable
endorsements  naming Bank a loss payee and additional  insured.  Each policy and
endorsement  shall contain a provision whereby it may not be canceled or amended
except  upon thirty (30) days' prior  written  notice to Bank.  If any  Borrower
fails to maintain satisfactory insurance as herein provided, Bank shall have the
option


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 30

<PAGE>



to do so, and each Borrower  agrees to repay Bank upon demand,  with interest at
the Legal Rate, all amounts so expended by Bank.  Each Borrower  hereby appoints
Bank or any employee or agent of Bank as such Borrower's attorney-in-fact, which
appointment is coupled with an interest and irrevocable,  and authorizes Bank or
any  employee  or agent of Bank,  on behalf  of such  Borrower,  to  adjust  and
compromise  any loss under  said  insurance  and to  endorse  any check or draft
payable to such  Borrower in connection  with  returned or unearned  premiums on
said  insurance or the proceeds of said  insurance,  and any amount so collected
may be applied toward satisfaction of the Indebtedness;  provided, however, that
Bank shall not be required hereunder so to act.

           6.3        Taxes.  Pay  promptly and within the time that they can be
paid without late charge, penalty or interest all taxes, assessments and similar
imposts  and  charges of every  kind and nature  lawfully  levied,  assessed  or
imposed upon any Borrower or its Subsidiaries, and their property, except to the
extent being contested in good faith. If any contested amount exceeds  $150000,
upon Bank's request each Borrower shall escrow funds,  provide adequate reserves
in  conformity  with GAAP, or provide  other  security,  in an amount and manner
satisfactory  to  Bank.  If any  Borrower  shall  fail  to pay  such  taxes  and
assessments  within the time they can be paid  without  penalty,  late charge or
interest Bank shall have the option to do so, and each Borrower  agrees to repay
Bank upon demand,  with  interest at the Legal Rate,  all amounts so expended by
Bank.

           6.4        Maintain Corporation and Business.  Do or cause to be done
all things  necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect  Borrowers',
Guarantors'  and each of their  Subsidiaries'  corporate  existence,  rights and
franchises and comply with all applicable laws;  continue to conduct and operate
their,  Guarantors' and each of their  Subsidiaries'  business  substantially as
conducted and operated  during the present and preceding  calendar  year; at all
times maintain, preserve and protect all franchises and trade names and preserve
all the remainder of their,  Guarantors'  and their  Subsidiaries'  property and
keep the same in good repair, working order and condition; and from time to time
make,  or  cause  to  be  made,  all  needed  and  proper   repairs,   renewals,
replacements,  betterments and improvements thereto so that the business carried
on in connection  therewith may be properly and advantageously  conducted at all
times.

           6.5        Maintain Tangible  Effective Net Worth. Cause Borrowers to
maintain  at all times a  Tangible  Effective  Net Worth on a  consolidated  and
consolidating  basis of not less than the amount specified below for each period
specified below:

                        Period                                        Amount
                        ------                                        ------
             Closing Date until May 31, 1998                       $14000000
             June 1, 1998 and thereafter                           $15000000



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 31

<PAGE>



           6.6        Maintain  Debt Ratio.  Cause  Borrowers to maintain at all
times the ratio of their Debt to Tangible  Effective Net Worth on a consolidated
and  consolidated  basis at not more  than the  ratio  specified  below for each
period specified below:

                        Period                                       Ratio
                        ------                                       -----
             Closing Date until May 31, 1998                     2.50 to 1.00
             June 1, 1998 and thereafter                         2.00 to 1.00

           6.7        Maintain Flow Coverage Ratio.  Cause Borrowers to maintain
at all times the ratio of their Cash Flow to their  Current  Maturities  of Long
Term Debt on a consolidated and consolidating  basis at not less than (a) 1.0 to
1.0 during the period  beginning on January 1, 1998 and ending on June 30, 1998,
and (b) 1.75 to 1.0  thereafter.  Such ratio  shall be  calculated  on a rolling
twelve-month basis.

           6.8        [This Section Intentionally Omitted]

           6.9        ERISA. (a) At all times meet and cause Guarantors and each
of the  Subsidiaries  to meet the  minimum  funding  requirements  of ERISA with
respect to each Borrower's,  Guarantor's and Subsidiary's employee benefit plans
subject  to  Title  IV of  ERISA  which,  in any one  case or in the  aggregate,
involves a  contribution  of $125000 or more;  (b) promptly  after any Borrower
knows or has  reason to know (i) of the  occurrence  of any event,  which  would
constitute a reportable  event,  within the meaning of Section  4043(b) of ERISA
and with respect to which the thirty (30) day notice requirement under 29 C.F.R.
ss. 2615 is not waived for a nonexempt  prohibited  transaction,  or  prohibited
transaction  under  Section  406 of  ERISA  which,  in any  one  case  or in the
aggregate,  involves a liability  of $125000 or more,  or (ii) that the PBGC or
any  Borrower or Guarantor  has  instituted  or will  institute  proceedings  to
terminate an employee  pension plan,  deliver to Bank a certificate of the chief
financial  officer of each  Borrower  setting  forth details as to such event or
proceedings and the action which such Borrower or Guarantor, as the case may be,
proposes to take with  respect  thereto,  together  with a copy of any notice of
such event which may be  required to be filed with the PBGC;  and (c) furnish to
Bank (or cause the plan  administrator  to  furnish  Bank) a copy of the  annual
return  (including  all schedules  and  attachments)  for each employee  pension
benefit plan covered by Title IV of ERISA,  and filed with the Internal  Revenue
Service by each  Borrower  and/or  each  Guarantor  not later than ten (10) days
after such report has been so filed.

           6.10       Use of  Loan  Proceeds.  Use  the  proceeds  of the  Loans
hereunder only for Borrower's working capital purposes.

           6.11       Collateral  Audits.  Permit Bank to conduct  audits of any
Borrower's  and/or  Guarantor's  Accounts and Inventory as often as Bank, in its
credit  judgment,  deems such  audits to be  reasonably  necessary.  Upon Bank's
request,  each  Borrower  shall  reimburse  Bank for the  reasonable  costs  and
expenses  expended by Bank in connection with such audits.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  without limiting Bank's right to conduct more frequent audits,  Bank
acknowledges  that it  currently  intends to conduct  (a) two (2) such audits on
Accounts


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 32

<PAGE>



during each  12-month  period this  Agreement  is in effect and (b) one (1) such
audit on Inventory during each 12-month period this Agreement is in effect.

SECTION 7. NEGATIVE COVENANTS

           On a continuing basis from the date of this Agreement until the later
of the  Termination  Date or when  the  Indebtedness  is paid in full  and  each
Borrower has performed all of its other respective obligations  hereunder,  each
Borrower covenants and agrees that it will not, and will not permit Guarantor or
any Subsidiary to:

           7.1        Dividends.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance
of a Default or an Event of Default,  declare or pay any  dividends  on, or make
any other  distribution  (whether by  reduction  of capital or  otherwise)  with
respect  to any  shares  of its  capital  stock,  except  for  dividends  from a
Subsidiary of any Borrower to Borrowers.

           7.2        Set-Off   Against   Subordinated   Debt.   Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary  contained in the Subordinated  Note, without the prior
written  consent  of  Bank,  at any  time  offset  any  amounts  due  under  the
Acquisition Agreement against any amounts due and payable under the Subordinated
Note in an aggregate amount in excess of $250000.

           7.3        Stock Acquisition.  Purchase,  redeem, retire or otherwise
acquire any of the shares of its capital stock, or make any commitment to do so,
which in the aggregate exceeds a book value equal to $500000.

           7.4        Liens and Encumbrances. Create, incur, assume or suffer to
exist any mortgage,  pledge,  encumbrance,  security interest, lien or charge of
any kind upon any of its property or assets (including,  without limitation, any
charge upon property  purchased or acquired  under a conditional  sales or other
title  retaining  agreement  or lease  required  to be  capitalized  under GAAP)
whether now owned or hereafter  acquired other than (a) Permitted  Liens and (b)
liens securing  indebtedness,  which does not exceed,  at any time, an aggregate
amount equal to $250000.

           7.5        Indebtedness. Incur, create, assume or permit to exist any
indebtedness or liability on account of deposits or advances or any indebtedness
or  liability  for  borrowed  money,  or any  other  indebtedness  or  liability
evidenced  by notes,  bonds,  debentures  or similar  obligations,  or any other
indebtedness  whatsoever,  except  for (a) the  Indebtedness,  (b)  indebtedness
subordinated  to the prior  payment in full of the  Indebtedness  upon terms and
conditions approved in writing by Bank, (c) existing  indebtedness to the extent
set forth on Schedule 5.11 of this Agreement,  (d) trade  indebtedness  incurred
and paid in the ordinary course of business, (e) contingent  indebtedness to the
extent permitted by Section 7.7 of this Agreement,  (f) indebtedness  secured by
Permitted Liens, (g) indebtedness  related to acquisitions  permitted by Section
7.11 of this Agreement.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 33

<PAGE>



           7.6        Extension of Credit. Make loans, advances or extensions of
credit to any Person in excess of an aggregate amount equal to $250000,  except
for sales on open account and otherwise in the ordinary course of business.

           7.7        Guarantee Obligations. Guarantee or otherwise, directly or
indirectly,  in any way be or become  responsible  for  obligations of any other
Person,  whether by agreement to purchase the  indebtedness of any other Person,
agreement for the furnishing of funds to any other Person through the furnishing
of goods, supplies or services, by way of stock purchase,  capital contribution,
advance  or loan,  for the  purpose of paying or  discharging  (or  causing  the
payment or discharge of) the  indebtedness  of any other  Person,  or otherwise,
except for the  endorsement  of negotiable  instruments  by such Borrower in the
ordinary course of business for deposit or collection.

           7.8        Subordinate Indebtedness. Subordinate any indebtedness due
to it from a Person to indebtedness of other creditors of such Person.

           7.9        Property Transfer, Merger or Lease-Back.  (a) Sell, lease,
transfer or otherwise  dispose of properties and assets having an aggregate book
value of more  than  $100000  (whether  in one  transaction  or in a series  of
transactions)  except as to (i) the sale of Inventory in the ordinary  course of
business and (ii) the  disposition of Equipment;  provided that (A) the proceeds
thereof are  utilized  by such  Borrower  to  purchase  Equipment  of like kind,
function  or  value,  (B) the  replacement  Equipment  is  acquired  prior to or
concurrently with any disposition of Equipment which is to be replaced,  and (C)
the  replacement  Equipment is free and clear of all liens other than  Permitted
Liens;  (b)  change  its  name,   consolidate  with  or  merge  into  any  other
corporation,  permit  another  corporation  to  merge  into it,  enter  into any
reorganization or  recapitalization or reclassify its capital stock, (c) without
the prior  approval of Bank,  acquire,  during any fiscal  year,  properties  or
assets of any other Person(s) if such  acquisitions  would exceed  $2,500000 in
the aggregate, or (d) enter into any sale-leaseback transaction.

           7.10       Acquire  Securities.  Purchase  or hold  beneficially  any
stock or other  securities  of, or make any  investment  or acquire any interest
whatsoever  in,  any  other  Person,  except  for (i) the  common  stock  of the
Subsidiaries  owned  by  each  Borrower  on the  date of  this  Agreement,  (ii)
certificates  of deposit with  maturities  of one year or less of United  States
commercial  banks  with  capital,  surplus  and  undivided  profits in excess of
$100000000  and direct  obligations of the United States  Government  maturing
within one year from the date of acquisition thereof, and (iii) commercial paper
of  domestic  corporations  maturing  no more  than  270  days  from the date of
acquisition  a rating  of A-l (or  comparable  rating  if the  rating  system is
changed) by Standard & Poor's Rating Service, a division of McGraw/Hill, Inc. or
P-1 rating (or  comparable  rating if the rating  system has changed) by Moody's
Investors Service, Inc.

           7.11       Acquire  Fixed  Assets.  Acquire or expend  for, or commit
itself to acquire or expend for, fixed assets by lease, purchase or otherwise in
an aggregate amount that exceeds $6000000 per fiscal year.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 34

<PAGE>



           7.12       Pension  Plan.  (a) Allow any fact,  condition or event to
occur or exist with  respect to any  employee  pension or profit  sharing  plans
established or maintained by it which might  constitute  grounds for termination
of any such plan or for the court  appointment  of a trustee to  administer  any
such  plan,  or (b)  permit  any  such  plan to be the  subject  of  termination
proceedings   (whether   voluntary  or  involuntary)   from  which   termination
proceedings there may result a liability of such Borrower,  any Guarantor or any
of its  Subsidiaries  to the PBGC  which,  in the  opinion of Bank,  will have a
materially  adverse  effect upon the  operations,  business,  property,  assets,
financial  condition  or  credit  of  such  Borrower,  Guarantor  or  any of its
Subsidiaries.

           7.13       Misrepresentation.  Furnish Bank with any  certificate  or
other document that contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to
state a  material  fact  necessary  to make such  certificate  or  document  not
misleading in light of the circumstances under which it was furnished.

           7.14       Margin Stock. Apply any of the proceeds of any Note to the
purchase or carrying of any "margin stock" within the meaning of Regulation U of
the Board of  Governors  of the  Federal  Reserve  System,  or any  regulations,
interpretations or rulings thereunder.

SECTION 8. PROVISIONS REGARDING ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS

           8.1        Covenants   Regarding   Environmental   Compliance.   Each
Borrower hereby covenants and agrees with Bank as follows:

                      8.1.1 Hazardous Substance Use, Manufacture.  Each Borrower
shall not use, generate,  manufacture,  produce,  store, release,  discharge, or
dispose of on,  under,  or about the Real  Property or  transport to or from the
Real Property any Hazardous Substance, or allow any other person or entity to do
so on the Real Property,  except in material compliance with all applicable laws
(including all applicable Environmental Laws).

                      8.1.2  Compliance with  Environmental  Laws. Each Borrower
shall keep and maintain,  or cause to be kept and maintained,  the Real Property
in  compliance  with,  and shall not cause the Real  Property  to be in material
violation of, any applicable Environmental Law.

                      8.1.3  Notices.  Each Borrower  shall give prompt  written
notice to Bank of:

                      (a) any proceeding or written inquiry by any  governmental
           authority with respect to the presence of any Hazardous  Substance on
           the Real Property or the migration thereof from or to other property;

                      (b) all written  claims made, or to the best  knowledge of
           each  Borrower,  threatened  by any third party against any Borrower,
           Guarantor  or the  Real  Property  relating  to any  loss  or  injury
           resulting from any Hazardous Substance;



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 35

<PAGE>



                      (c)  any  Borrower's  or  Guarantor's   discovery  of  any
           occurrence  or  condition  on any real  property  adjoining or in the
           vicinity of the Real  Property  that would  reasonably be expected to
           cause the Real  Property  or any part  thereof  to be  subject to any
           material restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, transferability or
           use of the Real Property under any applicable  Environmental  Law, or
           to  be  otherwise  subject  to  any  material   restrictions  on  the
           ownership,  occupancy,  transferability  or use of the Real  Property
           under any applicable Environmental Law;

                      (d) any written  notice of violation  or complaint  from a
           governmental  authority and relating to an  applicable  Environmental
           Law;

                      (e)  any  written  notices  or  reports  any  Borrower  or
           Guarantor provides to a governmental  authority relating to instances
           of non-compliance with an applicable Environmental Law; and

                      (f) any written  application  any  Borrower  or  Guarantor
           provides to a  governmental  authority to obtain or amend a permit or
           approval relating to the generation,  storage, treatment, or disposal
           of a Hazardous Substance or air contaminant.

                      8.1.4 [This Section Intentionally Omitted].

                      8.1.5 Indemnity. Each Borrower shall defend, indemnify and
hold harmless Bank,  its  employees,  agents,  officers,  directors,  attorneys,
successors and assigns from and against any and all claims, demands,  penalties,
fines, liabilities,  settlements, damages, costs or expenses of whatever kind or
nature,  including,  without limitation,  reasonable attorney's and consultant's
fees (said attorneys and consultants to be selected by Bank),  investigation and
laboratory  fees,  environmental  studies  reasonably  required by Bank (whether
prior to foreclosure or otherwise),  court costs and litigation expenses, any of
which  arise out of or are  related  to: (a) the use,  generation,  manufacture,
production,  storage,  presence,  disposal, release or threatened release of any
Hazardous  Substance on, from or affecting the Real Property or the soil, water,
vegetation,  buildings,  personal property,  persons or animals thereon, (b) any
personal injury (including wrongful death) or property damage (real or personal)
arising out of or related to such Hazardous  Substance,  (c) any lawsuit brought
or  threatened,  settlement  reached,  or  governmental  order  relating to such
Hazardous  Substances,  (d) the cost of removal of all such Hazardous Substances
from all or any portions of the Real Property,  (e) taking necessary precautions
to protect against the release of Hazardous  Substances on or affecting the Real
Property,  (f)  complying  with all  Environmental  Laws,  (g) any  violation of
Environmental  Laws or  requirements  of Bank which are based upon or in any way
related  to such  Hazardous  Substances,  and/or  (h) the  costs of any  repair,
cleanup  or   remediation  of  the  Real  Property  and  the   preparation   and
implementation of any closure, remedial or other plans required to be undertaken
by applicable  Environmental  Laws.  Upon Bank's  request,  each Borrower  shall
execute a separate  indemnity  covering the foregoing  matters,  containing such
terms and provisions  required by Bank and not  materially  more onerous to such
Borrower than the indemnity provided in this Section 8.1.5.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 36

<PAGE>



                      8.1.6 Remedial Work. In the event that any  investigation,
site monitoring,  containment,  cleanup, removal,  restoration or other remedial
work of any kind or nature (the  "REMEDIAL  WORK") is required to be  undertaken
under any applicable  local,  state or federal law or  regulation,  any judicial
order,  or by any  governmental  entity  because of, or in connection  with, the
current or  reasonably  threatened  future  presence  or release of a  Hazardous
Substance in or into the air,  soil,  ground water,  surface water or soil vapor
at, on, about, under or within the Real Property (or any portion thereof),  each
Borrower  shall  promptly  after  written  demand  for  performance  thereof  by
appropriate  governmental authorities or Bank (or such shorter period of time as
may be required  under any  applicable  law,  regulation,  order or  agreement),
commence, or undertake efforts to require other responsible parties to commence,
and thereafter  diligently prosecute to completion,  all such Remedial Work. All
Remedial  Work shall be  performed  by  contractors  selected by  Borrowers  and
approved in advance by Bank, and under the supervision of a consulting  engineer
selected  by  Borrowers  and  approved by Bank  (which  approval  Bank shall not
unreasonably  withhold).  All costs and expenses of such  Remedial Work shall be
paid by Borrowers  including,  but not limited to, Bank's reasonable  attorneys'
fees and reasonable  costs incurred in connection  with its monitoring or review
of such  Remedial  Work  except  in the event  Borrowers  shall  assert  and can
establish a good faith defense to any such claims.

                      8.1.7  Certain  Rights of Bank.  Upon  Bank's  receipt  of
notice from any source  concerning  the existence of any Hazardous  Substance or
the  noncompliance  by any Borrower or any Real Property with any  Environmental
Law,  which  matter,  if true,  could  result in an order,  suit or other action
against such Borrower  and/or any Real Property and which could,  in Bank's sole
opinion,  jeopardize such Borrower's ability to repay the Indebtedness or Bank's
collateral security, Bank shall have the right (but not the obligation) to enter
any such Real Property or to take any other actions that Bank deems  appropriate
to clean up, remove,  resolve or minimize the adverse impact of any such matter.
The  foregoing  sentence  shall not be deemed to limit any other rights Bank may
have under  this  Agreement,  any other  document,  or at law or in equity.  All
reasonable  costs and  expenses  incurred  by Bank in the  exercise  of any such
rights shall become part of the Indebtedness, shall be secured by the collateral
contemplated hereunder, and shall be payable by Borrowers upon demand.

           8.2        Representations  and Warranties  Relating to Environmental
Matters. Each Borrower represents and warrants to Bank that, except as disclosed
on Schedule 8.2 hereto:

                      8.2.1 No Existing  Violation.  None of the Real  Property,
Borrowers, or Guarantors are in violation of or subject to any existing, pending
or, to the knowledge of Borrowers,  threatened investigation by any governmental
authority under any Environmental Law.

                      8.2.2 No Permits  Required.  No Borrower or Guarantor  has
acquired  and is  required  by any  applicable  Environmental  Law to obtain any
permits or license to construct or use any  improvements,  fixtures or equipment
forming a part of the Real Property except such permits or licenses as have been
obtained.

                      8.2.3  Previous Uses.  Each Borrower or its  environmental
advisors has made diligent  inquiry into previous uses and ownership of the Real
Property of such Borrower, and


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 37

<PAGE>



based upon such inquiry has no knowledge of any Hazardous  Substance disposed of
or released on or to the Real  Property  of such  Borrower.  To the best of each
Borrower's knowledge, no Borrower, Guarantor or their environmental advisors has
any  knowledge of any Hazardous  Substance  disposed of or released on or to the
Real Property.

                      8.2.4  Use by  Borrowers  or  Guarantors.  Borrowers'  and
Guarantors' prior, present and intended use of the Real Property will not result
in the disposal or release of any Hazardous Substance on or to the Real Property
except in material compliance with applicable law.

                      8.2.5 Underground  Storage.  No underground storage tanks,
whether or not containing any Hazardous Substances,  are located on or under the
Real Property.

           8.3        Environmental  Risk Assessment.  At any time (a) that Bank
reasonably believes that Hazardous  Substances have been disposed of on, or have
been  released  to or from any of the Real  Property in  material  violation  of
Environmental  Laws,  or (b) after an Event of Default  arising under Section 9,
within thirty (30) days after a written request  therefor by Bank, each Borrower
shall deliver to Bank a report  prepared at such  Borrower's cost and expense by
an  environmental  consultant  acceptable  to Bank,  detailing the results of an
environmental  investigation concerning the Real Property,  including results of
any soil and ground water  samples that may have been taken in  connection  with
such investigation.

           8.4        Survival of Obligations.  The provisions of this Section 8
shall be in  addition  to any and all other  obligations  and  liabilities  each
Borrower may have to Bank at common law or pursuant to any other  agreement and,
notwithstanding  anything in Section 10.13 hereof to the contrary, shall survive
(a) the repayment of the Notes and all other Indebtedness,  (b) the satisfaction
of all of each Borrower's other  obligations  hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents,  (c) the discharge of any mortgage hereafter granted to Bank, and (d)
the  foreclosure  or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure of any mortgage
hereafter granted to Bank.

SECTION 9. EVENTS OF DEFAULT - ENFORCEMENT - APPLICATION OF
           PROCEEDS

           9.1        Events of Default.  The occurrence of any of the following
events shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder:

                      9.1.1  Failure to Pay Monies Due. If each  Borrower  shall
fail to pay, when due, any of the Indebtedness,  including,  without limitation,
any  principal  or  interest  under the Notes or any taxes,  insurance  or other
amount  payable by such  Borrower  under this  Agreement or under any other Loan
Document  execution  in  connection  herewith,  or if  any  of  such  Borrower's
Subsidiaries  shall  fail to pay,  when due,  any  indebtedness,  obligation  or
liability whatsoever of such person to Bank.

                      9.1.2 Misrepresentation. If any warranty or representation
of any Borrower in  connection  with or contained in this  Agreement,  or if any
financial data or other information now


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 38

<PAGE>



or hereafter furnished to Bank by or on behalf of such Borrower,  shall prove to
be false or misleading in any material respect.

                      9.1.3  Noncompliance  with  Agreement.  If  any  Borrower,
Guarantor  or any of their  Subsidiaries  shall  fail to perform in the time and
manner required any of its respective  obligations or covenants  under, or shall
fail to  comply  with any of the  provisions  of,  this  Agreement  or any other
agreement  with  Bank to which it may be a party,  which  does not  involve  the
failure to make a payment when due (be it principal,  interest, taxes, insurance
or otherwise) and which is not cured by such Borrower or Guarantor within thirty
(30) days after the  earlier of the date of notice to such  Borrower  by Bank of
such Default or the date Bank is notified, or should have been notified pursuant
to such Borrower's obligation under Section 6.1.9 hereof, of such Default.

                      9.1.4 Other Defaults. If any Borrower, Guarantor or any of
their  Subsidiaries  shall default in the payment when due of any of its capital
lease obligations or its indebtedness for borrowed money (other than to Bank) in
the aggregate  amount in excess of $100000 or in the  observance or performance
of any term,  covenant or condition in any agreement or  instrument  evidencing,
securing or relating to such  indebtedness,  and such default be continued for a
period sufficient to permit  acceleration of the  indebtedness,  irrespective of
whether  any such  default  shall  be  forgiven  or  waived  or  there  has been
acceleration by the holder thereof.

                      9.1.5  Judgments.  If there shall be rendered  against any
Borrower,  Guarantor  or any of  their  Subsidiaries  one or more  judgments  or
decrees involving an aggregate  liability of $125000 or more, which has or have
become nonappealable and shall remain undischarged, unsatisfied by insurance and
unstayed for more than forty-five (45) days, whether or not consecutive; or if a
writ  of  attachment  or  garnishment  against  the  property  of any  Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their  Subsidiaries  shall be issued and levied in an action
claiming $125000 or more and not released or appealed and  bonded/secured in an
amount and manner  reasonably  satisfactory to Bank within  forty-five (45) days
after such issuance and levy.

                      9.1.6  Business  Suspension,   Bankruptcy,   Etc.  If  any
Borrower,  Guarantor  or any of their  Subsidiaries  shall  voluntarily  suspend
transaction  of its  business;  or if any  Borrower,  Guarantor  or any of their
Subsidiaries  shall  not pay its debts as they  mature  or shall  make a general
assignment for the benefit of creditors;  or  proceedings in bankruptcy,  or for
reorganization  or  liquidation  of any  Borrower,  Guarantor  or  any of  their
Subsidiaries  under the Bankruptcy  Code or under any other state or federal law
for the relief of debtors  shall be commenced or shall be commenced  against any
Borrower,  Guarantor or any of their  Subsidiaries  and shall not be  discharged
within forty-five (45) days of commencement; or a receiver, trustee or custodian
shall be appointed for any Borrower,  Guarantor or any of their  Subsidiaries or
for any substantial portion of their respective properties or assets.

                      9.1.7 Change of  Management  or  Ownership.  If (i) Parent
shall cease to own and control,  beneficially and of record, one hundred percent
(100%) of the issued and  outstanding  capital  stock of NASS and HTX,  (ii) HTX
shall cease to own and control,  beneficially and of record, one hundred percent
(100%) of HDE or one percent (1%) general partnership interest in


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 39

<PAGE>



Partnership, or (iii) if HDE shall cease to own and control, beneficially and of
record, ninety-nine percent (99%) limited partnership interest in Partnership.

                      9.1.8  Inadequate   Funding  or  Termination  of  Employee
Benefit Plan(s).  If any Borrower,  Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries shall
fail to meet its  minimum  funding  requirements  under  Title IV of ERISA  with
respect  to any  employee  pension  benefit  plan  subject  to Title IV of ERISA
established  or  maintained  by it,  or if any such  plan  shall be  subject  of
termination  proceedings  (whether  voluntary  or  involuntary)  and there shall
result from such termination proceedings a liability of such Borrower, Guarantor
or any of their Subsidiaries to the PBGC which in the reasonable opinion of Bank
will have a materially adverse effect upon the operations,  business,  property,
assets,   financial  condition  or  credit  of  such  Borrower  or  any  of  its
Subsidiaries.

                      9.1.9 Occurrence of Certain  Reportable  Events.  If there
shall  occur,  with  respect to any pension  plan  maintained  by any  Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries any reportable event,  within the meaning
of Section 4043(b) of ERISA and with respect to which the thirty (30) day notice
requirement  under 29 C.F.R. ss. 2615 is not waived,  which Bank shall determine
constitutes  a ground for the  termination  of any such plan,  and if such event
continues for thirty (30) days after Bank gives written notice to such Borrower,
provided that  termination of such plan or appointment of such trustee would, in
the opinion of Bank,  have a  materially  adverse  effect  upon the  operations,
business,  property,  assets,  financial  condition or credit of such  Borrower,
Guarantor or any of their Subsidiaries.

                      9.1.10 Default Under Acquisition  Documents.  Any event of
default shall occur under,  or any Borrower shall default in the  performance or
observance of any term,  covenant,  condition or agreement  contained in, any of
the Acquisition Documents.

                      9.1.11 Default Under Restructuring Documents. Any event of
default shall occur under,  or any Borrower shall default in the  performance or
observance of any term,  covenant,  condition or agreement  contained in, any of
the Restructuring Documents.

           9.2        Acceleration   of   Indebtedness,   Remedies.   Upon   the
occurrence of an Event of Default,  all Indebtedness shall be due and payable in
full immediately at the option of Bank without  presentation,  demand,  protest,
notice  of  dishonor  or other  notice  of any  kind,  all of which  are  hereby
expressly waived. Unless all of the Indebtedness is then immediately fully paid,
Bank shall have and may  exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies for
which  provision is made for a secured  party under the UCC,  under the Security
Agreements,  the  Pledge  Agreements  or under any other  document  contemplated
hereby  or for which  provision  is  provided  by law or in  equity,  including,
without  limitation,  the right to take possession and sell,  lease or otherwise
dispose of any or all of the Collateral and to set off against the  Indebtedness
any amount owing by Bank to any Borrower and/or any property of such Borrower in
possession of Bank. Each Borrower agrees,  upon request of Bank, to assemble the
Collateral  and make it available to Bank at any place  designated by Bank which
is reasonably  convenient to Bank and such  Borrower.  In addition to and not in
limitation of the other provisions of this Section 9.2, upon the


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 40

<PAGE>



occurrence  of an Event of  Default,  Bank may,  at its  option,  terminate  its
commitment under this Agreement to make Revolving Credit Loans.

           9.3        One  Obligation;  Application  of  Proceeds.  All  of  the
Indebtedness,  including the Loans,  shall  constitute one loan and  obligation,
secured by Bank's security  interest in the Collateral and by all other security
interests,  mortgages, liens, claims, and encumbrances now and from time to time
hereafter granted from each Borrower to Bank. Upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default,  Bank may in its sole discretion apply the Collateral to any portion of
the  Indebtedness.  The  proceeds  of  any  sale  or  other  disposition  of the
Collateral authorized by this Agreement shall be applied by Bank, first upon all
expenses  authorized by the UCC or otherwise in connection with the sale and all
reasonable  attorneys' fees and legal expenses  incurred by Bank. The balance of
the proceeds of such sale or other  disposition  shall be applied in the payment
of the Indebtedness,  first to Bank's costs and expenses, then to interest, then
to principal, and then to other Indebtedness. The surplus, if any, shall be paid
over to each  Borrower  or to such other  Person or  Persons as may be  entitled
thereto  under  applicable  law.  Each  Borrower  shall  remain  liable  for any
deficiency, which such Borrower shall pay to Bank immediately upon demand.

           9.4        Cumulative Remedies.  The remedies provided for herein are
cumulative  to the remedies for  collection of the  Indebtedness  as provided by
law,  in  equity  or by any  mortgage,  security  agreement  or  other  document
contemplated  hereby.  Nothing  herein  contained is  intended,  nor shall it be
construed,  to preclude  Bank from pursuing any other remedy for the recovery of
any other sum to which  Bank may be or become  entitled  for the  breach of this
Agreement by any Borrower.

           9.5        Payable  Upon  Demand.  To  the  extent  that  any  of the
Indebtedness is payable upon demand,  nothing contained in this Agreement or any
document  contemplated  hereby  shall be  construed  to prevent Bank from making
demand,  without notice and with or without reason, for immediate payment of all
or any part of such Indebtedness at any time or times,  whether or not a Default
or an Event of Default has occurred.

SECTION 10. MISCELLANEOUS.

           10.1       Independent  Rights.  No single or partial exercise of any
right, power or privilege hereunder, or any delay in the exercise thereof, shall
preclude  other  or  further  exercise  of the  rights  of the  parties  to this
Agreement.

           10.2       Covenant  Independence.  Each  covenant in this  Agreement
shall be deemed to be  independent  of any other  covenant,  and an exception or
illegality  in one  covenant  shall not create an  exception  or  illegality  in
another covenant.

           10.3       Waivers and Amendments. No forbearance on the part of Bank
in enforcing any of its rights under this Agreement, nor any renewal,  extension
or  rearrangement  of any  payment or covenant  to be made or  performed  by any
Borrower  hereunder,  shall  constitute  a  waiver  of any of the  terms of this
Agreement or of any such right. No Default or Event of Default shall


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 41

<PAGE>



be waived by Bank  except in a writing  signed  and  delivered  by an officer of
Bank,  and no waiver of any other Default or Event of Default shall operate as a
waiver of any  Default or Event of  Default  or of the same  Default or Event of
Default on a future occasion. No other amendment,  modification or waiver of, or
consent with respect to, any  provision of this  Agreement or the Notes or other
documents  contemplated  hereby shall be  effective  unless the same shall be in
writing and signed and delivered by an officer of Bank.

           10.4       Governing Law. This Agreement, and each and every term and
provision  hereof,  shall be governed by and  construed in  accordance  with the
internal law of the State of Texas.  If any provisions of this  Agreement  shall
for  any  reason  be  held  invalid  or   unenforceable,   such   invalidity  or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof, but this Agreement
shall be construed as if such invalid or unenforceable provisions had never been
contained herein.

           10.5       Survival  of  Warranties,  Etc.  All  of  each  Borrower's
covenants,  agreements,  representations  and warranties made in connection with
this Agreement and any document  contemplated hereby shall survive the borrowing
and the delivery of the Notes  hereunder and shall be deemed to have been relied
upon by Bank  notwithstanding any investigation  heretofore or hereafter made by
Bank. All statements contained in any certificate or other document delivered to
Bank at any  time  by or on  behalf  of  each  Borrower  pursuant  hereto  or in
connection  with  the   transactions   contemplated   hereby  shall   constitute
representations  and  warranties  by  such  Borrower  in  connection  with  this
Agreement.

           10.6       Costs and  Expenses.  Each  Borrower  agrees  that it will
reimburse  Bank,  upon demand,  for all costs and  expenses  incurred by Bank in
connection with (a) collecting or attempting to collect the  Indebtedness or any
part thereof;  (b) maintaining or defending  Bank's security  interests or liens
(or the priority  thereof);  (c) the  enforcement  of Bank's  rights or remedies
under  this  Agreement  or the  other  documents  contemplated  hereby;  (d) the
preparation or making of any amendments, modifications, waivers or consents with
respect to this Agreement or the other documents contemplated hereby; and/or (e)
any other  matters  or  proceedings  arising  out of or in  connection  with any
lending  arrangement  between  Bank and any  Borrower,  which costs and expenses
include,  without  limitation,  payments  made by  Bank  for  taxes,  insurance,
assessments,  or other costs or expenses  which such Borrower is required to pay
under this  Agreement or the other  documents  contemplated  hereby;  reasonable
expenses related to the examination and appraisal of the Collateral;  reasonable
audit expenses;  court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees (whether in-house or
outside  counsel is used,  whether legal  assistants  are used, and whether such
costs are incurred in formal or informal collection actions,  federal bankruptcy
proceedings,  probate proceedings,  on appeal or otherwise); and all other costs
and  expenses of Bank  incurred in  connection  with any of the  foregoing.  All
Bank's costs and expenses  shall  become part of the  Indebtedness  and shall be
secured by the Collateral.

           10.7       Payments on  Saturdays,  Etc.  Whenever  any payment to be
made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a Saturday,  Sunday or any other day
which is not a Business  Day,  such  payment may be made on the next  succeeding
Business  Day,  and such  extension,  if any,  shall be  included  in  computing
interest in connection with such payment.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 42

<PAGE>



           10.8       Binding Effect.  This Agreement shall inure to the benefit
of and shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective  successors
and  assigns;  provided,  however,  that no Borrower  may assign or transfer its
rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of Bank.

           10.9       Maintenance of Records. Each Borrower will keep all of its
records concerning its business operations and accounting at its principal place
of business. Each Borrower will give Bank prompt written notice of any change in
its principal place of business, or in the location of its records.

           10.10      Notices.  All  notices  and  communications  provided  for
herein or in any  document  contemplated  hereby or  required by law to be given
shall  be in  writing  (unless  expressly  provided  to the  contrary)  and,  if
personally  delivered,  effective when delivered at the address below or, in the
case of  mailing,  effective  five (5)  days  after  sending  by  registered  or
certified mail, postage prepaid,  addressed as follows, or to such other address
as a party shall have designated to the other in writing in accordance with this
section:

If to Borrowers:         Hilite Industries, Inc.
                         1671 South Broadway
                         Carrollton, Texas 75381
                         Attn:      Mr. Daniel W. Brady

                         Hilite Industries Automotive, LP
                         1671 South Broadway
                         Carrollton, Texas  75381
                         Attn:  Mr. Daniel W. Brady

with a copy to:          Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, L.L.P.
                         1211 Avenue of the Americas
                         New York, New York 10036
                         Attn:  Edward R. Mandell, Esq.

If to Bank:              Comerica Bank-Texas
                         P. O. Box 650282
                         Mail Code 6528
                         Dallas, Texas 75262-0282
                         Attn:      J. Michael Park

with a copy to:          Winstead Sechrest & Minick P.C.
                         5400 Renaissance Tower
                         1201 Elm Street
                         Dallas, Texas 75270-2199
                         Attn:  Joe T. Hyde, Esq.



SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 43

<PAGE>



The giving of at least five (5) days  notice  before  Bank shall take any action
described  in any  notice  shall  conclusively  be  deemed  reasonable  for  all
purposes;  provided,  that this shall not be deemed to require Bank to give five
(5) days notice or any notice if not specifically required in this Agreement.

           10.11      Counterparts.  This  Agreement may be signed in any number
of  counterparts  with the same effect as if the  signatures  were upon the same
instrument.

           10.12      Headings.  Article and section  headings in this Agreement
are included for the  convenience  of reference  only and shall not constitute a
part of this Agreement for any purpose.

           10.13      Release   and   Discharge.   Upon  full   payment  of  the
Indebtedness  and  performance  by each  Borrower  of all its other  obligations
hereunder,  except as otherwise  expressly  provided  herein,  the parties shall
thereupon  automatically  each  be  fully,  finally  and  forever  released  and
discharged  from any claim,  liability or  obligation  in  connection  with this
Agreement and the other documents contemplated hereby.

           10.14      Inconsistency  with  Other  Agreements.  To the extent any
term or provision  contained in this Agreement  shall be  inconsistent  with any
provision in any other document or instrument  executed in connection  herewith,
this Agreement shall control.

           10.15      Joint  Borrowers.  If more  than one party  executes  this
Agreement  as  Borrower,  then  for the  purpose  of  this  Agreement  the  term
"Borrower"  shall mean each such party and each such party  shall be jointly and
severally  liable as Borrower for the  Indebtedness  as defined  herein  without
regard to which party receives the proceeds of any of the Loans. Each such party
hereby  acknowledges  that it expects to derive economic  advantage from each of
the Loans.

           10.16      WAIVER OF CONSUMER RIGHTS. EACH BORROWER HEREBY WAIVES ITS
RIGHTS UNDER THE DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES -- CONSUMER  PROTECTION ACT,  SECTION
17.41 ET. SEQ.  BUSINESS & COMMERCE  CODE,  A LAW THAT GIVES  CONSUMERS  SPECIAL
RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS.  AFTER  CONSULTATION  WITH AN ATTORNEY OF BORROWERS' OWN
SELECTION,  EACH  BORROWER  VOLUNTARILY  CONSENTS TO THIS WAIVER.  EACH BORROWER
EXPRESSLY   WARRANTS  AND  REPRESENTS  THAT  SUCH  BORROWER  (a)  IS  NOT  IN  A
SIGNIFICANTLY  DISPARATE  BARGAINING POSITION RELATIVE TO BANK, AND (b) HAS BEEN
REPRESENTED BY LEGAL COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY
THIS AGREEMENT.

           10.17      WAIVER  OF JURY  TRIAL.  EACH  BORROWER  AND  BANK  HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL ACTIONS
OR PROCEEDINGS  AT ANY TIME IN WHICH SUCH BORROWER AND BANK ARE PARTIES  ARISING
OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR THE OTHER DOCUMENTS  CONTEMPLATED HEREBY. EACH BORROWER
HAS REVIEWED THE FOREGOING  WAIVERS WITH ITS LEGAL COUNSEL AND HAS KNOWINGLY AND
VOLUNTARILY WAIVED ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS FOLLOWING CONSULTATION


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 44

<PAGE>



WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE
FILED AS A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

           10.18      Amendment  and   Restatement.   This   Agreement  and  the
financing commitments set forth herein constitute an amendment, modification and
restatement,  but  not an  extinguishment  or  novation,  of the  Existing  Loan
Agreement and the financing  commitments  set forth therein.  This Agreement and
the other Loan  Documents  are not intended as, and shall not be construed as, a
release, impairment or novation of the indebtedness, liabilities and obligations
of the  Borrower  under the  Existing  Loan  Agreement  and the other  documents
contemplated thereby or the liens and security interests granted therein, all of
which liens and  security  interests  are hereby  modified  and  affirmed.  With
respect to matters  relating to the period of this  Agreement  prior to the date
hereof, all of the provisions of the Existing Loan Agreement are hereby ratified
and  confirmed,  and shall remain in full force and effect.  The  Existing  Loan
Agreement,  as modified by the provisions of this Agreement,  shall be construed
as one agreement.

                  [Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]




SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 45

<PAGE>




           IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Borrowers and Bank have caused this Agreement to
be  executed  by their  duly  authorized  officers  as of the day and year first
written above.

                                          HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.,
                                          a Delaware corporation
                                          
                                          
                                          By:  /s/ Samuel M. Berry
                                             -----------------------------------
                                               Samuel M. Berry
                                               President
                                          
                                          
                                          HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
                                          a Texas limited partnership
                                          
                                          By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
                                                 a Delaware corporation,
                                                 as its general partner
                                          
                                          
                                                 By: /s/ Daniel W. Brady
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                     Daniel W. Brady
                                                     Chief Executive Officer
                                          
                                          
                                          COMERICA BANK-TEXAS
                                          
                                          
                                          By: /s/ J. Michael Park
                                             -----------------------------------
                                              J. Michael Park, Vice President





SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 46

<PAGE>


                                LIST OF EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A    -     Borrowing Base Certificate
EXHIBIT B    -     Compliance Certificate
EXHIBIT C    -     Revolving Credit Note
EXHIBIT D    -     Equipment Acquisition Note
EXHIBIT E    -     Equipment Note
EXHIBIT F    -     Real Estate Note
EXHIBIT G    -     Telephone Notice Authorization
EXHIBIT H    -     Guaranty


                                LIST OF SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 5.5     -    Permitted Liens
SCHEDULE 5.11    -    Indebtedness
SCHEDULE 5.12    -    Material Agreements
SCHEDULE 8.2     -    Environmental Disclosures



DB973570130
012798 v15
333:3134-488


SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED SECURED LOAN AGREEMENT - Page 47



<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
                                                                       ---------


                           BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE

                            [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED]


<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B
                                                                       ---------

                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


LENDER:       COMERICA BANK-TEXAS                     DATE:  ___________, 199___

BORROWERS:    HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC. and
              HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP



           This  Compliance  Certificate  is executed and  delivered to Comerica
Bank - Texas  ("BANK")  by  Hilite  Industries,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation
("PARENT"),  and Hilite Industries  Automotive,  LP, a Texas limited partnership
("PARTNERSHIP";   together  with  Parent,   "BORROWERS"),   this  _____  day  of
_______________, 199___. All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall
have  the  meanings  given to such  terms in that  certain  Second  Amended  and
Restated  Secured Loan  Agreement,  dated January 30, 1998,  among Borrowers and
Bank (as thereafter renewed, extended,  modified and restated from time to time,
the "LOAN  AGREEMENT").  Each of the  undersigned  hereby  certifies  to Bank as
follows:

           (1) The undersigned is the duly elected, qualified and acting officer
of a  Borrower  and as such  officer  is  authorized  to make and  deliver  this
Compliance Certificate.

           (2) The undersigned has reviewed the provisions of the Loan Agreement
and confirms that, as of the date hereof:

                  (a) the representations and warranties  contained in Section 5
of the Loan Agreement are true and correct in all material respects on and as of
the date  hereof  with the same force and effect as though made on and as of the
date hereof [except as otherwise disclosed on Annex I attached hereto and made a
part hereof];

                  (b) no  Default  or  Event  of  Default  has  occurred  and is
continuing  or is imminent and  Borrowers  have  complied with all of the terms,
covenants and conditions set forth in the Loan Agreement; and

                  (c) attached  hereto as Schedule A is a report prepared by the
undersigned   setting  forth   information  and  calculations  that  demonstrate
compliance (or  noncompliance)  with each of the covenants set forth in Sections
6.5, 6.6 and 6.7 of the Loan Agreement.


Exhibit B, Compliance Certificate - Page 1

<PAGE>



The foregoing  certificate is given in the undersigned's  capacity as an officer
of a Borrower, and not in the undersigned's individual capacity.

HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation


By:_______________________________
       Samuel M. Berry
       President

HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
a Texas limited partnership

By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
     ______________________________
       a Delaware corporation,
       as its general partner


By:_______________________________
       Daniel W. Brady
       Chief Executive Officer



db973630051
012798 v6
333:3134-488

Exhibit B, Compliance Certificate - Page 2

<PAGE>



                                   SCHEDULE A
                            TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

           A. As of the  date  of  this  certificate,  all  representations  and
warranties  contained in the Loan Agreement are true and correct in all material
respects.

           B. As of the  date of this  certificate,  no  Event  of  Default  has
occurred and is continuing, except as has been disclosed in writing to the Bank,
or except as has been waived in writing by the Bank.

           C.        As of the applicable date:

================================================================================
1.   Tangible Effective Net Worth (Annual Test)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (a) Borrowers' consolidated Tangible Effective Net Worth (as
         defined in and determined by Section 1.1 of the Loan
         Agreement):                                                    $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (b) Loan Agreement presently requires Borrowers' consolidated
         Tangible Effective Net Worth be not less than:                 $

         Borrowers are to check one of the following categories
         relating to the above financial covenant:

         (i)       Covenant Satisfied
         (ii)      Covenant Not Satisfied
         (iii)     Covenant Not Tested
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.   Debt Ratio (Annual Test)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (a) Borrowers' consolidated Debt (as defined in and determined
         by Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement):                         $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (b) Borrowers' consolidated Tangible Effective Net Worth:          $
        -
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (c) Ratio of (i) Borrowers' consolidated Debt to (ii) Borrowers'
         consolidated Tangible Effective Net Worth [(a), (b)]:       ____ to 1.0



SCHEDULE A TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE, Page 1

<PAGE>



- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (d)  Loan  Agreement  presently  requires  the ratio of (i)
          Borrowers' consolidated Debt to (ii) Borrowers'
          consolidated Tangible Effective Net Worth be not more     ____ to 1.0
          than:

          Borrowers are to check one of the following categories
          relating to the above financial covenant:

          (i)       Covenant Satisfied
          (ii)      Covenant Not Satisfied
          (iii)     Covenant Not Tested
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.   Cash Flow Coverage Ratio (Quarterly Test based on preceding 12
     ------------------------
     calendar months)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (a) Borrowers' consolidated Cash Flow (as defined in and
         determined by Section 1.1 of the Loan Agreement):          $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (b) Borrowers'  consolidated  Current  Maturities  of Long
         Term Debt (as defined in and determined by Section 1.1
         of the
         Loan Agreement):                                           $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (c) Ratio of (i) Borrowers' consolidated Cash Flow to (ii)
         Borrowers' consolidated Current Maturities of Long Term    ____ to 1.0
         Debt [(a),(b)]:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     (d) Loan  Agreement  presently  requires  the ratio of (i)
         Borrowers' consolidated Cash Flow to (ii) Borrowers'
         consolidated Current Maturities of Long Term Debt be not   ____ to 1.0
         less than:

         Borrowers are to check one of the following categories
         relating to the above financial covenant:

         (i)       Covenant Satisfied
         (ii)      Covenant Not Satisfied
         (iii)     Covenant Not Tested
================================================================================







db973630051


SCHEDULE A TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE, Page 2

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT C
                                                                       ---------

                FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE


$12,000,000.00                  Dallas, Texas                   January 30, 1998

           FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the undersigned  promises to pay to the order of
COMERICA BANK-TEXAS (the "Bank") at 1601 Elm Street, Dallas, Texas 75201, on the
Termination  Date,  the  principal sum or so much of the principal sum of Twelve
Million and  No/100ths  Dollars  ($12,000,000.00)  as may from time to time have
been advanced and be outstanding hereunder, plus all accrued but unpaid interest
hereon.

           All  capitalized  terms used but not defined  herein,  shall have the
meanings given to such terms in that certain Second Amended and Restated Secured
Loan  Agreement,  dated as of the date hereof,  between the undersigned and Bank
(as amended,  renewed,  extended,  modified and restated from time to time,  the
"Agreement").

           Bank may disburse  the  principal of this Note to Borrowers in one or
more Revolving  Loans from time to time, in accordance  with the  Agreement,  so
long as the outstanding  principal  balance hereof never at any time exceeds the
lesser of (i) the Commitment Amount or (ii) the Borrowing Base in effect at such
time.  Borrowers shall pay to Bank, on demand, any amount by which the aggregate
unpaid  principal  amount of all Revolving  Loans  evidenced  hereby exceeds the
lesser of (i) the Commitment Amount or (ii) the Borrowing Base in effect at such
time,  together  with all  interest  accrued  and  unpaid on the  amount of such
excess.  This Note is a Master  Note under which sums may or must be repaid from
time to time and under which new Revolving Loans are to be made by Bank pursuant
to the terms and conditions of the Agreement,  and the books and records of Bank
shall constitute the best evidence of the amount of the Indebtedness at any time
owing  hereunder.  This Note is the  "Revolving  Credit Note" referred to in the
Agreement,  and is subject to the terms and provisions  thereof,  and the holder
hereof is entitled  to the  benefits  thereof  and may  enforce  the  agreements
contained therein and exercise the remedies provided for thereby or otherwise in
respect thereof, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

           The unpaid  principal  amount of this Note shall  bear  interest  (i)
until maturity  (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at all times during which
there has not occurred or then exist an Event of Default,  at a fluctuating rate
per annum equal to the lesser of (a) the  Applicable  Rate or (b) the Legal Rate
(as  hereinafter  defined);  and (ii)  after  maturity,  as well as at all times
during  which  there  has  occurred  or then  exists an Event of  Default,  at a
fluctuating  rate per annum equal to the lesser of (a) three percent  (3.0%) per
annum above the Applicable  Rate (the "Default Rate") or (b) the Legal Rate (the
Applicable  Rate and the Default Rate,  whichever is in effect at any particular
time, being hereinafter  referred to as the "Contract Rate").  Interest shall be
payable  to the  extent  accrued  on the  first  (1st)  day of each  consecutive
calendar month,


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 1

<PAGE>



beginning   February  1,  1998,  until  maturity  (whether  by  acceleration  or
otherwise) and from and after such maturity, on demand.

           The term  "Applicable  Rate" shall mean (i) with respect to any Prime
Rate Balance,  a fluctuating per annum rate of interest equal to one-half of one
percent (0.50%) below the Prime Rate and (ii) with respect to any LIBOR Balance,
a per annum rate of interest equal to one and one-quarter of one percent (1.25%)
above the LIBOR  Rate.  Each  determination  by Bank of the LIBOR  Rate or Prime
Rate, as the case may be, shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive
and binding.

           The term  "Prime  Rate"  shall  mean  that  annual  rate of  interest
designated  by the Bank as its prime  rate and which is changed by the Bank from
time to time. The Bank's prime rate is a reference rate and does not necessarily
represent  the  lowest or best rate  actually  charged by the Bank to any of its
customers.  The Bank may make commercial loans at rates of interest at, above or
below its prime rate.

           The term "LIBOR Rate" shall mean,  with respect to any LIBOR Interest
Period,  the interest rate per annum  conclusively  determined by the Bank to be
the per  annum,  rate  (as  adjusted  for any  applicable  reserve  requirements
applicable to "eurocurrency  liabilities"  pursuant to Regulation D or any other
applicable  regulation  of the  Board  of  Governors  (or any  successor)  which
prescribes  reserve  requirements  applicable to  "eurocurrency  liabilities" as
presently  defined  in  Regulation  D, or any  eurocurrency  funding)  at  which
deposits in immediately  available funds in U.S. dollars are offered to the Bank
(at such time as the Bank elects on the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period)
by prime banks in the interbank  eurodollar market selected by Bank for delivery
on the  first  day of such  LIBOR  Interest  Period  in an  amount  equal to the
principal  amount of the  corresponding  LIBOR Balance for a period equal to the
length of such LIBOR Interest Period.

           The term "LIBOR  Interest  Period" shall mean a period  commencing on
the date upon which, pursuant to an Interest Notice, the LIBOR Balance begins to
accrue interest at the LIBOR Rate (or, in the case of a rollover to a successive
LIBOR Interest Period, the last day of the immediately  preceding LIBOR Interest
Period)  and ending 30, 60, 90, 180 or 360 days  (whichever  is  selected by the
undersigned  in the applicable  Interest  Notice) after the  commencement  date;
provided, that, (i) any LIBOR Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day
which is not a LIBOR Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding LIBOR
Business Day (unless such LIBOR Business Day falls in another calendar month, in
which case such LIBOR  Interest  Period  shall end on the next  preceding  LIBOR
Business Day); and (ii) any LIBOR Interest Period which begins on the last LIBOR
Business Day of a calendar  month (or on a day for which there is no numerically
corresponding  day in the  calendar  month  at the  end of such  LIBOR  Interest
Period) shall,  subject to clause (i) above,  end on the last LIBOR Business Day
of a calendar month.

           The term "LIBOR  Business Day" shall mean a day on which  dealings in
U.S.  dollars are carried out in the  interbank  eurodollar  market  selected by
Bank.


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 2

<PAGE>




           The term "Interest Notice" shall mean the written notice given by the
undersigned of the Interest Option selected  hereunder and specifying the amount
of principal to bear interest at the rate selected.

           Subject to the  provisions  hereof,  the  undersigned  shall have the
option  (an  "Interest  Option")  exercisable  from  time to  time to  designate
portions of the unpaid  principal  balance of this Note to bear  interest at the
Prime Rate (such portions being herein referred to as a "Prime Rate Balance") or
at the LIBOR  Rate  (such  portions  being  referred  to as a "LIBOR  Balance");
provided,  however,  that no LIBOR  Balance  designated  for any LIBOR  Interest
Period shall be less than $500,000.  The Interest  Option shall be  exercisable,
subject to the other  limitations in this Note, by the  undersigned  only in the
manner provided below:

                     (i) If the undersigned  desires the initial  Revolving Loan
           made  hereunder,  or a portion  thereof,  to be a LIBOR Balance,  the
           undersigned  shall give the Bank the initial  Interest Notice and the
           initial  amounts of the Prime Rate Balance and LIBOR Balance at least
           two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to the date hereof. If the required
           Interest  Notice  shall not have been timely  received by the Bank or
           the  undersigned  fails to designate all or any portion of the unpaid
           principal  balance of this Note as either a Prime  Rate  Balance or a
           LIBOR Balance,  the undersigned shall be deemed  conclusively to have
           designated  such amounts to be Prime Rate  Balances and to have given
           the Bank notice of such designation.

                     (ii) At least  two (2)  LIBOR  Business  Days  prior to the
           termination  of any LIBOR Interest  Period for a LIBOR  Balance,  the
           undersigned  shall give the Bank an Interest  Notice  specifying  the
           Interest  Option which is to be applicable to such LIBOR Balance upon
           the expiration of such LIBOR Interest Period;  provided,  however, no
           Interest  Option  specifying an interest rate based on the LIBOR Rate
           shall end after the Termination Date. If the required Interest Notice
           shall  not  have  been  timely  received  by the  Bank  prior  to the
           expiration of such LIBOR Interest  Period,  the undersigned  shall be
           deemed conclusively to have designated such LIBOR Balance to become a
           Prime Rate  Balance  immediately  upon the  expiration  of such LIBOR
           Interest   Period  and  to  have  given  the  Bank   notice  of  such
           designation.

                     (iii) The  undersigned  shall  have the right to convert an
           eligible  portion  of the Prime Rate  Balance  to a LIBOR  Balance by
           giving the Bank an Interest  Notice of such  designation at least two
           (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to the effective date of such exercise.
           An  Interest   Notice  shall  be  irrevocable   and  binding  on  the
           undersigned and the undersigned shall indemnify Bank against any loss
           or expense  incurred  by Bank due to sums paid or payable to fund the
           LIBOR Balance when such LIBOR Balance is not made on such date.

           Each change in the interest rate applicable to the Prime Rate Balance
or the  LIBOR  Balance  shall  become  effective  without  prior  notice  to the
undersigned  automatically  as of the  opening of  business  on the date of such
change in the Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate, as the case


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 3

<PAGE>



may be;  provided,  that,  the LIBOR Rate shall not change during any applicable
LIBOR Interest Period. Interest on this Note shall be calculated on the basis of
a 360-day year for the actual number of days outstanding.

           If the  Bank  determines  that  deposits  in  U.S.  dollars  (in  the
applicable  amounts)  are  not  being  offered  to the  Bank  in  the  interbank
eurodollar  market selected by the Bank for such LIBOR Interest Period,  or that
the rate at which such dollar deposits are being offered will not adequately and
fairly reflect the cost to the Bank of making or maintaining a LIBOR Balance for
the  applicable  LIBOR  Interest  Period,  the Bank shall  forthwith give notice
thereof to the  undersigned,  whereupon  until the Bank notifies the undersigned
that such  circumstances  no longer exist,  (i) the right of the  undersigned to
select an Interest Option based upon the LIBOR Rate shall be suspended, and (ii)
each LIBOR Balance in effect shall thereupon  automatically  be converted into a
Prime Rate Balance in accordance with the provisions  hereof. If notice has been
given by the Bank to the  undersigned  requiring a LIBOR Balance to be repaid or
converted,  then unless and until the Bank  notifies  the  undersigned  that the
circumstances  giving rise to such repayment or conversion no longer apply,  the
only Interest Option available shall be a rate based upon the Prime Rate. If the
Bank  notifies  the  undersigned  that  the  circumstances  giving  rise to such
repayment or conversion no longer apply, the undersigned may thereafter select a
rate based upon the LIBOR Rate in accordance with the terms of this Note.

           If the adoption of any  applicable  law, rule or  regulation,  or any
change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by
any governmental  authority,  central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation  or  administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank with any
request  or  directive  (whether  or not  having  the  force of law) of any such
authority,  central  bank  or  comparable  agency  shall  make  it  unlawful  or
impractical for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Balance,  the Bank shall so
notify the undersigned and any then-existing  LIBOR Balance shall  automatically
convert to a Prime Rate Balance  either (i) on the last day of the  then-current
LIBOR Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Balance, if the Bank may lawfully
continue  to  maintain  and  fund  such  LIBOR  Balance  to  such  day,  or (ii)
immediately,  if the Bank may not  lawfully  continue  to  maintain  such  LIBOR
Balance to such day.

           If either (i) the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation,
or any change therein,  or any change in the  interpretation  or  administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the  interpretation  or administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank
with any  request or  directive  (whether or not having the force of law) of any
such authority,  central bank or comparable agency shall subject the Bank to any
tax (including  without  limitation any United States  interest  equalization or
similar  tax,  however  named),  duty or other  charge with respect to any LIBOR
Balance, this Note or the Bank's obligation to compute interest on the principal
balance of this Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR  Rate,  or shall  change the
basis of taxation of payments to the Bank of the principal of or interest on any
LIBOR  Balance or any other  amounts due under this Note in respect of any LIBOR
Balance or the Bank's  obligation to compute the interest on the balance of this
Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate,  or (ii) any  governmental  authority,
central bank or other


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 4

<PAGE>



comparable  authority  shall at any time impose,  modify or deem  applicable any
reserve (including, without limitation, any imposed by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System) other than as is included above,  special deposit or
similar  requirement  against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or
credit  extended by, the Bank,  or shall  impose on the Bank (or its  eurodollar
lending office) or any relevant interbank  eurodollar market any other condition
affecting any LIBOR Balance,  this Note or the Bank's  obligation to compute the
interest on the  balance of this Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR  Rate;  and
the  result  of any of the  foregoing  is to  increase  the  cost to the Bank of
maintaining  any LIBOR  Balance,  or to reduce the amount of any sum received or
receivable  by the Bank  under  this Note by an amount  deemed by the Bank to be
material,  then upon demand by the Bank, the  undersigned  shall pay to the Bank
such additional amount or amounts as will compensate the Bank for such increased
cost or reduction. The Bank will promptly notify the undersigned of any event of
which it has knowledge,  occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle the
Bank to  compensation  pursuant to this  paragraph.  A  certificate  of the Bank
claiming  compensation  under this  paragraph and setting  forth the  additional
amount or amounts to be paid to the Bank  hereunder  shall be  conclusive in the
absence of manifest error.

           The undersigned may not repay any LIBOR Balance or convert all or any
portion of a LIBOR  Balance to a Prime Rate Balance  prior to the  expiration of
the applicable LIBOR Interest Period, unless (i) such repayment or conversion is
specifically required by the terms of this Note, (ii) the Bank demands that such
repayment or  conversion  be made,  or (iii) the Bank,  in its sole  discretion,
consents to such repayment or conversion. If for any reason any LIBOR Balance is
repaid or converted prior to the expiration of the corresponding  LIBOR Interest
Period,  the undersigned shall pay to the Bank on demand any amounts required to
compensate  the Bank for any losses,  costs or expenses  which it may incur as a
result of such  repayment or  conversion.  A  certificate  of the Bank  claiming
compensation  under this  paragraph and setting forth the  additional  amount or
amounts to be paid to the Bank  hereunder  shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.

           This Note is secured by the  Collateral  described  in the  Agreement
(including,   without  limitation,   all  Accounts,  Chattel  Paper,  Documents,
Equipment, Fixtures, Real Property, General Intangibles,  Goods, Instruments and
Inventory  of  North  American  Spring  &  Stamping  Corp.  (Delaware),   Hilite
Industries-Texas, Inc., Hilite Industries-Delaware,  Inc., and the undersigned),
and  reference is hereby made to the  Agreement  for,  among other  things,  the
conditions  under  which this Note may or must be paid in whole or in part prior
to its due date or its due date  accelerated.  Bank is hereby granted a security
interest in all property of the  undersigned  at any time in the  possession  of
Bank or any  Affiliate of Bank (or as to which Bank or any  Affiliate of Bank at
any time controls  possession by documents or otherwise)  and in all balances of
deposit or other accounts (including,  without limitation,  an account evidenced
by a certificate of deposit) of the  undersigned  from time to time with Bank or
any Affiliate of Bank.

           If an Event of Default  occurs and is not cured  within the time,  if
any,  provided  for  by  the  Agreement,  or the  undersigned  or any  indorser,
guarantor or accommodation  party (or any of them) fails to pay this Note or any
Indebtedness when due (by demand, upon maturity, upon


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 5

<PAGE>



acceleration  or otherwise),  Bank may at its option and without prior notice to
the  undersigned or any indorser,  guarantor or  accommodation  party (or any of
them)  exercise  any one or more  of the  rights  and  remedies  granted  by the
Agreement or any document contemplated thereby or given to a secured party under
applicable law, including, without limitation, the right to accelerate this Note
and any other Indebtedness and the right to sell or liquidate all or any portion
of the Collateral, and may set off against the principal of and interest on this
Note or  against  any other  Indebtedness  (i) any  amount  owing by Bank to the
undersigned,  (ii) any property of the undersigned at any time in the possession
of Bank or any  Affiliate of Bank,  and (iii) any amount in any deposit or other
account (including, without limitation, an account evidenced by a certificate of
deposit) of the undersigned with Bank or any Affiliate of Bank.

           If at any time the relevant Contract Rate exceeds the Legal Rate, the
interest  payable  hereunder shall be computed upon the basis of the Legal Rate,
but any subsequent  reduction in the relevant Contract Rate shall not reduce the
applicable  interest  rate  hereunder  below the Legal Rate until the  aggregate
amount of  interest  accrued and payable  hereunder  equals the total  amount of
interest  which would have accrued  hereunder if the  applicable  interest  rate
hereunder  had been at all times  computed  solely on the basis of the  relevant
Contract Rate.

           No agreements,  conditions,  provisions or stipulations  contained in
this Note,  or the  default of the  undersigned,  or the  exercise by the holder
hereof of the right to  accelerate  the payment or the maturity of principal and
interest, or to exercise any option whatsoever contained herein, or in any other
agreements  between the  undersigned and Bank, or the arising of any contingency
whatsoever,  shall  entitle  the holder of this Note to  collect,  in any event,
interest exceeding the maximum rate of nonusurious interest allowed from time to
time by  applicable  state or  federal  law as now or as may  hereinafter  be in
effect (the "Legal Rate"). Unless preempted by federal law, the rate of interest
from time to time in effect  hereunder  shall not  exceed the  "applicable  rate
ceiling" from time to time in effect under Article 5069-1D.001 et seq., Vernon's
Texas Civil Statutes (and as the same may be  incorporated by reference in other
Texas  statutes),  as  amended  or  codified.  All  agreements,   conditions  or
stipulations,  if any, which may in any event or contingency  whatsoever operate
to bind,  obligate or compel the undersigned to pay a rate of interest exceeding
the Legal Rate shall be without binding force or effect, at law or in equity, to
the extent only of the excess of interest over such Legal Rate. In the event any
interest is charged in excess of the Legal Rate (the "Excess"),  the undersigned
acknowledges  and  stipulates  that any such  charge  shall be the  result of an
accidental and bona fide error, and such Excess shall be first applied to reduce
the principal then unpaid  hereunder;  second,  applied to reduce any obligation
for other  Indebtedness of the  undersigned to Bank; and third,  returned to the
undersigned,  it being the  intention of the parties  hereto not to enter at any
time into an usurious or other illegal relationship.  The undersigned recognizes
that such an unintentional result could inadvertently occur. By the execution of
this Note, the undersigned covenants that (i) the credit or return of any Excess
shall constitute the acceptance by the undersigned of such Excess,  and (ii) the
undersigned  shall not seek or  pursue  any other  remedy,  legal or  equitable,
against Bank or any holder hereof based,  in whole or in part, upon the charging
or  receiving  of any  interest in excess of the Legal Rate.  For the purpose of
determining  whether  or not any  Excess  has been  contracted  for,  charged or
received by Bank or any holder hereof, all interest at any time


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 6

<PAGE>



contracted for, charged or received by Bank or any holder hereof,  in connection
with this Note,  shall be  amortized,  prorated,  allocated  and spread in equal
parts during the entire term of the Notes. For the sole purpose of computing the
extent of the Indebtedness and obligations of the undersigned asserted hereunder
by Bank or any holder  hereof,  the figures set forth herein and the  provisions
hereof shall be automatically  recomputed by the  undersigned,  and by any court
considering the same, to give effect to the  adjustments or credits  required by
this paragraph.  Except for any applicable unused line fees incurred pursuant to
the terms of the Agreement, no interest shall accrue hereunder until the date of
the first  Revolving  Loan made by Bank;  thereafter,  interest on all Revolving
Loans shall accrue and be computed on the  principal  balance  outstanding  from
time to time hereunder until the same is paid in full.

           All notices required or permitted under this Note shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been delivered when delivered in accordance with the
provisions of the Agreement.

           THE  UNDERSIGNED  AND  ALL  ACCOMMODATION  PARTIES,   GUARANTORS  AND
ENDORSERS,   IF  ANY,  (I)  WAIVE  DEMAND  AND  NOTICE  OF  DEMAND,  (II)  WAIVE
PRESENTMENT,  NOTICE OF  INTENTION  TO DEMAND,  PROTEST  AND NOTICE OF  PROTEST,
NOTICE OF DISHONOR,  NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ACCELERATE,  NOTICE OF ACCELERATION,
AND ALL OTHER NOTICES OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY  PROVIDED IN THE AGREEMENT,  (III)
AGREE  THAT  NO  EXTENSION  OR  INDULGENCE  TO THE  UNDERSIGNED  OR  RELEASE  OR
NON-ENFORCEMENT  OF ANY SECURITY,  WHETHER WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE,  SHALL AFFECT
THE  OBLIGATIONS OF ANY  ACCOMMODATION  PARTY,  GUARANTOR OR ENDORSER,  AND (IV)
AGREE TO  REIMBURSE  THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FOR ANY AND ALL COSTS AND  EXPENSES
INCURRED  IN  COLLECTING  OR  ATTEMPTING  TO COLLECT ANY AND ALL  PRINCIPAL  AND
INTEREST  UNDER  THIS NOTE  (INCLUDING,  BUT NOT  LIMITED  TO,  COURT  COSTS AND
REASONABLE  ATTORNEYS'  FEES,  WHETHER  IN-HOUSE OR OUTSIDE  COUNSEL IS USED AND
WHETHER SUCH COSTS AND  EXPENSES  ARE INCURRED IN FORMAL OR INFORMAL  COLLECTION
ACTIONS,   FEDERAL  BANKRUPTCY  PROCEEDINGS,   APPELLATE  PROCEEDINGS,   PROBATE
PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE).

           THE  PROVISIONS  OF CHAPTER 346 OF THE TEXAS  FINANCE CODE  (FORMERLY
CHAPTER 15 OF THE TEXAS CREDIT CODE  (VERNON'S  TEXAS CIVIL  STATUTES),  ARTICLE
5069-15),  AS AMENDED,  ARE  SPECIFICALLY  DECLARED BY THE UNDERSIGNED NOT TO BE
APPLICABLE TO THE INDEBTEDNESS EVIDENCED BY THIS NOTE.

           The  undersigned,  if two or more in  number,  shall be  jointly  and
severally bound hereunder.

           The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is in amendment, modification
and  restatement,  but not an  extinguishment  or novation,  of the indebtedness
evidenced by that certain  Fourth  Amended and  Restated  Revolving  Credit Note
dated August 29, 1997, in the original principal


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 7

<PAGE>



amount of $12,000,000.00 executed by Hilite Industries,  Inc. and payable to the
order of Bank,  and the  provisions of this Note are in amendment,  modification
and restatement of the provisions of such note.

           This Note shall bind the undersigned and the undersigned's respective
heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.


                         [PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 8

<PAGE>


           IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned has executed this Note this 30th
day of January, 1998.

HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation


By:__________________________________
       Samuel M. Berry
       President

HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
a Texas limited partnership

By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
   __________________________________
       a Delaware corporation,
       as its general partner


       By:__________________________________
            Daniel W. Brady
            Chief Executive Officer



db973560141
012798 v8
333:3134-488


FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE - Page 9

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT D
                                                                       ---------

                           EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE


Dallas, Texas                   __________, 199__                  $____________

           FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the undersigned  promises to pay To the order of
COMERICA  BANK-TEXAS (the "Bank") at 1601 Elm Street,  Dallas,  Texas 75201, the
principal sum of ___________________  and ______/100ths Dollars  ($____________)
in   consecutive   monthly   installments   of   principal   in  the  amount  of
______________________   and  _______/100ths   Dollars   ($____________)   each,
beginning  _______________,  199__,  and on the _____ day of each calendar month
thereafter,  plus interest on the unpaid  principal  balance of this Note at the
Applicable Rate (hereinafter defined), on the first day of each month during the
term of this Note,  beginning  ____________ until maturity,  and thereafter at a
default rate equal to the rate of interest otherwise  prevailing  hereunder plus
three  percent  (3%) per annum (but in no event in excess of the Legal Rate,  as
hereinafter  defined),  with all  outstanding  principal  and accrued but unpaid
interest  due and  payable in full on the earlier of (i) five (5) years from the
date hereof, or (ii) at Bank's sole option, the Termination Date.

           All  capitalized  terms used but not defined  herein,  shall have the
meanings given to such terms in that certain Second Amended and Restated Secured
Loan  Agreement,  dated  January __, 1998,  among the  undersigned  and Bank (as
renewed, extended, modified and restated from time to time, the "Agreement").

           This Note is an  "Equipment  Acquisition  Note" as  described  in the
Agreement,  and is subject to the terms and provisions  thereof,  and the holder
hereof is entitled  to the  benefits  thereof  and may  enforce  the  agreements
contained therein and exercise the remedies provided for thereby or otherwise in
respect thereof, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

           Subject to the  provisions  hereof,  the  undersigned  shall have the
option  (an  "Interest  Option")  exercisable  from  time to  time to  designate
portions of the unpaid  principal  balance of this Note to bear  interest at the
Prime Rate (such portions being herein referred to as a "Prime Rate Balance") or
at the LIBOR Rate (such portions being herein referred to as a "LIBOR Balance"),
provided,  however,  that no LIBOR  Balance  designated  for any LIBOR  Interest
Period (hereinafter defined) shall be less than $500,000.

           The term  "Applicable  Rate",  as used  herein,  shall  mean (i) with
respect to any Prime Rate Balance  outstanding  from time to time, a fluctuating
per annum rate of interest equal to the Prime Rate, and (ii) with respect to any
LIBOR Balance  outstanding from time to time, a per annum rate of interest equal
to one and one-half  percent  (1.5%) above the LIBOR Rate for the LIBOR Interest
Period then in effect with respect to such LIBOR Balance.  Each determination by
Bank of the LIBOR Rate or Prime Rate, as the case may be, shall,  in the absence
of manifest error, be conclusive and binding.



EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 1

<PAGE>



           The term "Interest Notice" shall mean the written notice given by the
undersigned of the Interest Option selected  hereunder and specifying the amount
of principal to bear interest at the rate selected.

           The term "Prime Rate", as used herein, shall mean that annual rate of
interest  designated  by the Bank as its prime  rate and which is changed by the
Bank from time to time.  The Bank's prime rate is a reference  rate and does not
necessarily  represent the lowest or best rate  actually  charged by the Bank to
any of its customers.  The Bank may make  commercial  loans at rates of interest
at, above or below its prime rate.

           The term "LIBOR Rate",  as used herein,  shall mean,  with respect to
any LIBOR Interest Period, the interest rate per annum  conclusively  determined
by the Bank to be the per annum rate (as  adjusted  for any  applicable  reserve
requirements  applicable to "eurocurrency  liabilities" pursuant to Regulation D
or any other applicable  regulation of the Board of Governors (or any successor)
which prescribes reserve requirements  applicable to "eurocurrency  liabilities"
as presently  defined in  Regulation  D, or any  eurocurrency  funding) at which
deposits in immediately  available funds in U.S. dollars are offered to the Bank
(at such time as the Bank elects on the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period)
by prime banks in the interbank  eurodollar market selected by Bank for delivery
on the  first  day of such  LIBOR  Interest  Period  in an  amount  equal to the
principal  amount of the  corresponding  LIBOR Balance for a period equal to the
length of such LIBOR Interest Period.

           The term "LIBOR Interest  Period",  as used herein,  shall mean, with
respect  to any LIBOR  Balance,  a period  commencing  on the date  upon  which,
pursuant to an  Interest  Notice,  the  principal  amount of such LIBOR  Balance
begins to accrue  interest at the LIBOR Rate (or, in the case of a rollover to a
successive  LIBOR Interest  Period,  the last day of the  immediately  preceding
LIBOR  Interest  Period)  and ending 30, 60, 90, 180 or 360 days  (whichever  is
selected  by the  undersigned  in the  applicable  Interest  Notice)  after  the
commencement  date;  provided,  that: (i) any LIBOR Interest  Period which would
otherwise  end on a day which is not a LIBOR  Business  Day shall be extended to
the next succeeding  LIBOR Business Day (unless such LIBOR Business Day falls in
another  calendar  month,  in which case such LIBOR Interest Period shall end on
the next preceding LIBOR Business Day); and (ii) any LIBOR Interest Period which
begins on the last LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which
there is no  numerically  corresponding  day in the calendar month at the end of
such LIBOR Interest Period) shall,  subject to clause (A) above, end on the last
LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month.

           The term "LIBOR  Business  Day", as used herein,  shall mean a day on
which  dealings in U.S.  dollars are  carried  out in the  interbank  eurodollar
market selected by Bank.

           The Interest Option shall be exercisable by the  undersigned  subject
to the other limitations in this Note on the undersigned's option to designate a
portion of the unpaid  principal  balance  hereof as a LIBOR Balance and only in
the manner provided below:

        (i) At least two (2) LIBOR  Business  Days prior to the date  hereof the
undersigned  shall give the Bank (an  Interest  Notice)  specifying  the initial
Interest Option(s) and the respective


EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 2

<PAGE>



initial amounts of the Prime Rate Balance,  and LIBOR Balance  designated by the
undersigned. If the required Interest Notice shall not have been timely received
by the Bank or fails to  designate  all or any  portion of the unpaid  principal
balance  of this Note as  either a Prime  Rate  Balance  or a LIBOR  Balance  in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Note, the undersigned  shall be
deemed  conclusively  to have designated such amounts to be a Prime Rate Balance
and to have given the Bank notice of such designation.

       (ii) At least two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to the termination of any
LIBOR Interest Period for a LIBOR Balance,  the undersigned  shall give the Bank
an Interest  Notice  specifying the Interest Option which is to be applicable to
such LIBOR Balance upon the expiration of such LIBOR Interest Period,  provided,
however,  no Interest Option specifying an interest rate based on the LIBOR Rate
shall end after the Termination  Date. If the required Interest Notice shall not
have been  timely  received  by the Bank prior to the  expiration  of such LIBOR
Interest Period, the undersigned shall be deemed conclusively to have designated
such  LIBOR  Balance  to  become  a Prime  Rate  Balance  immediately  upon  the
expiration  of such LIBOR  Interest  Period and to have given the Bank notice of
such designation.

      (iii) The undersigned  shall have the right to convert an eligible portion
of the Prime  Rate  Balance to a LIBOR  Balance  by giving the Bank an  Interest
Notice of such  designation  at least two (2) LIBOR  Business  Days prior to the
effective date of such  exercise.  Additionally,  upon  termination of any LIBOR
Interest  Period,  the  undersigned  shall have the right, on any LIBOR Business
Day, to convert all or a portion of such principal amount from the LIBOR Balance
to a Prime Rate Balance by giving Bank an Interest  Notice of such  selection at
least two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior to effective  date of such exercise.  An
Interest  Notice shall be  irrevocable  and binding on the  undersigned  and the
undersigned  shall  indemnify Bank against any loss or expense  incurred by Bank
due to sums paid or payable to fund the LIBOR Balance when such LIBOR Balance is
not made on such date.

           Each change in the interest rate applicable to the Prime Rate Balance
or the  LIBOR  Balance  shall  become  effective  without  prior  notice  to the
undersigned  automatically  as of the  opening of  business  on the date of such
change in the Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate,  as the case may be provided,  that,
the LIBOR Rate shall not change during any  applicable  LIBOR  Interest  Period.
Interest on this Note shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the
actual number of days outstanding.

           If the  Bank  determines  that  deposits  in  U.S.  dollars  (in  the
applicable  amounts)  are  not  being  offered  to the  Bank  in  the  interbank
eurodollar  market selected by the Bank for such LIBOR Interest Period,  or that
the rate at which such dollar deposits are being offered will not adequately and
fairly reflect the cost to the Bank of making or maintaining a LIBOR Balance for
the  applicable  LIBOR  Interest  Period,  the Bank shall  forthwith give notice
thereof to the  undersigned,  whereupon  until the Bank notifies the undersigned
that such  circumstances  no longer exist,  (i) the right of the  undersigned to
select an Interest Option based upon the LIBOR Rate shall be suspended, and (ii)
each LIBOR Balance in effect shall thereupon  automatically  be converted into a
Prime Rate Balance in accordance with the provisions  hereof. If notice has been
given by the Bank to the  undersigned  requiring a LIBOR Balance to be repaid or
converted, then


EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 3

<PAGE>



unless and until the Bank notifies the undersigned that the circumstances giving
rise to such repayment or conversion no longer apply,  the only Interest  Option
available  shall be a rate based upon the Prime Rate.  If the Bank  notifies the
undersigned that the  circumstances  giving rise to such repayment or conversion
no longer apply,  the  undersigned  may thereafter  select a rate based upon the
LIBOR Rate in accordance with the terms of this Note.

           If the adoption of any  applicable  law, rule or  regulation,  or any
change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by
any governmental  authority,  central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation  or  administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank with any
request  or  directive  (whether  or not  having  the  force of law) of any such
authority,  central  bank  or  comparable  agency  shall  make  it  unlawful  or
impractical for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Balance,  the Bank shall so
notify the undersigned and any then-existing  LIBOR Balance shall  automatically
convert to a Prime Rate Balance  either (i) on the last day of the  then-current
LIBOR Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Balance, if the Bank may lawfully
continue  to  maintain  and  fund  such  LIBOR  Balance  to  such  day,  or (ii)
immediately,  if the Bank may not  lawfully  continue  to  maintain  such  LIBOR
Balance to such day.

           If either (i) the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation,
or any change therein,  or any change in the  interpretation  or  administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the  interpretation  or administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank
with any  request or  directive  (whether or not having the force of law) of any
such authority,  central bank or comparable agency shall subject the Bank to any
tax (including  without  limitation any United States  interest  equalization or
similar  tax,  however  named),  duty or other  charge with respect to any LIBOR
Balance, this Note or the Bank's obligation to compute interest on the principal
balance of this Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR  Rate,  or shall  change the
basis of taxation of payments to the Bank of the principal of or interest on any
LIBOR  Balance or any other  amounts due under this Note in respect of any LIBOR
Balance or the Bank's  obligation to compute the interest on the balance of this
Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate,  or (ii) any  governmental  authority,
central bank or other comparable  authority shall at any time impose,  modify or
deem applicable any reserve (including,  without limitation,  any imposed by the
Board of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System)  other than as is included
above,  special deposit or similar  requirement against assets of, deposits with
or for the account of, or credit  extended by, the Bank,  or shall impose on the
Bank (or its eurodollar  lending  office) or any relevant  interbank  eurodollar
market any other condition affecting any LIBOR Balance,  this Note or the Bank's
obligation  to compute the  interest on the balance of this Note at a rate based
upon the LIBOR Rate;  and the result of any of the  foregoing is to increase the
cost to the Bank of maintaining  any LIBOR  Balance,  or to reduce the amount of
any sum received or  receivable  by the Bank under this Note by an amount deemed
by the Bank to be material,  then upon demand by the Bank, the undersigned shall
pay to the Bank such  additional  amount or amounts as will  compensate the Bank
for  such  increased  cost or  reduction.  The Bank  will  promptly  notify  the
undersigned  of any event of which it has  knowledge,  occurring  after the date
hereof, which will entitle the Bank to compensation  pursuant to this paragraph.
A certificate of the Bank claiming compensation under this paragraph and setting


EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 4

<PAGE>



forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to the Bank hereunder shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

           The undersigned may not repay any LIBOR Balance or convert all or any
portion of a LIBOR  Balance to a Prime Rate Balance  prior to the  expiration of
the applicable LIBOR Interest Period, unless (i) such repayment or conversion is
specifically required by the terms of this Note, (ii) the Bank demands that such
repayment or  conversion  be made,  or (iii) the Bank,  in its sole  discretion,
consents to such repayment or conversion. If for any reason any LIBOR Balance is
repaid or converted prior to the expiration of the corresponding  LIBOR Interest
Period,  the undersigned shall pay to the Bank on demand any amounts required to
compensate  the Bank for any losses,  costs or expenses  which it may incur as a
result of such  repayment or  conversion.  A  certificate  of the Bank  claiming
compensation  under this  paragraph and setting forth the  additional  amount or
amounts to be paid to the Bank  hereunder  shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.

           The books and  records of the Bank shall be the best  evidence of the
principal  amount and the unpaid interest amount owing at any time hereunder and
shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Interest shall accrue and be computed
on the principal balance  outstanding from time to time hereunder until the same
is paid in full.

           This Note is secured by the  Collateral  described  in the  Agreement
(including,   without  limitation,   all  Accounts,  Chattel  Paper,  Documents,
Equipment, Fixtures, Real Property, General Intangibles,  Goods, Instruments and
Inventory  of  North  American  Spring  &  Stamping  Corp.  (Delaware),   Hilite
Industries-Texas, Inc., Hilite Industries-Delaware,  Inc., and the undersigned),
and  reference is hereby made to the  Agreement  for,  among other  things,  the
conditions  under  which this Note may or must be paid in whole or in part prior
to its due date.  Bank is hereby granted a security  interest in all property of
the  undersigned  at any time in the possession of Bank or any Affiliate of Bank
(or as to which Bank or any Affiliate of Bank at any time controls possession by
documents  or  otherwise)  and in all  balances  of  deposit  or other  accounts
(including,  without  limitation,  an  account  evidenced  by a  certificate  of
deposit).

           If an Event of Default  occurs and is not cured  within the time,  if
any,  provided  for  by  the  Agreement,  or the  undersigned  or any  indorser,
guarantor or accommodation  party (or any of them) fails to pay this Note or any
other  Indebtedness  when due (by demand,  upon maturity,  upon  acceleration or
otherwise)  then the Bank may at its  option  and  without  prior  notice to the
undersigned or any indorser,  guarantor or accommodation  party (or any of them)
exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies  granted by the Agreement or
any document  contemplated  thereby or given to a secured party under applicable
law, including,  without  limitation,  the right to accelerate this Note and any
other  Indebtedness and the right to sell or liquidate all or any portion of the
Collateral,  and may set off against the  principal of and interest on this Note
or  against  any  other  Indebtedness  (i)  any  amount  owing  by  Bank  to the
undersigned,  (ii) any property of the undersigned at any time in the possession
of Bank or any  Affiliate of Bank,  and (iii) any amount in any deposit or other
account (including, without limitation, an account evidenced by a certificate of
deposit) of the undersigned with Bank or any Affiliate of Bank.



EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 5

<PAGE>



           This Note shall bind the  undersigned  and the  undersigned's  heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns.

           If at any time the relevant Contract Rate exceeds the Legal Rate, the
interest  payable  hereunder shall be computed upon the basis of the Legal Rate,
but any subsequent  reduction in the relevant Contract Rate shall not reduce the
applicable  interest  rate  hereunder  below the Legal Rate until the  aggregate
amount of  interest  accrued and payable  hereunder  equals the total  amount of
interest  which would have accrued  hereunder if the  applicable  interest  rate
hereunder  had been at all times  computed  solely on the basis of the  relevant
Contract Rate.

           No agreements,  conditions,  provisions or stipulations  contained in
this Note,  or the  default of the  undersigned,  or the  exercise by the holder
hereof of the right to  accelerate  the payment or the maturity of principal and
interest, or to exercise any option whatsoever contained herein, or in any other
agreements  between the  undersigned and Bank, or the arising of any contingency
whatsoever,  shall  entitle  the holder of this Note to  collect,  in any event,
interest exceeding the maximum rate of nonusurious interest allowed from time to
time by  applicable  state or  federal  law as now or as may  hereinafter  be in
effect (the "Legal Rate"). Unless preempted by federal law, the rate of interest
from time to time in effect  hereunder  shall not  exceed the  "applicable  rate
ceiling" from time to time in effect under Article 5069-1D.001 et seq., Vernon's
Texas Civil Statutes (and as the same may be  incorporated by reference in other
Texas  statutes),  as  amended  or  codified.  All  agreements,   conditions  or
stipulations,  if any, which may in any event or contingency  whatsoever operate
to bind,  obligate or compel the undersigned to pay a rate of interest exceeding
the Legal Rate shall be without binding force or effect, at law or in equity, to
the extent only of the excess of interest over such Legal Rate. In the event any
interest is charged in excess of the Legal Rate (hereinafter  referred to as the
"Excess"),  the  undersigned  acknowledges  and stipulates  that any such charge
shall be the result of an accidental and bona fide error,  and such Excess shall
be first applied to reduce the principal then unpaid hereunder;  second, applied
to reduce any obligation for other  Indebtedness of the undersigned to Bank; and
third, returned to the undersigned, it being the intention of the parties hereto
not to enter at any time into an usurious  or other  illegal  relationship.  The
undersigned  recognizes that such an  unintentional  result could  inadvertently
occur.  By the execution of this Note,  the  undersigned  covenants that (a) the
credit  or  return  of  any  Excess  shall  constitute  the  acceptance  by  the
undersigned of such Excess, and (b) the undersigned shall not seek or pursue any
other remedy,  legal or equitable,  against Bank or any holder hereof based,  in
whole or in part,  upon the  charging or  receiving of any interest in excess of
the Legal  Rate.  For the purpose of  determining  whether or not any Excess has
been  contracted  for,  charged or  received by Bank or any holder  hereof,  all
interest at any time contracted  for,  charged or received by Bank or any holder
hereof,  in connection with this Note, shall be amortized,  prorated,  allocated
and spread in equal  parts  during the  entire  term of this Note.  For the sole
purpose of  computing  the extent of the  Indebtedness  and  obligations  of the
undersigned  asserted  hereunder by Bank or any holder  hereof,  the figures set
forth herein and the provisions hereof shall be automatically  recomputed by the
undersigned,  and by any  court  considering  the  same,  to give  effect to the
adjustments or credits required by this paragraph.



EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 6

<PAGE>



           THE  UNDERSIGNED  AND  ALL  ACCOMMODATION  PARTIES,   GUARANTORS  AND
ENDORSERS,   IF  ANY,  (I)  WAIVE  DEMAND  AND  NOTICE  OF  DEMAND,  (II)  WAIVE
PRESENTMENT,  NOTICE OF  INTENTION  TO DEMAND,  PROTEST  AND NOTICE OF  PROTEST,
NOTICE OF DISHONOR,  NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ACCELERATE,  NOTICE OF ACCELERATION,
AND ALL OTHER NOTICES OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY  PROVIDED IN THE AGREEMENT,  (III)
AGREE  THAT  NO  EXTENSION  OR  INDULGENCE  TO THE  UNDERSIGNED  OR  RELEASE  OR
NON-ENFORCEMENT  OF ANY SECURITY,  WHETHER WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE,  SHALL AFFECT
THE  OBLIGATIONS OF ANY  ACCOMMODATION  PARTY,  GUARANTOR OR ENDORSER,  AND (IV)
AGREE TO  REIMBURSE  THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FOR ANY AND ALL COSTS AND  EXPENSES
INCURRED  IN  COLLECTING  OR  ATTEMPTING  TO COLLECT ANY AND ALL  PRINCIPAL  AND
INTEREST  UNDER  THIS NOTE  (INCLUDING,  BUT NOT  LIMITED  TO,  COURT  COSTS AND
REASONABLE  ATTORNEYS'  FEES,  WHETHER  IN-HOUSE OR OUTSIDE  COUNSEL IS USED AND
WHETHER SUCH COSTS AND  EXPENSES  ARE INCURRED IN FORMAL OR INFORMAL  COLLECTION
ACTIONS,   FEDERAL  BANKRUPTCY  PROCEEDINGS,   APPELLATE  PROCEEDINGS,   PROBATE
PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE.

           The  undersigned,  if two or more in  number,  shall be  jointly  and
severally bound hereunder.

           All notices required or permitted under this Note shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been delivered when delivered in accordance with the
provisions of the Agreement.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Note this _____
day of ____________, 199__.

HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.


By:______________________________
       Name:
       Title:




EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 7

<PAGE>


HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
a Texas limited partnership

By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
     ------------------------------------
       a Delaware corporation,
       as its general partner


       By:________________________________
            Name:
            Title:


DB973560127
012198 v7
333:3134-488


EQUIPMENT ACQUISITION NOTE - Page 8


<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT E
                                                                       ---------


                       AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE


Dallas, Texas                 January 30, 1998                    $13,700,000.00

           FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the undersigned  promises to pay to the order of
Comerica Bank-Texas  ("Bank"),  at any office of the Bank in the State of Texas,
THIRTEEN MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND AND NO/100 DOLLARS  ($13,700,000.00)  in
fifty-four (54) consecutive  monthly  installments of principal in the amount of
One Hundred Sixty-Three Thousand Ninety-Five and 23/100ths Dollars ($163,095.23)
each,  beginning  February 1, 1998,  and on the first day of each calendar month
thereafter,  plus interest on the unpaid  principal  balance of this Note at the
Applicable Rate (hereinafter defined), on the first day of each month during the
term of this Note, beginning February 1, 1998 until maturity,  and thereafter at
a default rate equal to the rate of interest otherwise prevailing hereunder plus
three  percent  (3%) per annum (but in no event in excess of the Legal Rate,  as
hereinafter  defined),  with all  outstanding  principal  and accrued but unpaid
interest  due and  payable  in  full on the  earlier  of  July  20,  2002 or the
Termination Date.

           All  capitalized  terms used but not defined  herein,  shall have the
meanings given to such terms in that certain Second Amended and Restated Secured
Loan  Agreement,  as of even date herewith,  among the  undersigned and Bank (as
renewed, extended, modified and restated from time to time, the "Agreement").

           This Note is the "Equipment  Note" referred to in the Agreement,  and
is  subject  to the terms  and  provisions  thereof,  and the  holder  hereof is
entitled  to the  benefits  thereof and may  enforce  the  agreements  contained
therein and exercise  the remedies  provided for thereby or otherwise in respect
thereof, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

           Subject to the  provisions  hereof,  the  undersigned  shall have the
option  (an  "Interest  Option")  exercisable  from  time to  time to  designate
portions of the unpaid  principal  balance of this Note to bear  interest at the
Prime Rate (such portions being herein referred to as a "Prime Rate Balance") or
at the LIBOR Rate (such portions being herein referred to as a "LIBOR Balance"),
provided,  however,  that no LIBOR  Balance  designated  for any LIBOR  Interest
Period (hereinafter defined) shall be less than $500,000.

           The term  "Applicable  Rate",  as used  herein,  shall  mean (i) with
respect to any Prime Rate Balance  outstanding  from time to time, a fluctuating
per annum rate of interest equal to the Prime Rate, and (ii) with respect to any
LIBOR Balance  outstanding from time to time, a per annum rate of interest equal
to one and one-half  percent  (1.5%) above the LIBOR Rate for the LIBOR Interest
Period then in effect with respect to such LIBOR Balance.  Each determination by
Bank of the LIBOR Rate or Prime Rate, as the case may be, shall,  in the absence
of manifest error, be conclusive and binding.


AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 1

<PAGE>




           The term "Interest Notice" shall mean the written notice given by the
undersigned of the Interest Option selected  hereunder and specifying the amount
of principal to bear interest at the rate selected.

           The term "Prime Rate", as used herein, shall mean that annual rate of
interest  designated  by the Bank as its prime  rate and which is changed by the
Bank from time to time.  The Bank's prime rate is a reference  rate and does not
necessarily  represent the lowest or best rate  actually  charged by the Bank to
any of its customers.  The Bank may make  commercial  loans at rates of interest
at, above or below its prime rate.

           The term "LIBOR Rate",  as used herein,  shall mean,  with respect to
any LIBOR Interest Period, the interest rate per annum  conclusively  determined
by the Bank to be the per annum rate (as  adjusted  for any  applicable  reserve
requirements  applicable to "eurocurrency  liabilities" pursuant to Regulation D
or any other applicable  regulation of the Board of Governors (or any successor)
which prescribes reserve requirements  applicable to "eurocurrency  liabilities"
as presently  defined in  Regulation  D, or any  eurocurrency  funding) at which
deposits in immediately  available funds in U.S. dollars are offered to the Bank
(at such time as the Bank elects on the first day of such LIBOR Interest Period)
by prime banks in the interbank  eurodollar market selected by Bank for delivery
on the  first  day of such  LIBOR  Interest  Period  in an  amount  equal to the
principal  amount of the  corresponding  LIBOR Balance for a period equal to the
length of such LIBOR Interest Period.

           The term "LIBOR Interest  Period",  as used herein,  shall mean, with
respect  to any LIBOR  Balance,  a period  commencing  on the date  upon  which,
pursuant to an  Interest  Notice,  the  principal  amount of such LIBOR  Balance
begins to accrue  interest at the LIBOR Rate (or, in the case of a rollover to a
successive  LIBOR Interest  Period,  the last day of the  immediately  preceding
LIBOR  Interest  Period)  and ending 30, 60, 90, 180 or 360 days  (whichever  is
selected  by the  undersigned  in the  applicable  Interest  Notice)  after  the
commencement  date;  provided,  that: (i) any LIBOR Interest  Period which would
otherwise  end on a day which is not a LIBOR  Business  Day shall be extended to
the next succeeding  LIBOR Business Day (unless such LIBOR Business Day falls in
another  calendar  month,  in which case such LIBOR Interest Period shall end on
the next preceding LIBOR Business Day); and (ii) any LIBOR Interest Period which
begins on the last LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which
there is no  numerically  corresponding  day in the calendar month at the end of
such LIBOR Interest Period) shall,  subject to clause (A) above, end on the last
LIBOR Business Day of a calendar month.

           The term "LIBOR  Business  Day", as used herein,  shall mean a day on
which  dealings in U.S.  dollars are  carried  out in the  interbank  eurodollar
market selected by Bank.

           The Interest Option shall be exercisable by the  undersigned  subject
to the other limitations in this Note on the undersigned's option to designate a
portion of the unpaid  principal  balance  hereof as a LIBOR Balance and only in
the manner provided below:

             (i) At least two (2) LIBOR  Business  Days prior to the date hereof
the undersigned shall give the Bank (an Interest Notice)  specifying the initial
Interest Option(s) and the respective


AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 2

<PAGE>



initial amounts of the Prime Rate Balance,  and LIBOR Balance  designated by the
undersigned. If the required Interest Notice shall not have been timely received
by the Bank or fails to  designate  all or any  portion of the unpaid  principal
balance  of this Note as  either a Prime  Rate  Balance  or a LIBOR  Balance  in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Note, the undersigned  shall be
deemed  conclusively  to have designated such amounts to be a Prime Rate Balance
and to have given the Bank notice of such designation.

            (ii) At least two (2) LIBOR  Business Days prior to the  termination
of any LIBOR Interest Period for a LIBOR Balance, the undersigned shall give the
Bank an Interest Notice specifying the Interest Option which is to be applicable
to such  LIBOR  Balance  upon the  expiration  of such  LIBOR  Interest  Period,
provided,  however,  no Interest Option specifying an interest rate based on the
LIBOR Rate shall end after the Termination Date. If the required Interest Notice
shall not have been timely  received by the Bank prior to the expiration of such
LIBOR Interest  Period,  the  undersigned  shall be deemed  conclusively to have
designated  such LIBOR Balance to become a Prime Rate Balance  immediately  upon
the expiration of such LIBOR  Interest  Period and to have given the Bank notice
of such designation.

           (iii) The  undersigned  shall have the right to  convert an  eligible
portion  of the Prime  Rate  Balance  to a LIBOR  Balance  by giving the Bank an
Interest  Notice of such  designation at least two (2) LIBOR Business Days prior
to the effective date of such exercise.  Additionally,  upon  termination of any
LIBOR  Interest  Period,  the  undersigned  shall have the  right,  on any LIBOR
Business  Day,  to convert  all or a portion of such  principal  amount from the
LIBOR Balance to a Prime Rate Balance by giving Bank an Interest  Notice of such
selection at least two (2) LIBOR  Business Days prior to effective  date of such
exercise. An Interest Notice shall be irrevocable and binding on the undersigned
and the undersigned shall indemnify Bank against any loss or expense incurred by
Bank due to sums paid or  payable  to fund the  LIBOR  Balance  when such  LIBOR
Balance is not made on such date.

           Each change in the interest rate applicable to the Prime Rate Balance
or the  LIBOR  Balance  shall  become  effective  without  prior  notice  to the
undersigned  automatically  as of the  opening of  business  on the date of such
change in the Prime Rate or the LIBOR Rate,  as the case may be provided,  that,
the LIBOR Rate shall not change during any  applicable  LIBOR  Interest  Period.
Interest on this Note shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the
actual number of days outstanding.

           If the  Bank  determines  that  deposits  in  U.S.  dollars  (in  the
applicable  amounts)  are  not  being  offered  to the  Bank  in  the  interbank
eurodollar  market selected by the Bank for such LIBOR Interest Period,  or that
the rate at which such dollar deposits are being offered will not adequately and
fairly reflect the cost to the Bank of making or maintaining a LIBOR Balance for
the  applicable  LIBOR  Interest  Period,  the Bank shall  forthwith give notice
thereof to the  undersigned,  whereupon  until the Bank notifies the undersigned
that such  circumstances  no longer exist,  (i) the right of the  undersigned to
select an Interest Option based upon the LIBOR Rate shall be suspended, and (ii)
each LIBOR Balance in effect shall thereupon  automatically  be converted into a
Prime Rate Balance in accordance with the provisions  hereof. If notice has been
given by the Bank to the  undersigned  requiring a LIBOR Balance to be repaid or
converted, then


AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 3

<PAGE>



unless and until the Bank notifies the undersigned that the circumstances giving
rise to such repayment or conversion no longer apply,  the only Interest  Option
available  shall be a rate based upon the Prime Rate.  If the Bank  notifies the
undersigned that the  circumstances  giving rise to such repayment or conversion
no longer apply,  the  undersigned  may thereafter  select a rate based upon the
LIBOR Rate in accordance with the terms of this Note.

           If the adoption of any  applicable  law, rule or  regulation,  or any
change therein, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by
any governmental  authority,  central bank or comparable agency charged with the
interpretation  or  administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank with any
request  or  directive  (whether  or not  having  the  force of law) of any such
authority,  central  bank  or  comparable  agency  shall  make  it  unlawful  or
impractical for the Bank to make or maintain a LIBOR Balance,  the Bank shall so
notify the undersigned and any then-existing  LIBOR Balance shall  automatically
convert to a Prime Rate Balance  either (i) on the last day of the  then-current
LIBOR Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Balance, if the Bank may lawfully
continue  to  maintain  and  fund  such  LIBOR  Balance  to  such  day,  or (ii)
immediately,  if the Bank may not  lawfully  continue  to  maintain  such  LIBOR
Balance to such day.

           If either (i) the adoption of any applicable law, rule or regulation,
or any change therein,  or any change in the  interpretation  or  administration
thereof by any governmental authority, central bank or comparable agency charged
with the  interpretation  or administration  thereof,  or compliance by the Bank
with any  request or  directive  (whether or not having the force of law) of any
such authority,  central bank or comparable agency shall subject the Bank to any
tax (including  without  limitation any United States  interest  equalization or
similar  tax,  however  named),  duty or other  charge with respect to any LIBOR
Balance, this Note or the Bank's obligation to compute interest on the principal
balance of this Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR  Rate,  or shall  change the
basis of taxation of payments to the Bank of the principal of or interest on any
LIBOR  Balance or any other  amounts due under this Note in respect of any LIBOR
Balance or the Bank's  obligation to compute the interest on the balance of this
Note at a rate based upon the LIBOR Rate,  or (ii) any  governmental  authority,
central bank or other comparable  authority shall at any time impose,  modify or
deem applicable any reserve (including,  without limitation,  any imposed by the
Board of  Governors  of the Federal  Reserve  System)  other than as is included
above,  special deposit or similar  requirement against assets of, deposits with
or for the account of, or credit  extended by, the Bank,  or shall impose on the
Bank (or its eurodollar  lending  office) or any relevant  interbank  eurodollar
market any other condition affecting any LIBOR Balance,  this Note or the Bank's
obligation  to compute the  interest on the balance of this Note at a rate based
upon the LIBOR Rate;  and the result of any of the  foregoing is to increase the
cost to the Bank of maintaining  any LIBOR  Balance,  or to reduce the amount of
any sum received or  receivable  by the Bank under this Note by an amount deemed
by the Bank to be material,  then upon demand by the Bank, the undersigned shall
pay to the Bank such  additional  amount or amounts as will  compensate the Bank
for  such  increased  cost or  reduction.  The Bank  will  promptly  notify  the
undersigned  of any event of which it has  knowledge,  occurring  after the date
hereof, which will entitle the Bank to compensation  pursuant to this paragraph.
A certificate of the Bank claiming compensation under this paragraph and setting


AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 4

<PAGE>



forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to the Bank hereunder shall be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error.

           The undersigned may not repay any LIBOR Balance or convert all or any
portion of a LIBOR  Balance to a Prime Rate Balance  prior to the  expiration of
the applicable LIBOR Interest Period, unless (i) such repayment or conversion is
specifically required by the terms of this Note, (ii) the Bank demands that such
repayment or  conversion  be made,  or (iii) the Bank,  in its sole  discretion,
consents to such repayment or conversion. If for any reason any LIBOR Balance is
repaid or converted prior to the expiration of the corresponding  LIBOR Interest
Period,  the undersigned shall pay to the Bank on demand any amounts required to
compensate  the Bank for any losses,  costs or expenses  which it may incur as a
result of such  repayment or  conversion.  A  certificate  of the Bank  claiming
compensation  under this  paragraph and setting forth the  additional  amount or
amounts to be paid to the Bank  hereunder  shall be conclusive in the absence of
manifest error.

           The books and  records of the Bank shall be the best  evidence of the
principal  amount and the unpaid interest amount owing at any time hereunder and
shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Interest shall accrue and be computed
on the principal balance  outstanding from time to time hereunder until the same
is paid in full.

           This Note is secured by the  Collateral  described  in the  Agreement
(including,   without  limitation,   all  Accounts,  Chattel  Paper,  Documents,
Equipment, Fixtures, Real Property, General Intangibles,  Goods, Instruments and
Inventory  of  North  American  Spring  &  Stamping  Corp.  (Delaware),   Hilite
Industries-Texas, Inc., Hilite Industries-Delaware,  Inc., and the undersigned),
and  reference is hereby made to the  Agreement  for,  among other  things,  the
conditions  under  which this Note may or must be paid in whole or in part prior
to its due date.  Bank is hereby granted a security  interest in all property of
the  undersigned  at any time in the possession of Bank or any Affiliate of Bank
(or as to which Bank or any Affiliate of Bank at any time controls possession by
documents  or  otherwise)  and in all  balances  of  deposit  or other  accounts
(including,  without  limitation,  an  account  evidenced  by a  certificate  of
deposit).

           If an Event of Default  occurs and is not cured  within the time,  if
any,  provided  for  by  the  Agreement,  or the  undersigned  or any  indorser,
guarantor or accommodation  party (or any of them) fails to pay this Note or any
other  Indebtedness  when due (by demand,  upon maturity,  upon  acceleration or
otherwise)  then the Bank may at its  option  and  without  prior  notice to the
undersigned or any indorser,  guarantor or accommodation  party (or any of them)
exercise any one or more of the rights and remedies  granted by the Agreement or
any document  contemplated  thereby or given to a secured party under applicable
law, including,  without  limitation,  the right to accelerate this Note and any
other  Indebtedness and the right to sell or liquidate all or any portion of the
Collateral,  and may set off against the  principal of and interest on this Note
or  against  any  other  Indebtedness  (i)  any  amount  owing  by  Bank  to the
undersigned,  (ii) any property of the undersigned at any time in the possession
of Bank or any  Affiliate of Bank,  and (iii) any amount in any deposit or other
account (including, without limitation, an account evidenced by a certificate of
deposit) of the undersigned with Bank or any Affiliate of Bank.



AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 5

<PAGE>



           This Note shall bind the  undersigned  and the  undersigned's  heirs,
personal representatives, successors and assigns.

           If at any time the relevant Contract Rate exceeds the Legal Rate, the
interest  payable  hereunder shall be computed upon the basis of the Legal Rate,
but any subsequent  reduction in the relevant Contract Rate shall not reduce the
applicable  interest  rate  hereunder  below the Legal Rate until the  aggregate
amount of  interest  accrued and payable  hereunder  equals the total  amount of
interest  which would have accrued  hereunder if the  applicable  interest  rate
hereunder  had been at all times  computed  solely on the basis of the  relevant
Contract Rate.

           No agreements,  conditions,  provisions or stipulations  contained in
this Note,  or the  default of the  undersigned,  or the  exercise by the holder
hereof of the right to  accelerate  the payment or the maturity of principal and
interest, or to exercise any option whatsoever contained herein, or in any other
agreements  between the  undersigned and Bank, or the arising of any contingency
whatsoever,  shall  entitle  the holder of this Note to  collect,  in any event,
interest exceeding the maximum rate of nonusurious interest allowed from time to
time by  applicable  state or  federal  law as now or as may  hereinafter  be in
effect (the "Legal Rate"). Unless preempted by federal law, the rate of interest
from time to time in effect  hereunder  shall not  exceed the  "applicable  rate
ceiling" in effect from time to time.  Article  5069-1D.001  et. seq.,  Vernon's
Texas Civil Statutes (and as the same may be  incorporated by reference in other
Texas  statutes),  as  amended  or  codified.  All  agreements,   conditions  or
stipulations,  if any, which may in any event or contingency  whatsoever operate
to bind,  obligate or compel the undersigned to pay a rate of interest exceeding
the Legal Rate shall be without binding force or effect, at law or in equity, to
the extent only of the excess of interest over such Legal Rate. In the event any
interest is charged in excess of the Legal Rate (hereinafter  referred to as the
"Excess"),  the  undersigned  acknowledges  and stipulates  that any such charge
shall be the result of an accidental and bona fide error,  and such Excess shall
be first applied to reduce the principal then unpaid hereunder;  second, applied
to reduce any obligation for other  Indebtedness of the undersigned to Bank; and
third, returned to the undersigned, it being the intention of the parties hereto
not to enter at any time into an usurious  or other  illegal  relationship.  The
undersigned  recognizes that such an  unintentional  result could  inadvertently
occur.  By the execution of this Note,  the  undersigned  covenants that (a) the
credit  or  return  of  any  Excess  shall  constitute  the  acceptance  by  the
undersigned of such Excess, and (b) the undersigned shall not seek or pursue any
other remedy,  legal or equitable,  against Bank or any holder hereof based,  in
whole or in part,  upon the  charging or  receiving of any interest in excess of
the Legal  Rate.  For the purpose of  determining  whether or not any Excess has
been  contracted  for,  charged or  received by Bank or any holder  hereof,  all
interest at any time contracted  for,  charged or received by Bank or any holder
hereof,  in connection with this Note, shall be amortized,  prorated,  allocated
and spread in equal  parts  during the  entire  term of this Note.  For the sole
purpose of  computing  the extent of the  Indebtedness  and  obligations  of the
undersigned  asserted  hereunder by Bank or any holder  hereof,  the figures set
forth herein and the provisions hereof shall be automatically  recomputed by the
undersigned,  and by any  court  considering  the  same,  to give  effect to the
adjustments or credits required by this paragraph.



AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 6

<PAGE>



           THE  UNDERSIGNED  AND  ALL  ACCOMMODATION  PARTIES,   GUARANTORS  AND
ENDORSERS,   IF  ANY,  (I)  WAIVE  DEMAND  AND  NOTICE  OF  DEMAND,  (II)  WAIVE
PRESENTMENT,  NOTICE OF  INTENTION  TO DEMAND,  PROTEST  AND NOTICE OF  PROTEST,
NOTICE OF DISHONOR,  NOTICE OF INTENTION TO ACCELERATE,  NOTICE OF ACCELERATION,
AND ALL OTHER NOTICES OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY  PROVIDED IN THE AGREEMENT,  (III)
AGREE  THAT  NO  EXTENSION  OR  INDULGENCE  TO THE  UNDERSIGNED  OR  RELEASE  OR
NON-ENFORCEMENT  OF ANY SECURITY,  WHETHER WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE,  SHALL AFFECT
THE  OBLIGATIONS OF ANY  ACCOMMODATION  PARTY,  GUARANTOR OR ENDORSER,  AND (IV)
AGREE TO  REIMBURSE  THE HOLDER OF THIS NOTE FOR ANY AND ALL COSTS AND  EXPENSES
INCURRED  IN  COLLECTING  OR  ATTEMPTING  TO COLLECT ANY AND ALL  PRINCIPAL  AND
INTEREST  UNDER  THIS NOTE  (INCLUDING,  BUT NOT  LIMITED  TO,  COURT  COSTS AND
REASONABLE  ATTORNEYS'  FEES,  WHETHER  IN-HOUSE OR OUTSIDE  COUNSEL IS USED AND
WHETHER SUCH COSTS AND  EXPENSES  ARE INCURRED IN FORMAL OR INFORMAL  COLLECTION
ACTIONS,   FEDERAL  BANKRUPTCY  PROCEEDINGS,   APPELLATE  PROCEEDINGS,   PROBATE
PROCEEDINGS, OR OTHERWISE.

           The  undersigned,  if two or more in  number,  shall be  jointly  and
severally bound hereunder.

           The indebtedness evidenced by this Note is in amendment, modification
and  restatement,  but not an  extinguishment  or novation,  of the indebtedness
evidenced by that certain  Equipment  Note dated July 21, 1995,  in the original
principal amount of $13,700,000.00  executed by the Hilite Industries,  Inc. and
payable to the order of Bank,  and the provisions of this Note are in amendment,
modification and restatement of the provisions of such note.

           All notices required or permitted under this Note shall be in writing
and shall be deemed to have been delivered when delivered in accordance with the
provisions of the Agreement.

           IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned has executed this Note this 30th
day of January, 1998.

HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.,
a Delaware corporation


By:______________________________
       Samuel M. Berry
       President



AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 7

<PAGE>


HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
a Texas limited partnership

By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
     ----------------------------------
       a Delaware corporation,
       as its general partner


       By:______________________________
            Daniel W. Brady
            Chief Executive Officer



DB973560139
012798 v12
333:3134-488


AMENDED AND RESTATED EQUIPMENT NOTE - Page 8

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT F
                                                                       ---------

                                REAL ESTATE NOTE


$960,000.00                                                        Dallas, Texas

                                                                October 28, 1992

           FOR VALUE RECEIVED,  the undersigned  promises to pay to the order of
COMERICA BANK-TEXAS (the "Bank") at 1909 Woodall Rodgers,  Dallas,  Texas 75201,
the  principal  sum  of  Nine  Hundred  Sixty  Thousand  and  No/100ths  Dollars
($960,000.00) in consecutive monthly  installments of principal in the amount of
Five Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Three and 34/100ths Dollars ($5,333.34) each,
beginning on the first day of the calendar month immediately succeeding the date
of  disbursement  of the Real Estate Loan evidenced by the Note and on the first
day of each  calendar  month  thereafter,  with all  outstanding  principal  and
accrued  but  unpaid  interest  due and  payable  in full on the  earlier of (i)
November 1, 2007, or (ii) at Bank's sole option, the Termination Date.

           Notwithstanding  the  foregoing  or anything  to the  contrary in the
Agreement (as hereinafter  defined),  Bank shall have the. sole option, upon the
fifth  anniversary of the date of disbursement of the Real Estate Loan evidenced
by this  Note or upon  each  thereafter  occurring  anniversary  of the  date of
disbursement  of the Real Estate Loan evidenced by this Note (a "Put Date"),  to
require  payment in full of all  Indebtedness  evidenced  by this Note,  Bank to
exercise this option by giving the undersigned  written notice of such election,
which written  notice must be given by Bank to the  undersigned at least 60 days
prior to the relevant Put Date. The undersigned  hereby agrees and  acknowledges
that the right of Bank pursuant to the preceding  sentence to require payment in
full on a Put Date of the Indebtedness evidenced by this Note is a bargained for
part of the terms  pursuant to which Bank made the Real Estate Loan evidenced by
this Note and that  exercise  of such  right by Bank is in no way  dependent  or
conditioned  upon Bank  believing  at such time that the  prompt  payment of the
Indebtedness evidenced by this Note is in any way impaired.

           All  capitalized  terms used but not defined  herein,  shall have the
meanings given to such terms in that certain Secured Loan Agreement, dated as of
December  21,  1990,  between  the  undersigned  and  Bank (as the same has been
renewed, extended, modified and restated and as the same may be further renewed,
extended, modified and restated from time to time, the "Agreement").

           This Note is the "Real Estate Note" referred to in the Agreement, and
is  subject  to the terms  and  provisions  thereof,  and the  holder  hereof is
entitled  to the  benefits  thereof and may  enforce  the  agreements  contained
therein and exercise  the remedies  provided for thereby or otherwise in respect
thereof, all in accordance with the terms thereof.

           The unpaid principal amount of this Note shall bear interest from the
date of  disbursement  of the Real Estate Loan  evidenced by this Note (i) until
maturity  (whether by acceleration or otherwise) at a fluctuating rate per annum
equal to the lesser of (a) 1.75% above the Prime Rate


REAL ESTATE NOTE - Page 1

<PAGE>



(the "Annual  Rate") or (b) the Legal Rate (as  hereinafter  defined);  and (ii)
thereafter,  at a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the lesser of (a) 3.0% per
annum  above the  Annual  Rate (the  "Default  Rate") or (b) the Legal Rate (the
Annual Rate and the Default Rate, whichever is in effect at any particular time,
being hereinafter referred to as the "Contract Rate"). Interest shall be payable
to the  extent  accrued  on the first day of each  consecutive  calendar  month,
beginning   November  1,  1992,  until  maturity  (whether  by  acceleration  or
otherwise)  and from and after such  maturity,  on demand.  The rate of interest
applicable  to this  Note  shall  change  as and when the  Prime  Rate  changes.
Interest  hereunder  shall be  calculated on the basis of a 360-day year for the
actual  number of days  outstanding.  If at any time the relevant  Contract Rate
exceeds the Legal Rate, the interest  payable  hereunder  shall be computed upon
the  basis of the Legal  Rate,  but any  subsequent  reduction  in the  relevant
Contract Rate shall not reduce the applicable  interest rate hereunder below the
Legal Rate until the aggregate amount of interest accrued and payable  hereunder
equals the total amount of interest  which would have  accrued  hereunder if the
applicable  interest rate hereunder had been at all times computed solely on the
basis of the relevant  Contract Rate. The books and records of the Bank shall be
the best evidence of the principal  amount and the unpaid  interest amount owing
at any time hereunder and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

           This Note is secured by the  Collateral  described  in the  Agreement
(including,  without  limitation,  all Real Property,  Accounts,  Chattel Paper,
Documents,  Equipment,  Fixtures,  General Intangibles,  Goods,  Instruments and
inventory of the  undersigned),  and  reference is hereby made to the  Agreement
for,  among other things,  the  conditions  under which this Note may or must be
paid in whole or in part prior to its due date or its due date accelerated. Bank
is hereby granted a security  interest in all property of the undersigned at any
time in the  possession of Bank or any Affiliate of Bank (or as to which Bank or
any Affiliate of Bank at any time controls possession by documents or otherwise)
and in all balances of deposit or other  accounts  (including  without  limit an
account  evidenced by a certificate of deposit) of the undersigned  from time to
time with Bank or any Affiliate of Bank.

           If an Event of Default  occurs and is not cured  within the time,  if
any,  provided  for by the  Agreement,  Bank may exercise any one or more of the
rights  and  remedies  granted by the  Agreement  or any  document  contemplated
thereby or given to a secured  party under  applicable  law,  including  without
limit the right to accelerate this Note and any other indebtedness,  and may set
off  against  the  principal  of and  interest on this Note or against any other
Indebtedness (i) any amount owing by Bank to the undersigned,  (ii) any property
of the  undersigned  at any time in the  possession  of Bank or any Affiliate of
Bank,  and (iii) any amount in any deposit or other account  (including  without
limit an account  evidenced by a certificate of deposit) of the undersigned with
Bank or any Affiliate of Bank.

           The  undersigned  and  all  accommodation  parties,   guarantors  and
endorsers (i) waive presentment,  demand, protest and notice of protest,  notice
of dishonor, notice of intention to accelerate, notice of acceleration,  and all
other notices other than as expressly provided in the Agreement, (ii) agree that
no extension or indulgence to the undersigned or release or  non-enforcement  of
any security,  whether with or without  notice,  shall affect the obligations of
any accommodation party, guarantor or endorser, and (iii) agree to reimburse the
holder of this


REAL ESTATE NOTE - Page 2

<PAGE>



Note for any and all costs and expenses  incurred in collecting or attempting to
collect any and all principal and interest under this Note  (including,  but not
limited to,  court  costs and  reasonable  attorney  fees,  whether  in-house or
outside  counsel is used and whether  such costs and  expenses  are  incurred in
formal or informal collection actions, federal bankruptcy proceedings, appellate
proceedings, probate proceedings, or otherwise).

           No agreements,  conditions,  provisions or stipulations  contained in
this Note,  or the  default of the  undersigned,  or the  exercise by the holder
hereof of the right to  accelerate  the payment or the maturity of principal and
interest, or to exercise any option whatsoever contained herein, or in any other
agreements  between the  undersigned and Bank, or the arising of any contingency
whatsoever,  shall  entitle  the holder of this Note to  collect,  in any event,
interest exceeding the maximum rate of nonusurious interest allowed from time to
time by  applicable  state or  federal  law as now or as may  hereinafter  be in
effect, including, as to article 5069-1.04 Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes (and as
the  same  may be  incorporated  by  reference  in other  Texas  statutes),  but
otherwise without limitation,  that rate based upon the "indicated rate ceiling"
(the "Legal  Rate") and in no event shall the  undersigned  be  obligated to pay
interest   exceeding  such  Legal  Rate;  and  all  agreements,   conditions  or
stipulations,  if any, which may in any event or contingency  whatsoever operate
to bind,  obligate or compel the undersigned to pay a rate of interest exceeding
the Legal Rate shall be without binding force or effect, at law or in equity, to
the extent only of the excess of interest over such Legal Rate. In the event any
interest is charged in excess of the Legal Rate (the "Excess"),  the undersigned
acknowledges  and  stipulates  that any such  charge  shall be the  result of an
accidental and bona fide error, and such Excess shall be first applied to reduce
the principal then unpaid  hereunder;  second,  applied to reduce any obligation
for other  indebtedness of the  undersigned to Bank; and third,  returned to the
undersigned,  it being the  intention of the parties  hereto not to enter at any
time into an usurious or other illegal relationship.  The undersigned recognizes
that such an unintentional result could inadvertently occur. By the execution of
this Note, the undersigned covenants that (i) the credit or return of any Excess
shall constitute the acceptance by the undersigned of such Excess,  and (ii) the
undersigned  shall not seek or  pursue  any other  remedy,  legal or  equitable,
against Bank or any holder hereof based,  in whole or in part, upon the charging
or  receiving  of any  interest in excess of the Legal Rate.  For the purpose of
determining  whether  or not any  Excess  has been  contracted  for,  charged or
received by Bank or any holder hereof,  all interest at any time contracted for,
charged or received by Bank or any holder hereof,  in connection with this Note,
shall be  amortized,  prorated,  allocated  and spread in equal parts during the
entire term of this Note.  For the sole purpose of  computing  the extent of the
Indebtedness  and obligations of the undersigned  asserted  hereunder by Bank or
any holder hereof,  the figures set forth herein and the provisions hereof shall
be automatically recomputed by the undersigned, and by any court considering the
same, to give effect to the adjustments or credits required by this paragraph.

           This Note shall be  construed  under and  governed by the laws of the
State of Texas and applicable federal law.



REAL ESTATE NOTE - Page 3

<PAGE>


           IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned has executed this Note as of the
28th day of October, 1992, to be effective as of the date of disbursement of the
Real Estate Loan evidenced by this Note.

Hilite Industries, Inc.


By:______________________
Its:_____________________



DB973560117
122297 v2
333:3134-488


REAL ESTATE NOTE - Page 4


<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT G
                                                                       ---------

                         TELEPHONE NOTICE AUTHORIZATION

                                                           January 30, 1998

Comerica Bank-Texas
4100 Spring Valley
Spring Valley at Midway
Dallas, Texas  75244

Gentlemen:

We hereby  confirm  borrowing  arrangements  made with you as  described in this
letter.  Pursuant to and subject to the terms of the FIFTH  AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING  CREDIT NOTE (the "NOTE") and the Second Amended and Restated  Secured
Loan Agreement ("Agreement"), both dated January 30, 1998 executed and delivered
by us to you, you have agree until notice to the contrary to us, that,  upon our
advice to you by telephone  from time to time that we wish to borrow money under
the NOTE, you will lend and forthwith  credit such sums of money as requested to
account number with you.

You may rely on the giving to you of the  Security  Code  listed  below as proof
that the caller is authorized to make such borrowings on our behalf.

We acknowledge that all our borrowings  under the NOTE may at our election,  but
subject to the terms of the Agreement, be repaid upon our advice to you to do so
by telephone  (together with the Security Code listed  below).  Repayment may be
effected  (in whole or in part) by  debiting  the above  mentioned  account.  Of
course,  we  acknowledge  that we  remain  fully  responsible  for  any  amounts
outstanding  under the NOTE if our accounts  with you are  insufficient  for the
repayment  of the NOTE.  We  recognize  that all requests for payments are to be
against collected funds.

We  acknowledge  that the methods of borrowing  and  repayment set forth in this
letter  are for our  convenience  and,  therefore,  agree that you shall have no
liability  whatsoever to us arising out of your  administration and servicing of
the loans under the NOTE or our borrowings and repayments  thereunder (excepting
only those arising solely out of your willful misconduct) and all such risks and
liabilities whatsoever are assumed and accepted by us. Without limitation of the
foregoing, we acknowledge that we have been advised to protect and safeguard the
Security  Code  contained  herein,  so as to  permit  its use only for  purposes
intended  by us and to prevent any loss or damage to us from such use. We assume
any losses or damages  whatsoever which may occur or arise out of our failure to
protect and safeguard the Security Code.





<PAGE>



Security Code:                                 Very truly yours,

Comerica Bank-Texas   Date:_____________       HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
(214) 818-2118


By:______________________________              By:______________________________
       J. Michael Park                                Samuel M. Berry
       Vice President                                 President


HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP,
a Texas limited partnership

By:    HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.,
     ------------------------------------
       a Delaware corporation,
       as its general partner


       By:_______________________________
            Daniel W. Brady
            Chief Executive Officer






                                       -2-

<PAGE>


                          SECURITY CODE AUTHORIZATIONS

The following  persons are  authorized  to use the Security Code for  requesting
loan advances and paydowns:


______________________________               __________________________________
           (Print Name)                                 (Print Name)


______________________________               __________________________________
           (Title)                                       (Title)


______________________________               __________________________________
           (Signature)                                 (Signature)



______________________________               __________________________________
           (Print Name)                                 (Print Name)


______________________________               __________________________________
           (Title)                                       (Title)


______________________________               __________________________________
           (Signature)                                 (Signature)



A change in  authorities  will require  another form to be completed  containing
current information.

Comerica Bank-Texas
P.O. Box 650282
Dallas, Texas  75265-9979

Attn:      J. Michael Park
Mail Code - 6528


DB973630079
012798 v6
333:3134-488





                                       -3-

<PAGE>

                                    GUARANTY
                                      (HTX)

COMERICA BANK-TEXAS

           The undersigned,  for value received,  unconditionally and absolutely
guarantee(s) to Comerica Bank-Texas  (hereinafter called the "Bank"), and to the
Bank's  successors and assigns,  payment when due,  whether by  acceleration  or
otherwise, of all existing and future indebtedness to the Bank of


                           HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC. AND
                        HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP

and also of any debtor-in-possession or trustee in bankruptcy ,which succeeds to
the interests of said party or person (jointly and severally  hereinafter called
the "Customer"),  for principal of and interest  (including interest accruing at
the rates  provided  for in the Loan  Agreement  (as  defined  below)  after the
commencement of a bankruptcy) on all loans and other extensions of credit under,
and all  expenses,  fees,  reimbursements,  indemnities  and other amounts owing
pursuant to that certain  Second  Amended and Restated  Secured Loan  Agreement,
dated as of the  date  hereof,  executed  by  Hilite  Industries,  Inc.,  Hilite
Industries Automotive,  LP and Bank (as amended,  renewed, extended and restated
from time to time with the consent of the  undersigned,  the "Loan  Agreement"),
together with all other indebtedness, liabilities and obligations of Customer to
Bank,  howsoever such indebtedness,  liabilities and other obligations have been
or may be incurred or  evidenced,  whether  absolute  or  contingent,  direct or
indirect,  and  whether  or not  known  to the  undersigned  at the time of this
Guaranty  or at the time any  future  indebtedness  is  incurred  (all of which,
together with all costs of collection  thereof,  including,  without limitation,
reasonable    attorney   fees,   is   hereinafter    collectively   called   the
"Indebtedness").

           The Indebtedness  guaranteed includes, but is not limited to: (a) any
and all direct indebtedness of the Customer to the Bank, including  indebtedness
evidenced  by any and all  promissory  notes;  (b)  any and all  obligations  or
liabilities  of the Customer to the Bank arising under any guaranty  wherein the
Customer has  guaranteed  the payment of  indebtedness  owing to the Bank from a
third party;  (c) any and all  obligations or liabilities of the Customer to the
Bank  arising from  applications  or  agreements  for the issuance of letters of
credit; (d) any and all amendments, modifications, renewals and/or extensions of
any of the foregoing,  including but not limited to  amendments,  modifications,
renewals and/or extensions which are evidenced by new or additional instruments,
documents  or  agreements;  and (e) all  interest  and all  costs of  collecting
Indebtedness, including without limitation reasonable attorney fees.

           The undersigned  waive(s) notice of acceptance of this Guaranty,  and
presentment, demand, protest, notice of protest, notice of default and diligence
in collecting any Indebtedness,





<PAGE>



and  agree(s)  that the Bank may  modify  the  terms of  borrowing,  compromise,
extend, increase, accelerate, renew or forbear to enforce payment of any part or
all  of  any   Indebtedness,   or  permit  the  Customer  to  incur   additional
Indebtedness, all without notice to the undersigned and without affecting in any
manner the unconditional  obligation of the undersigned under this Guaranty. The
undersigned  acknowledge(s)  and agree(s) that the  liabilities  created by this
Guaranty  are direct  and are not  conditioned  upon  pursuit by the Bank of any
remedy  the Bank may have  against  the  Customer  or any  other  person  or any
security.  No  invalidity,  irregularity  or  unenforceability  by reason of any
bankruptcy,  insolvency  or  other  similar  law,  or any  law or  order  of any
government or agency thereof purporting to reduce, amend or otherwise affect the
Indebtedness  shall impair,  affect or be a defense to the  obligations  of' the
undersigned under this Guaranty.

           The  undersigned   deliver(s)  this  Guaranty  based  solely  on  the
undersigned's  independent  investigation  of  the  financial  condition  of the
Customer and is (are) not relying on any information  furnished by the Bank. The
undersigned  assume(s) full responsibility for obtaining any further information
concerning the Customer's financial condition, the status of the Indebtedness or
any other matter which the  undersigned  may deem necessary or appropriate  from
time to time. The undersigned  hereby waive(s) any duty on the part of the Bank,
and agree(s)  that it is not relying upon nor  expecting the Bank to disclose to
the undersigned any fact now or hereafter known by the Bank, whether relating to
the  operations  or condition of the Customer,  the  existence,  liabilities  or
financial  condition of any co-guarantor of the Indebtedness,  the occurrence of
any default with respect to the Indebtedness, or otherwise,  notwithstanding any
effect  such  fact  may  have  upon  the  undersigned's  risk  hereunder  or the
undersigned's rights against the Customer.  The undersigned  knowingly accept(s)
the full range of risk  encompassed  in this  contract of  Guaranty,  which risk
includes,  but is not limited to, the  possibility  that the  Customer may incur
Indebtedness to the Bank after the financial  condition of the Customer,  or its
ability to pay its debts as they mature, has deteriorated.

           The undersigned grant(s) to the Bank a security interest in and right
of  setoff  with  respect  to any and all  property  of the  undersigned  now or
hereafter in the possession of the Bank. The undersigned  hereby  subordinate(s)
any claim of any nature  whatsoever  that the  undersigned  now or hereafter has
(have) against the Customer to and in favor of all Indebtedness and agree(s) not
to accept  payment  or  satisfaction  of any claim that the  undersigned  now or
hereafter may have against the Customer without the prior written consent of the
Bank.  The  undersigned  further  hereby  assign(s)  to the  Bank as  collateral
security for the  obligations  of the  undersigned  hereunder  all claims of any
nature  whatsoever  that the undersigned now or hereafter has (have) against the
Customer with full right on the part of the Bank, in its own name or in the name
of the undersigned, to collect and enforce such claims.

           The  undersigned  agree(s) that no security now or hereafter  held by
the Bank for the payment of any  Indebtedness,  whether from the  Customer,  any
guarantor  or  otherwise,  and  whether in the  nature of a  security  interest,
pledge, lien, assignment, setoff, suretyship,  guarantee indemnity, insurance or
otherwise,  shall  affect in any  manner  the  unconditional  obligation  of the
undersigned under this Guaranty,  and the Bank, in its sole discretion,  without
notice to the  undersigned,  may release,  exchange,  enforce and otherwise deal
with any such security without





                                       -2-

<PAGE>



affecting in any manner the  unconditional  obligation of the undersigned  under
this Guaranty. The undersigned  acknowledge(s) and agree(s) that the Bank has no
obligation  to acquire or perfect any lien on or security  interest in any asset
or assets, whether realty or personalty,  to secure payment of the Indebtedness,
and the  undersigned  is (are) not  relying  upon assets in which the Bank has a
lien or security interest for payment of the Indebtedness.

           Until such time as the  Indebtedness  shall be  indefeasibly  paid in
full, the undersigned hereby waive(s) any and all rights to be subrogated to the
position  of the Bank or to have the benefit of any lien,  security  interest or
other  guaranty now or hereafter  held by the Bank for the  Indebtedness.  Until
such  time  as  the  Indebtedness  shall  be  indefeasibly  paid  in  full,  the
undersigned  shall have no right of  reimbursement,  indemnity,  contribution or
other right of recourse to or with respect to the Customer.  The Bank shall have
no duty to enforce or protect any rights which the  undersigned may have against
the Customer,  and the undersigned assume(s) full responsibility,  for enforcing
and protecting any such rights.

           If the  Indebtedness  or any portion  thereof is guaranteed by two or
more  guarantors,  the obligation of the  undersigned  shall be several and also
joint,  each with all and also each with any one or more of the others,  and may
be enforced at the option of the Bank  against each  severally,  any two or more
jointly,  or some severally and some jointly.  The Bank, in its sole discretion,
may release any one or more of such  guarantors for any  consideration  which it
deems adequate, and may fail or elect not to prove a claim against the estate of
any bankrupt,  insolvent,  incompetent  or deceased  guarantor;  and  thereafter
without notice to any other guarantor,  the Bank may extend or renew any part or
all of any  Indebtedness  and  may  permit  the  Customer  to  incur  additional
Indebtedness,  without affecting in any manner the  unconditional  obligation of
the  remaining  guarantor(s).  Such  action by the Bank shall not,  however,  be
deemed to affect any right to contribution which may exist among the guarantors.

           The  undersigned  guarantor  may  terminate  the  obligation  of this
Guaranty as to future Indebtedness by delivering written notice to an officer of
the Bank and  receiving  from an officer of the Bank written  acknowledgment  of
such  delivery,  such  termination to be effective at the opening of business on
the fifteenth (15th) day following such written  acknowledgment of delivery. Any
such termination  shall not affect in any way the  unconditional  obligations of
the remaining  guarantor(s),  whether or not such  termination  is known to said
remaining   guarantor(s),   nor  shall   termination   affect  in  any  way  the
unconditional   obligations   of  the   terminating   guarantor(s)   as  to  any
Indebtedness,  existing at the date of termination or any  Indebtedness  created
thereafter  pursuant  to any  commitment  of the  Bank  existing  at the date of
termination, or any extensions or renewals of any such Indebtedness,  whether in
whole or in part,  and as to all such  Indebtedness  and  extensions or renewals
thereof,  this Guaranty shall continue  effective until the same shall have been
fully paid with  interest.  The Bank  shall have no duty to give  notice of such
termination by any guarantor(s) to any remaining  guarantor(s).  The undersigned
shall  indemnify  the Bank  against all  claims,  damages,  costs and  expenses,
including without limitation  reasonable  attorney fees, incurred by the Bank in
connection  with any suit,  claim or action  against the Bank arising out of any
modification or termination of a Customer loan or any





                                       -3-

<PAGE>



refusal  by the  Bank  to  extend  additional  credit  in  connection  with  the
termination of this Guaranty.

           If  after  receipt  of  any  payment  of  all  or  any  part  of  the
Indebtedness,  the Bank is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment to
any person or entity  because such payment is  determined to be void or voidable
as a preference, impermissible setoff, diversion of trust funds or for any other
reason,  then to the extent of that payment,  the Indebtedness  shall be revived
and the  obligations  under this Guaranty  shall be continued in effect  without
reduction or discharge for that payment,  and this  Guaranty  shall  continue in
full force  notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken by the
Bank in reliance upon such payment,  and any such contrary action so taken shall
be without prejudice to Bank's rights under this Guaranty and shall be deemed to
have been conditioned upon such payment having become final and irrevocable.

           No agreements,  conditions,  provisions or stipulations  contained in
this Guaranty or any other  instrument,  document or agreement  between Customer
and  Bank or  default  of  Customer,  or the  exercise  by Bank of the  right to
accelerate  the payment of the maturity of principal and interest or to exercise
any option whatsoever contained in this Guarantee or any other agreement between
Customer and Bank, or the arising of any contingency  whatsoever,  shall entitle
Bank to collect, in any event, interest exceeding the Legal Rate and in no event
shall the  undersigned  or Customer be obligated to pay interest  exceeding such
Legal Rate and all agreements,  conditions or stipulations, if any, which may in
any event or  contingency  whatsoever  operate to bind,  obligate  or compel the
undersigned  or  Customer to pay a rate of  interest  exceeding  the Legal Rate,
shall be without  binding  force or effect,  at law or in equity,  to the extent
only of the excess of interest  over such Legal Rate.  In the event any interest
is  charged  in excess of the Legal  Rate  ("Excess"),  each of the  undersigned
acknowledges  and  stipulates  that any such  charge  shall be the  result of an
accident and bona fide error, and such Excess shall be, first, applied to reduce
the principal then unpaid hereunder; second, applied to reduce the Indebtedness;
and third,  returned to Customer,  it being the intention of the parties  hereto
not to enter at any time into a usurious or otherwise illegal relationship. Each
of the undersigned  recognizes that with  fluctuations in the Prime Rate and the
Legal Rate,  such an  unintentional  result could  inadvertently  occur.  By the
execution  of this  Guaranty,  each of the  undersigned  covenants  that (a) the
credit  or  return  of  any  Excess  shall  constitute  the  acceptance  of  the
undersigned of such Excess, and (b) the undersigned shall not seek or pursue any
other remedy,  legal or equitable,  against Bank, based in whole or in part upon
the charging or receiving of any interest in excess of the maximum authorized by
applicable  law.  For the purpose of  determining  whether or not any Excess has
been  contracted  for,  charged or  received by Bank,  all  interest at any time
contracted  for,  charged or received by Bank in  connection  with this Guaranty
shall be  amortized,  prorated,  allocated  and spread in equal parts during the
entire term of this Guaranty.

           ADDITIONAL  PROVISIONS:  It is expressly  agreed that, for so long as
this  Guaranty,  is in  effect,  (a)  the  undersigned  will  furnish  to  Bank,
consolidated annual financial statements of the undersigned and the customer not
later than 90 days after the close of each  fiscal year of the  undersigned  and
consolidated  monthly  financial  statements of the undersigned and the customer
not later than 20 days after the close of each calendar month in form reasonably
satisfactory to





                                       -4-

<PAGE>



Bank and certified by the chief executive  officer or chief financial officer of
the undersigned; and (b) the undersigned hereby makes all of the representations
and  warranties  and agrees to all of the covenants of Customer set forth in the
Loan Agreement that refer to the undersigned,  with the same force and effect as
representations,  warranties and covenants of the undersigned as though the same
were set forth in their entirety herein.  Anything contained in this Guaranty to
the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of the undersigned hereunder shall
be limited to a maximum  aggregate amount equal to the largest amount that would
not render the  undersigned's  obligations  hereunder  subject to avoidance as a
fraudulent  transfer or  conveyance  under Section 548 of Title 11 of the United
States Code or any applicable  provisions of comparable state law (collectively,
the Fraudulent Transfer Laws"),  after giving effect to all other liabilities of
the undersigned, contingent or otherwise, that are relevant under the Fraudulent
Transfer  laws and after  giving  effect  as assets to the value (as  determined
under the applicable  provisions of the Fraudulent  Transfer laws) of any rights
to subrogation or contribution of the undersigned pursuant to (i) applicable law
or  (ii)  any  agreement  providing  for  an  equitable   allocation  among  the
undersigned and other affiliates of Customer of obligations  under guaranties by
such parties.

           THE  UNDERSIGNED  HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHTS UNDER THE DECEPTIVE  TRADE
PRACTICES -- CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT, SECTION 17.41 ET. SEQ. BUSINESS & COMMERCE
CODE,  A  LAW  THAT  GIVES  CONSUMERS  SPECIAL  RIGHTS  AND  PROTECTIONS.  AFTER
CONSULTATION  WITH  AN  ATTORNEY  OF  THE   UNDERSIGNED'S  OWN  SELECTION,   THE
UNDERSIGNED  VOLUNTARILY  CONSENTS TO THIS  WAIVER.  THE  UNDERSIGNED  EXPRESSLY
WARRANTS  AND  REPRESENTS  THAT THE  UNDERSIGNED  (A) IS NOT IN A  SIGNIFICANTLY
DISPARATE  BARGAINING  POSITION RELATIVE TO LENDER, AND (B) HAS BEEN REPRESENTED
BY LEGAL  COUNSEL  IN  CONNECTION  WITH THE  TRANSACTIONS  CONTEMPLATED  BY THIS
GUARANTY.

           The total  obligation  under this Guaranty shall be UNLIMITED  unless
otherwise  indicated in the  Additional  Provisions of this  Guaranty,  and such
obligation  (whether  unlimited  or  limited  to  the  extent  indicated  in the
Additional  Provisions)  shall include in addition to any limited amount any and
all interest thereon, and all costs and expenses including,  but not limited to,
reasonable attorney fees incurred in enforcing any of the duties and obligations
of the  undersigned  under this  Guaranty.  Any  reference  in this  Guaranty to
attorney fees shall be deemed a reference to fees, charges,  costs, and expenses
of both in-house and outside  counsel,  whether or not suit is  instituted,  and
whether incurred at the trial court level, on appeal, in a bankruptcy proceeding
or otherwise.

           This  Guaranty  is secured by the  Collateral  described  in the Loan
Agreement  and the other  Loan  Documents  (as  defined  on the Loan  Agreement)
(including,   without  limitation,   all  Accounts,  Chattel  Paper,  Documents,
Equipment, Fixtures, Real Property, General Intangibles,  Goods, Instruments and
Inventory  of the  undersigned  (as  each  such  term  is  defined  in the  Loan
Agreement)).






                                       -5-

<PAGE>


           This Guaranty constitutes the entire agreement of the undersigned and
the Bank  with  respect  to the  subject  matter  hereof.  No  waiver,  consent,
modification  or  change  of the terms of this  Guaranty  shall  bind any of the
undersigned  or the Bank unless in writing and signed by the waiving party or an
authorized  officer  of the  waiving  party,  and  then  such  waiver,  consent,
modification or change shall be effective only, in the specific instance and for
the specific  purpose given.  This Guaranty shall be binding on the  undersigned
and the  undersigned's  heirs,  legal  representatives,  successors  and assigns
including,  without  limiting the  generality  of the  foregoing,  any debtor in
possession or trustee in bankruptcy for any of the undersigned.  The undersigned
has (have)  entered into this Guaranty in good faith for the purpose of inducing
the  Bank  to  extend  credit  or make  other  financial  accommodations  to the
Customer,  and  the  undersigned   acknowledge(s)  that  the  terms  hereof  are
reasonable.  If any provision of this Guaranty is  unenforceable  in whole or in
part for any reason,  the remaining  provisions  shall continue to be effective.
THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE  WITH THE LAWS OF
THE STATE OF TEXAS.

           THE  UNDERSIGNED  WAIVE  ANY AND ALL  RIGHTS  TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY
ACTION, SUIT OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF THIS GUARANTY.

           In witness  whereof  the  undersigned  has signed  this  Guaranty  on
January 30, 1998.

                                         HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.



                                         By:___________________________
                                             Daniel W. Brady,
                                             Chief Executive Officer

db980070154
012798 v8
333:3134-488





                                       -6-

<PAGE>

                                  SCHEDULE 5.5

                                 PERMITTED LIENS


A.             Borrowers

               (i)            Purchase money security  interests,  none of which
                              individually  exceeds  $25,000 and all of which in
                              the aggregate do not exceed $250,000.

B.             NASS

               (i)            Liens   for   taxes   or   assessments   or  other
                              governmental charges or levies, either not yet due
                              and  payable  or to the  extent  that  non-payment
                              thereof   is   permitted   by  the  terms  of  the
                              Agreement.

               (ii)           Pledges or  deposits  (provided  that any  current
                              asset so pledged or  deposited  is included on the
                              Company's balance sheet within a line item denoted
                              as a  "pledged"  asset  or with a  similar  title)
                              securing  obligations  (all of which are reflected
                              in  the  ordinary  course  as  liabilities  on the
                              Company's    balance   sheet)   under    workmen's
                              compensation,   unemployment   insurance,   social
                              security  or  public  liability  laws  or  similar
                              legislation.

               (iii)          Pledges or  deposits  (provided  that any  current
                              asset so pledged or  deposited  is included on the
                              Company's balance sheet within a line item denoted
                              as a  "pledged"  asset  or with a  similar  title)
                              securing  bids,  tenders,  contracts  (other  than
                              contracts for the payment of money),  or leases to
                              which the  Company is a party as  lessee,  made in
                              the ordinary course of business.

               (iv)           Deposits  (provided  that  any  current  asset  so
                              pledged or deposited is included on the  Company's
                              balance  sheet  within a line  item  denoted  as a
                              "Pledged"  asset or with a similar title) securing
                              public or statutory  obligations (all of which are
                              reflected in the ordinary course as liabilities on
                              the Company's balance sheet) of the Company.

               (v)            Workers',   mechanics',   suppliers',   carriers',
                              warehousemen's  or other  similar liens arising in
                              the  ordinary  course  of  business  and  securing
                              obligations  (all of which  are  reflected  in the
                              ordinary  course as  liabilities  on the Company's
                              balance  sheet)   aggregating  not  in  excess  of
                              $25,000.00, not yet due and payable.

               (vi)           Deposits  (provided  that  any  current  asset  so
                              pledged or deposited is included on the  Company's
                              balance  sheet  within a line  item  denoted  as a
                              "pledged"  asset or with a similar title) securing
                              or in lieu of surety,  appeal or customs  bonds in
                              proceedings to which the Company is a party,



<PAGE>



               (vii)          Exceptions  set forth on Schedule B in  Commitment
                              for Title Insurance  Policy No. 7569028 dated July
                              21,  1995  issued  by  Chicago   Title   Insurance
                              Company,   as   well   as   zoning   restrictions,
                              easements,  licenses or other  restrictions on the
                              use of Real Property or other minor irregularities
                              in 'title (including  leasehold title) thereto, so
                              long as the same do not materially impair the use,
                              value,  or  marketability  of such Real  Property,
                              leases or leasehold estates.

               (viii)         Liens held by Yale Financial Services, Inc. on all
                              equipment leased by them to the Company,  which is
                              comprised  of  forklifts,   and  all   accessions,
                              additions,  replacements and substitutions thereto
                              and   therefor,   and  all   proceeds   (including
                              insurance proceeds) thereof.

               (ix)           Liens  held by The  old  Second  National  Bank of
                              Aurora on: (a) No. 35 Baird  Multislide with three
                              (3) extra die heads,  serial number 35-90, (b) No.
                              35 Baird  Multislide  with two (2) die heads and a
                              power reel, serial number 16272, (C) Hitachi Model
                              406P wire EDM machine,  serial number  D410046004,
                              and (d) Cleaning  System Model  Formula II and WTS
                              Westek,  invoice number  0121191-1,  leased to the
                              Company by J.M. & A. Leasing Inc.

               (x)            Liens Lien held by J-M  Engineering  Co. on No. 35
                              Baird Multislide, serial number MT104-10.

C.             HDE

               None.          

D.             HTX

               None


<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 5.11

                                  INDEBTEDNESS


A.          Borrowers

            None.


B.          NASS

            None.

C.          HDE

            None.

D.          HTX

            None


<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 5.12

                               MATERIAL AGREEMENTS


A.             Borrowers

               1.             1993 Stock Option Plan of Hilite Industries, Inc.

               2.             Employment  Agreement  dated July 1, 1993  between
                              Hilite Industries, Inc. and Samuel M. Berry.

               3.             Management  Contract  between  Hilite  Industries,
                              Inc. and Lineberger & Co. dated July 1, 1996.

               4.             Lease Agreement  between Hilite  Industries,  Inc.
                              and Roger C. Hunsacker d/b/a Hunsacker  Properties
                              dated September 2, 1993.

               5.             Lease Agreement  between Hilite  Industries,  Inc.
                              and  Leonard  Properties  dated  August,  1992 and
                              Amendment No. 1 thereto.

               6.             Secured Loan Agreement between Hilite  Industries,
                              Inc.  and the Bank dated  December  21,  1990 (the
                              "Loan Agreement").

               7.             Amendment  to Loan  Agreement  dated  January  31,
                              1992.

               8.             Second  Amendment to Loan Agreement  dated October
                              28, 1992.

               9.             Third  Amendment to Loan Agreement  dated November
                              11, 1993.

               10.            Fourth  Amendment to Loan Agreement dated February
                              15, 1994.

               11.            Amended and Restated  Secured Loan Agreement dated
                              July 21, 1995.

               12.            Fifth Amendment to Loan Agreement dated July 1997.

               13.            Underwriting  Agreement  among Hilite  Industries,
                              Inc.,   Fahnestock   &  Co.   and  First   Hanover
                              Securities, Inc., dated January 24, 1994.

               14.            Union Contract Agreement between Pitts Division of
                              Hilite  Industries,  Inc.  and  the  International
                              Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine
                              and Furniture  Workers,  AFL-CIO,  dated September
                              21, 1997.

               15.            Company Proposed Collective  Bargaining  Agreement
                              between  Surfaces  Division of Hilite  Industries,
                              Inc. and the  International  Union of  Electronic,
                              Electrical,   Salaried,   Machine  and   Furniture
                              Workers, AFL-CIO, dated May 21, 1996.



<PAGE>



B.             NASS

               1.             Employment   Agreements,   dated  July  21,  1995,
                              between  the  Guarantor  and  each of  Michael  L.
                              McKee, Donald P. Degenhardt and Robert S. Johnson.

C.             HDE

               None.

D.             HTX

               None


<PAGE>



                                  SCHEDULE 8.2
                              ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

A.          Borrowers
            None.

B.          NASS

            1.          Paint solvent is used at the 345 Criss Circle, Elk Grove
                        Village  facility,  and  has  either  been  recycled  or
                        disposed  of  at  an  off-site  facility.  Recycling  is
                        conducted  on the  premises by licensed  companies  that
                        process  the  used  solvent  into  sludge  and  reusable
                        solvent. The sludge is then hauled away by the companies
                        and properly disposed.

            The following  companies  perform the  recycling and  transportation
services for the Company:


Name                            Licenses
- ----                            --------
Solvent Systems                 U.S. EPA I.D. #ILD984832006
International, Inc.             State transporters I.D. #2604
339 West River Road
Elgin, Illinois 60123

J.B. Hunt Special               U.S. EPA I.D. #ARD981908551
Commodities Inc.                State transporters I.D. #3091
P.O. Box 130
Lowell, Arkansas 72745




            The  following  company  operates  the disposal  facility  where the
Company's waste is disposed:


Name                                        Licenses
- ----                                        --------
Environmental Services of America-In        U.S. EPA I.D. #ILD980590947
604 South Scott Street
South Bend, Indiana 46601

                        Hazardous  materials  shipped  by the  Company  from the
            facility at 345 Criss Circle, Elk Grove Village,  are referred to in
            the manifest history, which was previously delivered to Buyer.




<PAGE>


            2.          One (1) Underground Storage Tank was removed at the 34.5
                        Criss Circle,  Elk Grove Village facility.  The Illinois
                        Environmental  Protection Agency determined in 1992 that
                        no further remediation of the area is necessary.

            3.          In 1990,  a discharge  of  condensate  from a compressor
                        resulted  in a small oil spill at the 345 Criss  Circle,
                        Elk Grove Village  facility.  Remediation  was conducted
                        and  approved  by  the  Metropolitan  Water  Reclamation
                        District of Greater Chicago.

            4.          In 1991,  asbestos-containing  insulation was discovered
                        in the Kentucky facility.  The asbestos was removed by a
                        certified asbestos abatement specialist.

C.          HDE

            None.

D.          HTX

            None







                 SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL GENERAL RELEASE

        This Settlement  Agreement and Mutual General Release  ("Agreement")  is
entered into between (1) Hilite Industries,  Inc.  ("Hilite") and (2) Michael L.
McKee,   Donald  P.   Degenhardt  and  Robert  S.  Johnson   (collectively   the
"Defendants").

        WHEREAS,  the  parties  hereto are  parties to an action  styled  Hilite
Industries, Inc. v. McKee et al., No. 97 C 3448 (Leinenweber, J.) (United States
District Court for the Northern District of Illinois) (the "Suit");

        WHEREAS,  Hilite  alleges in the Suit that,  inter alia,  the Defendants
breached certain  representations  and warranties in a Stock Purchase  Agreement
entered into between Hilite and  Defendants on or about July 21, 1995,  pursuant
to which  Defendants  sold Hilite 100% of the stock of North  American  Spring &
Stamping Corp. ("NASS") (the "Stock Purchase Agreement");

        WHEREAS, pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement and as partial payment
of the purchase price called for by the Stock Purchase Agreement, each Defendant
was issued a Subordinated Note ("Note") by Hilite,  copies of which are attached
hereto as Group Exhibit A;

        WHEREAS,  pursuant  to the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  each  Defendant
entered into an Employment Agreement  ("Employment  Agreement") with NASS, which
include  provisions  for a  salary  to be paid to each  Defendant  for  services
rendered as well as the payment of a  non-competition  fee,  copies of which are
attached hereto as Group Exhibit B;

        WHEREAS,  the Defendants  have filed a counterclaim  in the Suit seeking
payment under each of their respective Notes;



<PAGE>



        WHEREAS,  incident to execution  of the Stock  Purchase  Agreement,  the
parties  entered into an agreement  dealing with certain  environmental  matters
(the "Environmental  Agreement"),  a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit
C;

        WHEREAS,  the Defendants  deny any and all allegations of wrongdoing and
liability  raised  by  Hilite  in the  Suit,  and  Hilite  denies  any  and  all
allegations of wrongdoing and liability raised by Defendants in the Suit; and

        WHEREAS,  the parties, in order to avoid the costs of litigation and the
risks attendant upon trial,  desire to settle their disputes and arrange for the
dismissal  of all claims and  counterclaims  raised in the Suit with  prejudice,
upon the terms set forth herein.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants set forth
below, the parties agree as follows:

        1.      The  recitals  set  forth  above  are  incorporated   herein  by
                reference.

        2.      Upon execution of this Agreement by all parties:

        (a)     The Notes, including all principal and interest thereon (accrued
and unpaid),  shall be cancelled,  and Hilite shall be  discharged  and released
from any further obligations thereunder;

        (b)     Any remaining  obligation of NASS to the  Defendants  under each
Defendant's  Employment  Agreement,  including without  limitation any remaining
payment obligation under paragraph 4 thereof,  shall be cancelled and NASS shall
be discharged and released from any futher obligations thereunder;



                                       -2-


<PAGE>




        (c)     The  Defendants  shall  collectively  pay Hilite by certified or
bank check or checks the total amount of $101,498.00;

        (d)     Any  obligations  that the  Defendants  may have pursuant to the
Environmental  Agreement shall be cancelled,  and Defendants shall be discharged
and released from any further obligations thereunder, except that the Defendants
shall pay the fees owed to their environmental  consultant for work requested by
the  Defendants  and  performed  by  such  consultant  up to the  date  of  this
Agreement; and
 
        (e)     The parties  shall  execute a  stipulation  and agreed  order of
dismissal, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, providing for the dismissal
of the Suit, including all claims and counterclaims, with prejudice, and further
providing that all parties shall bear their own costs and fees.

        3.      The parties agree that:

        (a)     The release of Hilite's  obligations to make any further payment
under the Notes shall constitute a reduction of $1,785,184 to the purchase price
set forth in, and to be paid pursuant to, the Stock Purchase Agreement;

        (b)     The  Defendants'  payment  of  $101,498.00  shall be in  partial
reimbursement of Hilite's legal fees incurred in the Suit;

        (c)     The release of NASS' obligations to make further salary payments
under the  Employment  Agreements  for services to be rendered  thereunder is in
exchange  for the  release of the  Defendants'  obligations,  if any, to perform
further services thereunder; and


                                      -3-


<PAGE>



        (d)     The release of NASS'  obligation to make further payments of the
non- competition fee under the Employment Agreement shall constitute a reduction
in  the  consideration  paid  therefore.   Notwitstanding  the  foregoing,   the
Defendants  shall  remain  bound  by  the  terms  of  the   confidentiality  and
non-compete  provisions  set forth in their  respective  Employment  Agreements,
including the provisions in paragraph 3 thereof.

        4.      With  the  exception  of those  obligations  imposed  upon  each
Defendant under the terms of this Agreement and those  obligations  imposed upon
each  Defendant  by the  confidentiality  and  non-compete  provisions  of  each
Defendant's  respective  Employment  Agreement,  which are not  released by this
Agreement and shall remain in force as written,  Hilite, on behalf of itself and
its successors,  assigns, employees,  officers,  directors,  affiliates,  parent
corporations and subsidiaries  (including,  without limitation,  NASS),  agrees,
promises,  releases and forever  discharges the Defendants and their  respective
heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns from liability from any
and all  claims,  controversies,  actions,  causes of actions,  demands,  torts,
damages, costs, attorneys' fees, moneys due on account, contractual obligations,
obligations, warranties, representations, covenants, judgments or liabilities of
any kind  whatsoever  in law or equity,  arising out of any agreement or alleged
breach of agreement or imposed by statute,  common law or  otherwise,  including
but not  limited to all claims  that were or could have been raised by Hilite in
the Suit or pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, from the beginning of time
to the date this  Agreement  is signed,  whether or not known now,  anticipated,
unanticipated, suspected or claimed, fixed or contingent, whether yet accrued or
not and whether  damage has  resulted  from such or not.  Without  limiting  the
foregoing, pursuant to


                                       -4-


<PAGE>



the terms of this  paragraph,  any rights that Hilite has to ever again bring an
action for breach of the Stock Purchase  Agreement,  for  indemnification  under
Article  11 of the  Stock  Purchase  Agreement  or based  upon  alleged  acts or
omissions in connection with the negotiation and execution of the Stock Purchase
Agreement are extinguished in full by this paragraph.

        5.      Hilite  represents  and  warrants  that it has not  assigned any
claims  or causes of action  that it now has,  or ever had,  against  any of the
Defendants to any third party.

        6.      With the  exception  of those  obligations  imposed  upon Hilite
under the terms of this Agreement,  the Defendants,  on behalf of themselves and
their  respective  heirs,  executors,  administrators,  successors  and assigns,
agree,  promise,  release  and  forever  discharge  Hilite  and its  successors,
assigns, agents, employees,  officers,  directors,  attorneys,  representatives,
affiliates,  parent corporations and subsidiaries  (including without limitation
NASS), from liability from any and all claims, controversies, actions, causes of
actions, demands, torts, damages, costs, attorneys' fees, moneys due on account,
contractual obligations,  obligations, warranties,  representations,  covenants,
judgments or liabilities of any kind whatsoever in law or equity, arising out of
any agreement or alleged breach of agreement,  or imposed by statute, common law
or  otherwise,  including  but not limited to claims for any payments  under the
Defendants'  respective  Notes or Employment  Agreements,  from the beginning of
time  to  the  date  this  Agreement  is  signed,  whether  or  not  known  now,
anticipated,  unanticipated,  suspected or claimed, fixed or contingent, whether
yet accrued or not and whether  damage has  resulted  from such or not.  Without
limiting the foregoing, pursuant to the terms of this paragraph, any rights that
the  Defendants  have to ever bring an action  for breach of the Stock  Purchase
Agreement, for


                                       -5-


<PAGE>



indemnification  under Article 11 of the Stock Purchase  Agreement or based upon
alleged acts or omissions in connection  with the  negotiation  and execution of
the Stock Purchase Agreement are extinguished in full by this paragraph.

        7.      The Defendants represent and warrant that they have not assigned
any claims or causes of action that they now have, or ever had,  against  Hilite
to any third party.

        8.      Notwithstanding  any  other  provision  of this  Agreement,  any
rights that the  Defendants  currently have in NASS'  Employee  Pension  Benefit
Plans, as identified in Schedule 4.21(a)(ii) of the Stock Purchase Agreement, or
any successor plans thereto, are not affected in any way by this Agreement,  and
shall be preserved.

        9.      This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original,  but which together shall constitute a single
agreement.

        10.     This Agreement  shall, in all respects,  be governed by the laws
of the State of Illinois, without regard to Illinois conflicts of laws rules.

        11.     Each party  represents  that such party has been advised to seek
consultation with an attorney before signing this Agreement, that such party has
had the benefit of  independent  counsel of its own choosing and that such party
has carefully read this Agreement,  has reviewed it with counsel and understands
each provision thereof.

        12.     This Agreement  constitutes the entire  agreement of the parties
with  respect  to the claims and  counterclaims  raised in the Suit.  Each party
represents  that no  promises,  obligations,  representations,  inducements,  or
agreements  of any kind not set  forth in this  Agreement  have been made by any
party to this Agreement or their respective attorneys.


                                       -6-


<PAGE>



Dated: February 13, 1998                HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                        By: /s/ DANIEL W. BRADY
                                           --------------------------------
                                           Its:   Chief Executive Officer
                                               ----------------------------


Dated: February 13, 1998                /s/ MICHAEL L. McKEE
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        MICHAEL L. McKEE


Dated: February 13, 1998                /s/ DONALD P. DEGENHARDT
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        DONALD P. DEGENHARDT


Dated: February 13, 1998                /s/ ROBERT S. JOHNSON
                                        -----------------------------------
                                        ROBERT S. JOHNSON

                                       -7-






                       ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION AGREEMENT


      THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION  AGREEMENT,  dated as of December 31, 1997,
(the  "Agreement"),  between  Hilite  Industries,  Inc., a Delaware  corporation
("Transferor"), and Hilite Industries-Texas,  Inc., a Delaware corporation and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Transferor ("Transferee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS,  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,  Transferor is agreeing
to  transfer  and  Transferee  is  agreeing  to  accept  all of the  Assets  (as
hereinafter defined) and assume all of the liabilities of Transferor, except for
those assets and liabilities expressly excluded herein;

      NOW  THEREFORE,  for good and  valuable  consideration,  the  receipt  and
sufficiency of which is hereby  acknowledged,  Transferee and Transferor  hereby
agree as follows:

1.    ASSIGNMENT.   Transferor   agrees  to  transfer,   convey  and  assign  to
      Transferee,  and Transferee  agrees to accept from Transferor,  all of the
      assets and properties owned by Transferor,  of every kind and description,
      real,  personal and mixed,  tangible  and  intangible,  wherever  located,
      except for the Excluded Assets (as hereinafter defined) (collectively, the
      "Assets")  at the  Closing  (as  hereinafter  defined).  The Assets  shall
      include, but not be limited to:

      a.    all  machinery,  equipment,  computers,  computer  hardware,  tools,
            inventory,   supplies,    construction   in   progress,   furniture,
            automobiles  and all other  tangible  assets of  Transferor  whether
            located at the  Transferor's  facilities in  Carrollton,  Texas (the
            "Real Property") or elsewhere;

      b.    all  the  interest  of and  the  rights  and  benefits  accruing  to
            Transferor as lessee under all leases or rental agreements  covering
            the Fixed Assets;

      c.    all of the rights and  benefits  accruing  to  Transferor  under all
            written   or   oral   contracts,    agreements,    arrangements   or
            understandings,  including without  limitation any loan agreement or
            indenture,  purchase,  sales,  supply or service order or agreement,
            real property, equipment or other lease, or license of trade rights,
            to which the Transferor is a party or by which the Transferor or any
            of the Assets are bound (the "Contracts");

      d.    all  operating  data and records of  Transferor,  including  without
            limitation  client  lists and  records,  referral  sources,  mailing
            lists,  equipment  logs,  operating  guides and  manuals,  copies of
            financial,  accounting  and personnel  records,  correspondence  and
            other similar documents and records;

      e.    all of Transferor's rights to any intellectual property;

      f.    the Real Property and all other real property owned by Transferor;



<PAGE>



      g.    all prepaid expenses; and

      h.    all receivables of the Transferor.

2.    EXCLUDED  ASSETS.  Anything  contained in Section 1 hereof to the contrary
      notwithstanding,  the  Assets  shall  exclude  and Pur  chaser  shall  not
      purchase the following  property and assets  (collectively,  the "Excluded
      Assets"):

      a.    the shares of common stock of  Transferee  received by Transferor in
            consideration for the transfer of the Assets to Transferee;

      b.    the  corporate  minute  books,  stock  books,  tax  returns or other
            records (other than the records relating to the Business included in
            the Assets of Transferor;

      c.    the  shares  of common  stock of North  American  Spring &  Stamping
            Corp.,  a Delaware  corporation  and a  wholly-owned  subsidiary  of
            Transferor ("NASS"); and

      d.    the rights  which  accrue or will  accrue to  Transferor  under this
            Agreement.

3.    ASSUMPTION.

      3.1   Transferee agrees to assume,  and shall discharge in accordance with
their terms,  all of the obligations  and liabilities of Transferor  relating to
the Assets to the extent that they shall remain  uncompleted  and outstanding as
of the  Closing.  Such  liabilities  and  obligations  shall  include but not be
limited to all liabilities and obligations of Transferor under the Contracts.

      3.2   Transferee and Transferor further agree that Transferee shall assume
and  become  liable  for or  perform  when due all  liabilities  (contingent  or
otherwise), debts, contracts, commitments and other obligations of Transferor of
any nature other than those related to the Excluded Assets.

      3.3   To the  extent  that  any  Contract  shall  not be  assignable  from
Transferor  to  Transferee  because  a party  to such  Contract  shall  not have
consented   to   such   assignment   ("Non-Assignable   Contract"),   Transferor
acknowledges  and agrees that Transferee will be granted at the Closing,  to the
fullest  extent  permitted  by law,  the same rights and  privileges  enjoyed by
Transferor  under the  Non-Assignable  Contracts and Transferee  will assume all
liabilities under the Non-Assignable Contracts.

4.    CONSIDERATION.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,  in
      consideration of the sale, conveyance,  assignment,  transfer and delivery
      of the Assets,  the  Transferee  shall issue one hundred (100) shares (the
      "Shares") of its common stock ("Transferee's  Common Stock") to Transferor
      as set forth in paragraph 6 below.


                                       2

<PAGE>



5.    CLOSING.  The closing (the "Closing") of the  transaction  contemplated by
      this  Agreement  shall  take  place  at  the  offices  of  counsel  to the
      Transferor,  Parker  Chapin  Flattau &  Klimpl,  LLP,  1211  Avenue of the
      Americas, New York, New York 10036, at 6:00 p.m. local time on January 31,
      1998 or on a date  designated  by  Transferor  which  shall be  after  all
      requisite approvals have been received by Transferor. The execution and/or
      delivery of each document to be executed  and/or  delivered at the Closing
      and each other  action to be taken at the Closing  shall be subject to the
      condition that every other document to be executed and/or delivered at the
      Closing is so executed and/or delivered and every other action to be taken
      at the Closing is so taken,  and all such  documents  and actions shall be
      deemed to be  executed  and/or  delivered  or  taken,  as the case may be,
      simultaneously.

6.    DELIVERY OF  CONSIDERATION.  Upon  signing of this  Agreement,  Transferee
      shall  issue and  deliver  one (1) Share to  Transferor.  At the  Closing,
      Transferee  shall  issue  and  deliver  the  remaining  ninety  nine  (99)
      authorized  Shares  to  Transferor.  If the  Closing  does not occur on or
      before March 31, 1998, the Share  delivered upon signing of this Agreement
      shall be returned by Transferor to Transferee.

7.    UNREGISTERED SHARES.

      7.1   Transferor  understands that (i) the Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") or the securities  laws
of any  state by reason  of their  issuance  in a  transaction  exempt  from the
registration  requirements of the Act, (ii) the Shares must be held indefinitely
unless a  subsequent  disposition  thereof is  registered  under the Act and any
applicable state securities law or is exempt from such  registration,  (iii) all
of the  Shares  will bear a legend to such  effect as set forth in  Section  7.2
hereof, and (iv) the Transferee will make notation on its transfer books to such
effect.

      7.2   Each certificate  representing  Shares and each  certificate  issued
upon exchange or transfer of any Shares shall be stamped or otherwise  imprinted
with a legend substantially in the following form:

      THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
      AMENDED OR THE SECURITIES  LAWS OF ANY STATE.  SUCH  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE
      TRANSFERRED  OR  OTHERWISE  DISPOSED  OF ABSENT SUCH  REGISTRATION  OR THE
      RECEIPT BY HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS,  INC. OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE
      HOLDER HEREOF, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION SHALL BE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO
      HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.

8.    FURTHER  ASSURANCES.  Each party hereto  covenants and agrees  promptly to
      execute,   deliver,   file  or  record   such   agreements,   instruments,
      certificates  and other  documents  and to perform  such other and further
      acts as the other party hereto may reasonably  request or as may otherwise
      be  necessary  or  proper  to  consummate  and  perfect  the  transactions
      contemplated hereby.


                                       3

<PAGE>


9.    BINDING  EFFECT.  This  Agreement  shall be binding  upon and inure to the
      benefit of the parties hereto and their respective legal  representatives,
      successors and permitted assigns.

10.   CHOICE OF LAW. This Agreement  shall be governed by, and  interpreted  and
      enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

11.   MULTIPLE  COUNTERPARTS.  This  Agreement  may be executed in any number of
      counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
      together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

12.   HEADINGS.  All  section  titles  or  captions  in this  Agreement  are for
      convenience.  They shall not be deemed part of this Agreement and shall in
      no way define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of provisions
      herein.

13.   SEPARABILITY. Inapplicability or unenforceability of any provision of this
      Agreement  shall  not  impair  the  operation  or  validity  of any  other
      provision hereof.

14.   ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This  Agreement,  and all other  agreements  delivered
      contemporaneously with this Agreement,  collectively constitute the entire
      agreement  between the parties hereto with respect to the matter addressed
      herein.

      IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Transferee and Transferor have caused this Assignment
and Assumption Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

                                          HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                          By: /s/ Samuel M. Berry
                                             ----------------------------
                                               Samuel M. Berry
                                                President, Chief Operating
                                                Officer and Director

                                          HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.


                                          By: /s/ Daniel W. Brady
                                             ----------------------------
                                               Daniel W. Brady
                                                Vice Chairman of the
                                                Board of Directors and
                                                Chief Operating Officer

                                        4




                            ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
                                    AGREEMENT


      THIS  ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION  AGREEMENT,  dated as of December 31, 1997
(the "Agreement"), between Hilite Industries-Texas, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("Transferor"), and Hilite Industries-Delaware, Inc., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transferor ("Transferee").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

      WHEREAS,  pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,  Transferor is agreeing
to  transfer  and  Transferee  is  agreeing  to  accept  all of the  Assets  (as
hereinafter defined) and assume all of the liabilities of Transferor, except for
those assets and liabilities expressly excluded herein;

      NOW  THEREFORE,  for good and  valuable  consideration,  the  receipt  and
sufficiency of which is hereby  acknowledged,  Transferee and Transferor  hereby
agree as follows:

      1.    ASSIGNMENT.  Transferor  agrees to  transfer,  convey  and assign to
      Transferee, and Transferee hereby agrees to accept from Transferor, all of
      the  assets  and  properties  owned  by  Transferor,  of  every  kind  and
      description,  real, personal and mixed, tangible and intangible,  wherever
      located,   except  for  the  Excluded  Assets  (as  hereinafter   defined)
      (collectively, the "Assets"). The Assets shall include, but not be limited
      to:

                  (a)   all machinery,  equipment, computers, computer hardware,
            tools,  inventory,  supplies,  construction in progress,  furniture,
            automobiles  and all other  tangible  assets of  Transferor  whether
            located at the  Transferor's  facilities in  Carrollton,  Texas (the
            "Real Property") or elsewhere;

                  (b)   all the interest of and the rights and benefits accruing
            to  Transferor  as  lessee  under all  leases  or rental  agreements
            covering the Fixed Assets;

                  (c)   all of the rights and  benefits  accruing to  Transferor
            under all written or oral  contracts,  agreements,  arrangements  or
            understandings,  including without  limitation any loan agreement or
            indenture,  purchase,  sales,  supply or service order or agreement,
            real property, equipment or other lease, or license of trade rights,
            to which the Transferor is a party or by which the Transferor or any
            of the Assets are bound (the "Contracts");

                  (d)   all operating data and records of Transferor,  including
            without  limitation  client  lists and  records,  referral  sources,
            mailing lists, equipment logs, operating guides and manuals,  copies
            of financial,  accounting and personnel records,  correspondence and
            other similar documents and records;



<PAGE>



                  (e)   all of Transferor's rights to any intellectual property;

                  (f)   the Real Property and all other real  property  owned by
            Transferor;

                  (g)   all prepaid expenses; and

                  (h)   all receivables of the Transferor.

      2.    EXCLUDED  ASSETS.  Anything  contained  in  Section  1 hereof to the
contrary  notwithstanding,  the Assets shall  exclude and  Transferee  shall not
purchase  the  following  property  and  assets  (collectively,   the  "Excluded
Assets"):

                  (a)   the shares of common  stock of  Transferee  received  by
            Transferor  in  consideration  for the  transfer  of the  Assets  to
            Transferee;

                  (b)   the corporate minute books,  stock books, tax returns or
            other  records  (other  than the records  relating  to the  Business
            included in the Assets of Transferor;

                  (c)   those accounts receivable of the Transferor as set forth
            on the closing  certificate,  dated as of the date of the Closing, a
            form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A;

                  (d)   the rights  which  accrue or will  accrue to  Transferor
            under this Agreement.

      3.    ASSUMPTION.

      3.1   Transferee  hereby  assumes and shall  discharge in accordance  with
their terms,  all of the obligations  and liabilities of Transferor  relating to
the Assets to the extent that they shall remain  uncompleted  and outstanding as
of the date hereof.  Such  liabilities and obligations  shall include but not be
limited to all liabilities and obligations of Transferor under the Contracts.

      3.2   Transferee and Transferor further agree that Transferee shall assume
and  become  liable  for or  perform  when due all  liabilities  (contingent  or
otherwise), debts, contracts, commitments and other obligations of Transferor of
any nature other than those related to the Excluded Assets.

      3.3   To the  extent  that  any  Contract  shall  not be  assignable  from
Transferor  to  Transferee  because  a party  to such  Contract  shall  not have
consented   to   such   assignment   ("Non-Assignable   Contract"),   Transferor
acknowledges and agrees that Transferee is hereby granted, to the fullest extent
permitted by law, the same rights and privileges enjoyed by Transferor under the
Non-Assignable  Contracts  and  Transferee  assumes  all  liabilities  under the
Non-Assignable Contracts.


                                       -2-

<PAGE>



      4.    CONSIDERATION.   Subject  to  the  terms  and   conditions  of  this
Agreement, in consideration of the conveyance, assignment, transfer and delivery
of the  Assets,  the  Transferee  shall  issue one  hundred  (100)  shares  (the
"Shares") of its common stock ("Transferee's Common Stock") to Transferor.

      5.    CLOSING. The closing (the "Closing") of the transaction contemplated
by this Agreement  shall take place at the offices of counsel to the Transferor,
Parker Chapin Flattau & Klimpl, LLP, 1211 Avenue of the Americas,  New York, New
York 10036,  at 6:00 p.m. local time on January 31, 1998 or on a date designated
by Transferor which shall be after all requisite approvals have been received by
Transferor. The execution and/or delivery of each document to be executed and/or
delivered at the Closing and each other action to be taken at the Closing  shall
be subject to the  condition  that every other  document  to be executed  and/or
delivered at the Closing is so executed and/or  delivered and every other action
to be taken at the Closing is so taken, and all such documents and actions shall
be  deemed  to be  executed  and/or  delivered  or  taken,  as the  case may be,
simultaneously.

      6.    DELIVERY  OF   CONSIDERATION.   Upon  signing  of  this   Agreement,
Transferee shall deliver one (1) Share to Transferor. At the Closing, Transferee
shall deliver the remaining ninety nine (99) authorized Shares to Transferor. If
the Closing does not occur on or before March 31, 1998 the Share  delivered upon
signing of this Agreement shall be returned by Transferee to Transferor.

      7.    UNREGISTERED SHARES.

      7.1   Transferor  understands that (i) the Shares have not been registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act") or the securities  laws
of any  state by reason  of their  issuance  in a  transaction  exempt  from the
registration  requirements of the Act, (ii) the Shares must be held indefinitely
unless a  subsequent  disposition  thereof is  registered  under the Act and any
applicable state securities law or is exempt from such  registration,  (iii) all
of the  Shares  will bear a legend to such  effect as set forth in  Section  7.2
hereof, and (iv) the Transferee will make notation on its transfer books to such
effect.

      7.2   Each certificate  representing  Shares and each  certificate  issued
upon exchange or transfer of any Shares shall be stamped or otherwise  imprinted
with a legend substantially in the following form:

      THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS
      AMENDED OR THE SECURITIES  LAWS OF ANY STATE.  SUCH  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE
      TRANSFERRED  OR  OTHERWISE  DISPOSED  OF ABSENT SUCH  REGISTRATION  OR THE
      RECEIPT BY HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS,  INC. OF AN OPINION OF COUNSEL FOR THE
      HOLDER HEREOF, WHICH COUNSEL AND OPINION SHALL BE REASONABLY ACCEPTABLE TO
      HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC. THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED.


                                       -3-

<PAGE>


      8.    FURTHER ASSURANCES.  Each party hereto covenants and agrees promptly
to execute, deliver, file or record such agreements,  instruments,  certificates
and other  documents  and to perform  such other and  further  acts as the other
party hereto may  reasonably  request or as may otherwise be necessary or proper
to consummate and perfect the transactions contemplated hereby.

      9.    BINDING EFFECT.  This Assignment  shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the parties hereto and their  respective  legal  representatives,
successors and permitted assigns.

      10.   CHOICE OF LAW. This Assignment shall be governed by, and interpreted
and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware.

      11.   MULTIPLE COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number
of  counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed an  original,  but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

      12.   HEADINGS.  All section  titles or captions in this Agreement are for
convenience. They shall not be deemed part of this Agreement and shall in no way
define, limit, extend or describe the scope or intent of provisions herein.

      13.   SEPARABILITY.  Inapplicability or  unenforceability of any provision
of this  Agreement  shall not  impair the  operation  or  validity  of any other
provision hereof.

      14.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, and all other agreements delivered
contemporaneously  with  this  Agreement,  collectively  constitute  the  entire
agreement  between  the  parties  hereto  with  respect to the matter  addressed
herein.

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  Transferee and Transferor have caused this Bill
of Sale,  Assignment and Assumption Agreement to be duly executed as of the date
first written above.


                                              HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.


                                              By: /s/  Daniel W. Brady
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                  Daniel W. Brady
                                                   Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                   Directors and Chief Operating
                                                   Officer

                                              HILITE INDUSTRIES-DELAWARE, INC.


                                              By: /s/ James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                 -------------------------------
                                                  James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                   President and Treasurer


                                       -4-









                        AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                                       OF
                        HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP












<PAGE>



                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section                              Title                                  Page
- -------                              -----                                  ----

Recitals.......................................................................1
Agreement......................................................................1

                                    ARTICLE I
                                   DEFINITIONS

Section 1.1.         Certain Defined Terms.....................................1

                                   ARTICLE II
                                  ORGANIZATION

Section 2.1.         Formation.................................................2
Section 2.2.         Name of Partnership.......................................2
Section 2.3.         Place of Business; Registered Agent.......................3
Section 2.4.         Term......................................................3
Section 2.5.         Purpose and Powers........................................3
Section 2.6.         Qualification in other Jurisdictions......................3

                                   ARTICLE III
                                 CAPITALIZATION

Section 3.1.         Capital Contributions by the Partners.....................3
Section 3.2.         Matters Relating to Capital Accounts......................4
Section 3.3.         Other Matters Relating to Capital Contributions...........4

                                   ARTICLE IV
                          DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

Section 4.1.         Allocation of Profit and Loss.............................5
Section 4.2.         Special Allocations.......................................5
Section 4.3.         Distributions of Net Cash Flow............................6
Section 4.4.         Allocation of Nonrecourse Liabilities.....................6
Section 4.5.         Amounts Withheld..........................................6

                                    ARTICLE V
                                 FISCAL MATTERS

Section 5.1.         Fiscal Year and Other Elections...........................7
Section 5.2.         Tax Returns...............................................7

259850-2                                                                       8
                                      - i -

<PAGE>



Section 5.3.         Books and Records.........................................7
Section 5.4.         Reports to Partners.......................................7

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                 ADMINISTRATION

Section 6.1.         Management of the Partnership.............................7
Section 6.2.         The General Partner's Role................................9
Section 6.3.         Certain Expenses of the General Partner...................9
Section 6.4.         Bank Accounts.............................................9
Section 6.5.         Exculpation and Indemnification of the General Partner....9
Section 6.6.         The Limited Partners' Limited Role.......................10
Section 6.7.         The Limited Partners' Limited Liability..................10
Section 6.8.         Reliance by Third Parties................................10
Section 6.9.         Reliance by the General Partner..........................10
Section 6.10.        No Rights in Other Activities............................10

                                   ARTICLE VII
                                   COMPOSITION

Section 7.1.         Transfers, Pledges and Dispositions......................10
Section 7.2.         Death, Etc., of a Limited Partner........................11
Section 7.3.         Other Successors and Assigns.............................11
Section 7.4.         Admission of an Additional/Substitute Partner............11

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                           DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

Section 8.1.         Dissolution..............................................13
Section 8.2.         Right to Continue the Limited Partnership's Business.....13
Section 8.3.         Liquidation..............................................13
Section 8.4.         Termination..............................................14
Section 8.5.         Fiscal Year of Termination...............................14
Section 8.6.         Continuing Liabilities and Other Obligations.............14
Section 8.7.         Final Statement..........................................15

                                   ARTICLE IX
                                  MISCELLANEOUS

Section 9.1.         Notice...................................................15
Section 9.2.         Further Assurances.......................................15
Section 9.3.         Power of Attorney........................................15
Section 9.4.         Section and Other Headings...............................16


                                     - ii -

<PAGE>



Section 9.5.         Governing Law............................................16
Section 9.6.         Severability.............................................16
Section 9.7.         Counterparts.............................................16
Section 9.8.         Successors and Assigns; Assignment.......................17
Section 9.9.         No Third Party Rights....................................17
Section 9.10.        No Waiver by Actions, Etc................................17
Section 9.11.        Modification, Amendment, Etc.............................17
Section 9.12.        Entire Agreement.........................................18






                                     - iii -

<PAGE>



          THIS AGREEMENT OF LIMITED  PARTNERSHIP OF HILITE  INDUSTRIES,  LP (the
"Agreement")  is entered  into as of December 31,  1997,  by and between  Hilite
Industries  -Texas,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation,  as general  partner  (the
"General  Partner"),   and  Hilite  Industries   -Delaware,   Inc.,  a  Delaware
corporation, as limited partner (the "Limited Partner").

                                    RECITALS

          The  parties  hereto  desire to form a limited  partnership  under the
Texas  Revised  Limited   Partnership  Act  (the  "Act")  for  the  purposes  of
establishing,   owning  and  operating  the  Business  (as  defined  below)  and
undertaking  such other acts as may be allowed  pursuant to this Agreement,  all
upon the terms and  provisions  and subject to the  conditions  hereinafter  set
forth.

                                    AGREEMENT

          In  consideration  of the  foregoing  and  the  mutual  covenants  and
agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:


                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

          SECTION 1.1.  CERTAIN  DEFINED  TERMS.  As used in this  Agreement the
following  capitalized  terms shall have the meanings  respectively  assigned to
them below,  which meanings shall be applicable equally to both the singular and
plural forms of the term defined:

          "Act" means the Texas Revised  Limited  Partnership  Act, as it may be
amended from time to time, and any successor to such Act.

          "Affiliate"  means  a  person,  entity  or  organization  directly  or
indirectly, through one or more intermediaries,  controlling,  controlled by, or
under common control with the person,  entity or organization  in question.  The
term  "control," as used in the  immediately  preceding  sentence,  means,  with
respect to an entity that is a corporation,  the right to exercise,  directly or
indirectly,  more than 50% of the voting  rights  attributable  to the shares of
such  corporation  and, with respect to a person or  organization  that is not a
corporation,  the possession,  directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or
cause  the   direction  of  the   management  or  policies  of  such  person  or
organization.

          "Agreement"  shall mean this Agreement of Limited  Partnership and the
schedules hereto, as the same may be supplemented, modified, amended or restated
from time to time in the manner provided herein.

          "Business" shall mean the engaging in the design  manufacture and sale
of highly engineered components and assemblies for the automotive industry,  any
activities  incidental  thereto  and  such  other  business  activity  as may be
determined by the Partners.



<PAGE>



          "Capital Account" shall have the meaning assigned to it in Section 3.2
hereof.

          "Code" shall mean the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,  and
the  regulations  promulgated  thereunder,  or any  corresponding  or succeeding
provisions of applicable law.

          "General  Partner"  shall mean  Hilite  Industries  - Texas,  Inc.,  a
Delaware  corporation,  and any other  person  admitted as a General  Partner in
accordance with this Agreement.

          "Limited  Partners" shall mean Hilite  Industries - Delaware,  Inc., a
Delaware  corporation,  and any other  person  admitted as a Limited  Partner in
accordance with this Agreement.

          "Liquidating  Partner" shall mean (a) the General  Partner,  or (b) if
the General Partner is without  capacity to act, a Limited  Partner  selected by
Limited Partners owning a majority of the Percentage of the Limited Partners.

          "Net Cash  Flow" for a fiscal  year shall mean the amount by which the
sum of (a) the gross cash receipts of the Partnership during the fiscal year and
(b) the  amount of any  reduction  in the  Reserves  from Net Cash Flow from the
prior fiscal  year,  exceeds the sum of (c) the gross cash  expenditures  of the
Partnership  during the fiscal  year and (d) the amount of any  increase  in the
Reserves from Net Cash Flow from the prior fiscal year.

          "Partners"  shall mean the General  Partner and the Limited  Partners.
"Partner" shall mean either one of the Partners.

          "Percentage"  of a Partner means  initially the  percentage  set forth
opposite  such  Partner's  name on Schedule A hereto and shall  subsequently  be
adjusted as provided herein.

          "Person"   shall  mean,   without   limitation,   a  natural   person,
corporation,  joint stock company, limited liability company, partnership, joint
venture,  association,  trust, government or governmental  authority,  agency or
instrumentality, and any group of any of the foregoing acting in concert.

          "Profit" or "Loss" shall mean, for any fiscal year of the Partnership,
the  Partnership's  taxable  income  or loss,  respectively,  for  such  year as
computed for federal  income tax purposes  (including  all items  required to be
separately  stated),  increased by items of income which are exempt from federal
income tax and reduced by expenditures  which, under federal income tax law, are
neither  deductible  nor properly  chargeable to a capital  account,  other than
amounts required to be specially allocated pursuant to Section 4.2 hereof.

          "Reserves"  shall mean, for any fiscal year of the  Partnership,  such
cash amounts as the General  Partner,  in its sole  discretion,  determines from
time to time are  reserved  for the payment of  liabilities,  operating  capital
expenses or contingent obligations of the Partnership.



                                       -2-

<PAGE>



          "Transfer"  shall  have the  meaning  ascribed  to it in  Section  7.1
hereof.

          1.2 Number and Gender.  Whenever the context  requires,  references in
this Agreement to the singular number include the plural,  and the plural number
includes the singular, and words denoting gender include the masculine, feminine
and neuter.

                                   ARTICLE II

                                  ORGANIZATION

          SECTION 2.1.  FORMATION.  By execution of this Agreement,  the Limited
Partners become members of the limited  partnership (the  "Partnership")  formed
pursuant to the Certificate of Limited  Partnership  filed with the Secretary of
State of the  State of  Texas on  December  31,  1997,  all upon the  terms  and
provisions and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.

          SECTION  2.2.  NAME OF  PARTNERSHIP.  The name of the  Partnership  is
HILITE INDUSTRIES AUTOMOTIVE, LP, or such other name as from time to time may be
selected by the General Partner which is acceptable to the appropriate recording
authorities. The General Partner shall notify the Limited Partners of any change
of the  name  of the  Partnership.  The  Partnership  shall  promote  all of its
purposes and conduct all of its affairs and business  under such name, and title
to all of its assets shall be held in such name.

          SECTION  2.3.  PLACE OF BUSINESS;  REGISTERED  AGENT.  The  registered
office of the  Partnership  in the State of Texas  shall be located at 400 North
St. Paul,  Dallas,  Texas 75201, and its registered agent for service of process
at  such  registered  office  shall  be  Corporation   Service  Company,   d/b/a
CSC-Lawyers   Incorporating  Service  Company.  The  principal  office  and  the
principal  place of business of the  Partnership  in the State of Texas shall be
located at 1671 S. Broadway,  Carrollton,  Texas 75006.  The General Partner may
open  additional  offices of the  Partnership  or change the principal  place of
business of the  Partnership  to any other place upon ten days written notice to
the Limited Partner.

          SECTION 2.4. TERM. The term of the  Partnership  shall continue for an
indefinite  term,  unless  sooner  terminated  in the  manner  provided  in this
Agreement.

          SECTION 2.5. PURPOSE AND POWERS.

          (a)       Subject to the  limitations  set forth in this Agreement and
of applicable law, the purpose of the Partnership is to establish, own, operate,
manage and dispose of the Business.

          (b)       In pursuance of such purposes,  the  Partnership  shall have
the power to:

                    (1)       own, operate, manage, and dispose of the Business;


                                       -3-

<PAGE>



                    (2)       mortgage   or   otherwise    encumber,    finance,
refinance,  sell,  exchange,  transfer or otherwise dispose of the Partnership's
assets, in whole or in part; and

                    (3)       enter into and perform such  contracts,  make such
borrowings  (whether on a secured or unsecured basis),  conduct such activities,
engage  in such  transactions,  and do such  other  acts  and  things  as may be
necessary, appropriate or desirable in connection with, or incidental or related
to, the furtherance or accomplishment of the Partnership's purpose.

          SECTION 2.6. QUALIFICATION IN OTHER JURISDICTIONS. The General Partner
shall cause the  Partnership to be qualified in any  jurisdiction  determined by
the General Partner to be necessary.


                                   ARTICLE III

                                 CAPITALIZATION

          SECTION 3.1. CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE PARTNERS.

          (a)       Upon the execution of this  Agreement,  the General  Partner
and the Limited  Partner  shall  contribute  the assets set forth  opposite such
Partner's name on Schedule A hereto to the capital of the  Partnership and shall
receive the  Percentage  set forth  opposite such  Partner's  name on Schedule A
hereto.

          (b)       In the event the Partnership  requires  additional  capital,
the General  Partner may require the Partners to  contribute on a pro rata basis
to the  Partnership  such  additional  capital as it shall deem necessary in its
discretion.  If a  Partner  is  unable  or  unwilling  to make any or all of his
proportionate  contributions,  then the  Partnership  shall pro rata dilute such
Partner's  Partnership  Interest  based on the  contributions  made by the other
Partners.

          (c)       Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no
Partner  shall be  required  to  contribute  or lend  funds or  property  to the
Partnership.  Except as  otherwise  expressly  provided  in this  Agreement,  no
Partner  shall be  permitted  to  contribute  or lend funds or  property  to the
Partnership without the consent of the General Partner.

          SECTION 3.2. MATTERS RELATING TO CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.

          (a)       A  separate   Capital   Account  shall  be  established  and
maintained   for  each   Partner  in   accordance   with   Treasury   Regulation
ss.1.704-1(b).  A Partner's  Capital Account shall reflect the fair market value
of the  property  (net of any  liabilities  secured  by such  property  that the
Partnership is considered to assume or take subject to) initially contributed to
the Partnership's capital by such Partner and thereafter shall be: (1) increased
by (i) the amount of Profit  allocable  to such  Partner  and any income or gain
specially allocated to such Partner,  (ii) any cash and the fair market value of
any  property  (net  of any  liabilities  secured  by  such  property  that  the
Partnership is considered to assume


                                       -4-

<PAGE>



or take subject to)  subsequently  contributed to the capital of the Partnership
by the  Partner,  and (iii) in the case of  property  distributed  in kind,  the
amount of gain, if any,  which would have been  allocated to such Partner if the
property had been sold by the  Partnership for its fair market value on the date
of  distribution;  and (2) decreased by (i) the amount of Loss allocable to such
Partner and any losses or deductions  specially allocated to such Partner,  (ii)
the  amount  of cash  and the fair  market  value  of any  property  (net of any
liabilities secured by such property that the Partner is considered to assume or
take subject to) distributed to such Partner,  and (iii) in the case of property
distributed  in kind, the amount of loss, if any, that would have been allocated
to such Partner if the property  had been sold by the  Partnership  for its fair
market value on the date of distribution.

          (b)       The  General  Partner  may adjust the  Capital  Accounts  to
reflect a revaluation  of  Partnership  property on the  Partnership's  books in
accordance  with  Treasury  Regulation   ss.1.704-   1(b)(2)(iv)(f)   under  the
circumstances  described therein. In the event that property  contributed to the
Partnership has a fair market value which differs from its basis (at the time of
contribution)    or   an   election   is   made   under   Treasury    Regulation
ss.1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f),  the Capital  Accounts  shall be adjusted in accordance
with   Treasury   Regulation    ss.1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(g)   for   allocations   of
depreciation, amortization and gain or loss, as computed for book purposes, with
respect to such property.

          (c)       The provisions of this Agreement are intended to comply with
Treasury Regulation ss.1.704-1(b) and -2 and shall be interpreted and applied in
a manner  consistent with such  regulations.  The General Partner shall have the
power to amend this  Agreement  (including,  without  limitation,  to modify the
manner in which Capital  Accounts are  maintained)  in order to comply with such
regulations (as they are currently in effect or may subsequently be amended).

          SECTION 3.3. OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

          (a)       No  Partner  shall be liable to any  other  Partner  for the
return of that other Partner's capital contribution.

          (b)       No interest  shall  accrue for the benefit of any Partner or
be paid on to any Partner on account of any  contribution  to the capital of the
Partnership.

          (c)       In the event of a Transfer  by a Partner of all or a part of
the Partner's  interest in the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement,  a
proportionate  amount of the Capital  Account and  Percentage of the  transferor
shall be transferred to such  transferee and Schedule A to this Agreement  shall
be adjusted to reflect such transfer.

          (d)       Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, no
Partner shall be permitted to withdraw any part of the Partner's contribution to
the  capital of the  Partnership  without  the  written  consent of the  General
Partner.


                                       -5-

<PAGE>



          (e)       Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement,  a
Partner who lends money to or  transacts  other  business  with the  Partnership
shall have the same rights and obligations  with respect thereto as a person who
is not a Partner.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                          DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS

          SECTION 4.1.  ALLOCATION OF PROFIT AND LOSS.  Profit and Loss for each
fiscal year of the Partnership  shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance
with their respective Percentages.

          SECTION 4.2. SPECIAL ALLOCATIONS.

          (a)       Notwithstanding the foregoing, if there is a net decrease in
the  Partnership  minimum gain under  Treasury  Regulation  ss.1.704-2(d)  (with
respect to "nonrecourse  liabilities") or partner  nonrecourse debt minimum gain
under Treasury Regulation  ss.1.704-2(i)  (with respect to "partner  nonrecourse
debt") during a fiscal year, the Partners shall be allocated items of income and
gain for such year (and if necessary  for  subsequent  years) in the amounts and
proportions  determined  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  Treasury  Regulation
ss.1.704-2(f) and (i)(4),  respectively.  In addition, if a Partner unexpectedly
receives any  adjustments,  allocation  or  distributions  described in Treasury
Regulation ss.1.704-1(b)(2)  (ii)(d)(4), (5) or (6) which creates or increases a
deficit  in  his  Capital  Account   balance  (as  adjusted   pursuant  to  such
regulations),  items of  Partnership  income  (including  gross income) and gain
(consisting of a pro rata portion of each item of  Partnership  income and gain)
shall be specially  allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient
to  eliminate  such  deficit  balance  as quickly as  possible  pursuant  to the
provisions of Treasury Regulation ss.1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).  If at the end of any
fiscal year of the Partnership  (after taking into account all allocations as if
this sentence and the prior  sentence were not part of the  Agreement) a Partner
has  a  deficit  Capital  Account  balance  (taking  into  account  any  deficit
restoration obligation of such Partner, including without limitation, any amount
which  such  Partner  is  deemed  obligated  to  restore  pursuant  to  Treasury
Regulation  ss.1.704-1(g)(1)  or (i)(5), and any adjustment pursuant to Treasury
Regulation  ss.1.704-  1(b)(2)  (ii)(d)(4),  (5) or (6)), such Partners shall be
specially  allocated items of Partnership  income and gain in the amount of such
deficit as quickly as  possible.  Except as  otherwise  provided in this Section
4.2(a),  nonrecourse  deductions  within  the  meaning  of  Treasury  Regulation
ss.1.704-2(i)  shall be allocated as provided  therein.  It is the intent of the
Partners that any special  allocation  pursuant to this Section  4.2(a) shall be
offset  with  other  special  allocations   pursuant  to  this  Section  4.2(a).
Accordingly,  special allocations of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction
shall  be made in a manner  so  that,  in the  reasonable  determination  of the
General  Partner,  taking into  account  likely  future  allocations  under this
Section 4.2(a),  after such allocations are made, each Partner's Capital Account
is, to the extent  possible,  equal to the Capital  Account it would have had if
this Section 4.2(a) were not part of the Agreement.



                                       -6-

<PAGE>



          (b)       In the event that property  contributed  to the  Partnership
has a  fair  market  value  which  differs  from  its  basis  (at  the  time  of
contribution) or an election is made by the General Partner under Section 3.2(b)
hereof to adjust  Capital  Accounts  to  reflect a  revaluation  of  Partnership
property,  income,  gain,  loss and deduction as computed for federal income tax
purposes  with  respect  to such  property  shall  be  allocated  in the  manner
determined by the General  Partner,  consistently  applied,  pursuant to Section
704(c)  of the  Code  so as to take  into  account  any  variation  between  the
Partnership's basis in the property and its fair market value on the date of the
contribution,   and  the   computation  of  Profit,   Loss,  any   depreciation,
amortization  and gain or loss with respect to such  property  shall be based on
such fair market value,  as adjusted to take into account any  depreciation  and
amortization deductions thereon.

          (c)       In the event that the relative  Percentages  of the Partners
vary during a fiscal year of the Partnership,  the Profit,  Loss, and any amount
specially  allocated  pursuant to Section 4.2(a) hereof shall be allocated among
the Partners  under Section  706(d) of the Code in the manner  determined by the
General Partner, consistently applied.

          SECTION 4.3.  DISTRIBUTIONS  OF NET CASH FLOW. The  Partnership  shall
make  distributions  of Net Cash Flow,  at such times and in such amounts as the
General Partner may determine in its sole discretion.  Except in connection with
the  liquidation of the  Partnership,  Net Cash Flow for each fiscal year of the
Partnership shall be distributed in proportion to the Percentages on the date of
distribution.

          SECTION 4.4. ALLOCATION OF NONRECOURSE LIABILITIES.  A Partner's share
of the  nonrecourse  liabilities  of  the  Partnership  shall  be  allocated  in
accordance   with  Treasury   Regulation   ss.1.752-3(a),   except  that  excess
nonrecourse liabilities shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with
the manner in which the General Partner  reasonably expects that the nonrecourse
deductions allocable to such liabilities will be allocated.

          SECTION  4.5.  AMOUNTS  WITHHELD.  Any  amount  withheld  pursuant  to
federal,  state, local or foreign tax law from a distribution by or on behalf of
the  Partnership to a Partner shall be treated as  distribution  to such Partner
pursuant to Section  4.3. Any other  amount  withheld  with respect to a Partner
pursuant to any federal,  state, local or foreign tax law in connection with any
payment to or income of the Partnership  from a third party as determined by the
General Partner shall be treated as a loan from the Partnership to such Partner.
If such loan is not repaid within 30 days from the date the Partnership notifies
the Partner of such withholding, the loan shall bear interest at a rate equal to
Comerica  Bank - Texas'  prime  rate as  announced  from  time to time plus five
percentage points,  compounded  annually.  In addition to all other remedies the
Partnership  may have, the  Partnership  may withhold  distributions  that would
otherwise be payable to such Partner and apply such amount  toward  repayment of
the loan.



                                       -7-

<PAGE>



                                    ARTICLE V

                                 FISCAL MATTERS

          SECTION 5.1. FISCAL YEAR AND OTHER ELECTIONS.

          (a)       The fiscal  year of the  Partnership  shall be the year from
July 1 to June 30 or such other year as the General  Partner may select pursuant
to applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all
tax and accounting  decisions and elections  required or permitted to be made by
the  Partnership  for tax  purposes  under  applicable  law shall be made by the
General Partner, in its sole discretion.

          (b)       The General  Partner  shall be the "tax matters  partner" of
the Partnership within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code.

          SECTION 5.2. TAX RETURNS.  The General Partner,  at the expense of the
Partnership,  shall  prepare and file,  or shall cause to be prepared and filed,
all federal and any  required  state and local  income and other tax returns for
the Partnership.

          SECTION 5.3. BOOKS AND RECORDS.  The General Partner shall maintain or
cause to be  maintained  full and  accurate  books and  records  of the  assets,
business and affairs of the  Partnership,  in accordance with the  Partnership's
method of accounting.

          SECTION 5.4. REPORTS TO PARTNERS.  The Partnership shall distribute to
each  Partner  a copy of such  Partners,  Schedule  K-1 to the U.S.  Partnership
Return of Income (Form 1065) as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal
year of the Partnership.

          SECTION  5.5.   PARTNERSHIP  STATUS.  The  Partners  intend  that  the
Partnership be  characterized  as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.
No  Partner   shall  make  any  election  that  would   adversely   affect  such
characterization without the consent of the General Partner.

                                   ARTICLE VI

                                 ADMINISTRATION

          SECTION 6.1. MANAGEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP.

          (a)       Except as otherwise  expressly provided in this Agreement or
by applicable law, the General Partner shall have the exclusive right, power and
authority to manage the assets,  business and affairs of the  Partnership,  with
all rights and powers and the full authority necessary, desirable or appropriate
to operate the same for Partnership  purposes,  to incur,  perform,  satisfy and
compromise all manner of obligations on behalf of the  Partnership;  and to make
all decisions and do all things necessary or desirable in connection therewith.

                                       -8-

<PAGE>



          (b)       Without  limiting the generality of Section 6.1(a) above, or
any other term or provision of this Agreement and except as otherwise prohibited
or limited by the  provisions of this  Agreement or applicable  law, the General
Partner shall have the  exclusive  right,  power and  authority to,  directly or
indirectly,  take or omit  whatever  action for  Partnership  purposes  that the
General  Partner  may, in its sole  discretion,  deem  necessary or desirable to
carry out the  Partnership's  purposes,  including but not limited to the right,
power and authority:

                    (1)       to  enter  into  and  perform  in the  name of the
Partnership any contract, lease, agreement, instrument or other arrangement;

                    (2)       to pay or otherwise satisfy, perform or compromise
any and all of the Partnership's  administrative,  interest, operating and other
expenses,   capital   expenditures,   indebtedness  and  other  liabilities  and
obligations;

                    (3)       to employ, retain or otherwise secure the services
of various  persons  (including the General Partner and its  Affiliates),  or to
enter into  contracts or other  arrangements  with them,  and to delegate one or
more of its rights,  powers and obligations  under this Agreement and applicable
law to one or more of them;

                    (4)       to borrow  money and  encumber  the  assets of the
Partnership;

                    (5)       to adjust, compromise, settle, abandon or refer to
arbitration  any suit,  proceeding,  dispute or claim in favor of or against the
Partnership,  and to  institute,  prosecute  and  defend  any  legal  action  or
proceeding or any arbitration proceeding;

                    (6)       to sell, assign,  exchange,  transfer or otherwise
dispose  of one or  more,  or all or  substantially  all,  of the  Partnership's
assets;

                    (7)       to  exercise  any  or all  of  the  powers  of the
Partnership  set forth in Section  2.5(b) and to perform other  obligations  and
make the determinations  provided elsewhere in this Agreement to be performed by
the General Partner; and

                    (8)       to do all such other things,  engage in such other
transactions,   and  execute,  acknowledge,   deliver  and  perform  such  other
instruments and documents as may be deemed  necessary,  desirable or appropriate
by the  General  Partner to  effectuate  the  foregoing  powers or  conduct  the
business or affairs of the Partnership.

          (c)       Any payment to the General  Partner or an  Affiliate  of the
General Partner (other than in its capacity as a Partner) for services  rendered
to the Partnership shall be an arm's length amount, not exceeding the prevailing
rate in the area for comparable services.

          (d)       Notwithstanding the foregoing, the General Partner shall not
have any  right to  permit  transfers  of  Partnership  interests  or admit  new
Partners, except in accordance with Article VII hereof.

                                       -9-

<PAGE>



          SECTION 6.2. THE GENERAL  PARTNER'S  ROLE.  The General  Partner shall
cause its  officers  and  employees  to devote  such time and  attention  to the
business and affairs of the  Partnership as it deems  necessary for the full and
faithful performance of its duties hereunder.

          SECTION 6.3. CERTAIN EXPENSES OF THE GENERAL PARTNER.  The Partnership
shall  directly  pay  or  promptly   reimburse  the  General   Partner  for  all
out-of-pocket  expenses  reasonably  incurred or paid by the General  Partner in
connection  with the  rights,  powers and  authority  and the  discharge  of its
obligations  under this  Agreement  or  applicable  law,  the  formation  of the
Partnership,  or the  formation,  operation,  management or  supervision  of the
Partnership's Business.

          SECTION  6.4.  BANK  ACCOUNTS.  The  General  Partner  shall cause the
Partnership  to  maintain  one  or  more  accounts,   including  checking,  cash
management  and/or  money  market  accounts,  in such  banks or other  financial
institutions as the General Partner may select.  All amounts deposited by, or on
behalf of the Partnership, in those accounts shall be and remain the property of
the  Partnership.  Withdrawals  from such accounts  shall be made by signatories
designated by the General Partner.  No funds of the Partnership shall be kept in
any account other than a Partnership account, and funds of the Partnership shall
not be  commingled  with the funds of any other  Person;  and no  Partner  shall
apply, or permit any other Person to apply, such funds in any manner,  except in
a manner which is for the benefit of the Partnership.

          SECTION 6.5.  EXCULPATION AND  INDEMNIFICATION OF THE GENERAL PARTNER.
The  Partnership  shall, to the fullest extent  permitted by law,  indemnify and
hold harmless the General Partner,  its Affiliates and all officers,  directors,
partners,  employees  and  agents  of the  General  Partner  and its  Affiliates
(individually  an  "Indemnitee")  from and against  any and all losses,  claims,
demands,  costs,  damages,  liabilities,   expenses  of  any  nature  (including
attorneys'  fees and  disbursements),  judgments,  fines,  settlements and other
amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings,
civil, criminal,  administrative or investigative, in which an Indemnitee may be
involved, or threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise,  arising out of
the business of the Partnership  (regardless of whether an Indemnitee  continues
to be the General Partner,  affiliate,  officer, director,  partner, employee or
agent of the General  Partner or  Affiliate  at the time any such  liability  or
expense  is paid or  incurred)  if the  Indemnitee  acted in good faith and in a
manner  the  Indemnitee  reasonably  believed  to be in  the  interests  of  the
Partnership  and  the  Indemnitee's  conduct  did  not  constitute   intentional
misconduct,  gross negligence,  fraud,  self-dealing or usurpation or wasting of
Partnership  assets.  The  termination  of any  action,  suit or  proceeding  by
judgment, order, settlement,  conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere shall
not, in and of itself,  create a presumption  or otherwise  constitute  evidence
that the  Indemnitee  acted in a manner  contrary to that specified  above.  Any
indemnification  hereunder  shall be  satisfied  solely out of the assets of the
Partnership (or from insurance  permitted to be obtained by the Partnership) and
no  Partner  shall be  subject  to any  personal  liability  by  reason of these
indemnification provisions.

          SECTION 6.6. THE LIMITED  PARTNERS' LIMITED ROLE. The Limited Partners
shall not take any part in the  management  of the  business  or  affairs of the
Partnership  and shall have no right or authority to act for the  Partnership or
to bind the Partnership in any way. Except as otherwise

                                      -10-

<PAGE>



expressly  provided in this Agreement or by applicable law, the Limited Partners
shall have no right to vote on any  matter,  and  neither  the  consent  nor the
approval of the Limited Partners shall be required for any Partnership act.

          SECTION  6.7. THE LIMITED  PARTNERS'  LIMITED  LIABILITY.  The Limited
Partners  shall  not have  any  personal  liability  whatsoever  for any  debts,
liabilities  or other  obligations  of the  Partnership,  and the liability of a
Limited Partner shall be limited to the loss of its capital contribution, except
as otherwise provided by applicable law.

          SECTION 6.8. RELIANCE BY THIRD PARTIES. Third parties dealing with the
Partnership  may rely  conclusively  upon the power and authority of the General
Partner  to act and shall not be  required  to  inquire  into or  ascertain  its
authority.

          SECTION 6.9.  RELIANCE BY THE GENERAL  PARTNER.  Without  limiting the
generality of any term or provision of this Agreement, the General Partner shall
be entitled to reasonably rely upon any notice, consent, certificate, affidavit,
statement,  paper, document,  writing or other communication reasonably believed
by the General  Partner to be genuine and correct and to have been signed,  sent
or delivered by the proper person or persons;  and the General Partner shall not
be liable for any action  taken or  suffered  in good faith by it in  accordance
therewith.

          SECTION  6.10.  NO RIGHTS  IN OTHER  ACTIVITIES.  Except as  otherwise
expressly  provided  in this  Agreement,  any  Partner  may  engage in any other
profession, activity or investment of any nature and description,  independently
or with others and may receive  compensation  therefrom and  participate  in the
profits  thereof,  whether  or  not  such  profession,   business,  activity  or
investment is competitive  with the Business and neither the Partnership nor the
other Partners  shall have any claim with respect  thereto merely as a result of
their relationship hereunder.


                                   ARTICLE VII

                                   COMPOSITION

          SECTION 7.1. TRANSFERS, PLEDGES AND DISPOSITIONS.

          (a)       No Partner  may  withdraw  from the  Partnership  or pledge,
hypothecate,  grant a security  interest  in, or  otherwise  encumber,  or sell,
assign,   bequeath,   exchange,  give,  transfer  or  otherwise  voluntarily  or
involuntarily  dispose  of  (collectively,   "Transfer")  any  interest  in  the
Partnership,  except as otherwise expressly permitted under this Agreement.  Any
purported  Transfer in  violation  of this  Agreement  shall be null and void ab
initio and of no force or effect.

          (b)       No  Limited  Partner  may  Transfer  all or any  part of its
Partnership  interest  without the prior written consent of the General Partner,
which consent may be withheld in its sole discretion.


                                      -11-

<PAGE>



          (c)       Notwithstanding  anything herein to the contrary, no Partner
may Transfer all or any part of its Partnership  interest if such Transfer could
(1) result in a  Transfer  to an  incompetent;  (2) cause a  termination  of the
Partnership  under the Code; (3) violate or cause the Partnership to violate any
applicable law, rule or ordinance; or (4) breach any agreement,  with or without
notice  and/or the passage of time,  to which the  Partnership  is a party.  The
General Partner may, if it deems it appropriate,  require that the  Transferring
Partner  deliver to the  Partnership  a  favorable  legal  opinion  of  counsel,
acceptable to the General  Partner,  in form and substance  satisfactory  to the
General  Partner,  as to compliance  with  securities laws and may obtain at the
Partnership's  expense a legal opinion of counsel, as to all or any of the other
matters  listed above and as to such other matters as the General  Partner deems
appropriate in connection with the Transfer.

          SECTION  7.2.  DEATH,  ETC.,  OF A LIMITED  PARTNER.  The  withdrawal,
bankruptcy, dissolution, death, incapacity or removal of a Limited Partner shall
not  cause a  dissolution  of the  Partnership,  nor shall  the  Partnership  be
required  to take  cognizance  of, or take any  action  with  respect  to,  such
withdrawal,  bankruptcy,  dissolution,  death,  incapacity or removal, except as
otherwise expressly provided herein.

          SECTION 7.3. OTHER  SUCCESSORS  AND ASSIGNS.  A successor or permitted
transferee  who does not  become a Partner  shall be  entitled  as a result of a
Transfer  only  to  receive  the  economic  benefits  of  the  interest  in  the
Partnership  to which his  predecessor or transferor  would  otherwise have been
entitled,  and such  successor  or  transferee  shall have no right as a Limited
Partner,  unless and until such time as he may be admitted to the Partnership in
accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

          SECTION 7.4. ADMISSION OF AN ADDITIONAL/SUBSTITUTE PARTNER.

          (a)       Subject to the  provisions  of this Article VII, a permitted
transferee of a Partnership  interest shall be admitted as a Partner,  only upon
the consent of the General  Partner,  which  consent may be withheld in its sole
discretion, and the satisfactory completion of the following:

                    (1)       the  transferee  shall have accepted and agreed to
be  bound  by the  terms  and  provisions  of  this  Agreement  by  executing  a
counterpart  hereof and shall have expressly  assumed all the obligations of the
transferor hereunder and shall have executed such other documents or instruments
as the  General  Partner may  require in order to effect the  admission  of such
person as a Partner; 

                    (2)       an  amendment  to  the   Certificate   of  Limited
Partnership  on file with the Office of the  Secretary  of State of the State of
Texas shall, if required by applicable  law, be filed for recording,  evidencing
the admission of such person as a Partner;

                    (3)       the  transferee  shall  have  delivered  a  letter
containing a  representation  that its acquisition of a Partnership  interest is
made as a principal for its own account,  for investment  purposes only, and not
with the view to the resale or distribution of such  Partnership  interest,  and
that

                                      -12-

<PAGE>



it will not transfer such Partnership  interest or any portion thereof to anyone
who does not so represent and warrant;

                    (4)       if the  transferee  is an  entity,  it shall  have
provided  evidence  satisfactory to counsel for the Partnership of its authority
to become a Partner under the terms and provisions of this Agreement; and

                    (5)       the transferee  shall comply with  applicable law,
including all applicable governmental rules and regulations.

          (b)       A transferee  who is admitted as a Partner shall be admitted
as a General  Partner if the transferor  was a General  Partner and as a Limited
Partner if the transferor was a Limited Partner.

          (c)       Upon the prior written consent of the General  Partner,  the
other Partners shall  cooperate with any such  transferee who wishes to become a
substitute  Partner  by  preparing  the  documentation  required  and making all
official  filings and  publications  as promptly as  possible.  All  expenses in
connection therewith shall be paid by such transferee.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                           DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

          SECTION 8.1. DISSOLUTION.  The Partnership shall be dissolved upon the
first of the following events to occur:

          (a)       the withdrawal,  bankruptcy,  dissolution, death, incapacity
or removal of a General Partner,  unless the Partnership's business is continued
as provided in Section 8.2 hereof;

          (b)       the sale of all or  substantially  all of the  Partnership's
assets;

          (c)       the  determination  of the General  Partner to terminate the
Partnership; or

          (d)       entry of a decree of judicial  dissolution  by the courts of
the State of Texas.

          SECTION  8.2.  RIGHT TO CONTINUE THE LIMITED  PARTNERSHIP'S  BUSINESS.
Upon the  withdrawal,  bankruptcy,  death,  incapacity  or  removal  of the last
remaining General Partner,  a majority of the Limited  Partners,  shall have the
right but not the  obligation,  exercisable  in writing  within ninety (90) days
from such withdrawal,  bankruptcy, death, incapacity or removal, to continue the
Partnership's  affairs and business in a reconstituted  form as herein provided;
provided that, a successor general partner is elected by Limited Partners owning
a majority of the  Percentages  of the Limited  Partners  and is admitted to the
Partnership  as a general  partner within such time period.  In that event,  the
Partnership  shall not be liquidated but shall continue,  and the former General
Partner

                                      -13-

<PAGE>



shall  transfer  its entire  Partnership  interest at fair market  value to such
successor general partner, provided, however, that if the former General Partner
withdraws,  the  successor  general  partner shall acquire its interest from the
Partnership.  The  reconstituted  Partnership  shall succeed to the name, style,
assets,  business  and  affairs,  as well as the  debts,  liabilities  and other
obligations, of the Partnership.

          SECTION 8.3. LIQUIDATION.

          (a)       Upon  a   dissolution   of  the   Partnership,   unless  the
Partnership is reconstituted  under Section 8.2 hereof, the Liquidating  Partner
shall  take or cause to be taken a full  account  of the  Partnership's  assets,
indebtedness  and  liabilities  as of the  date of such  dissolution  and  shall
proceed with reasonable  promptness to liquidate the Partnership's assets and to
terminate its affairs and business.  The Partnership  property,  or the proceeds
from  the  liquidation  thereof,  shall  be  applied  in  cash or in kind in the
following order:

                    (1)       to the payment of all  liabilities and obligations
of the  Partnership,  including  expenses of the liquidation and liabilities and
obligations to the Partners,  other than on account of their Capital Accounts or
liabilities for distributions under applicable law,

                    (2)       to  the   establishment   of  such   reserves  for
contingent and unforeseen  liabilities or obligations of the  Partnership as are
deemed  necessary or desirable by the Liquidating  Partner,  provided,  however,
that, at the expiration of such period as the Liquidating Partner may reasonably
deem advisable,  the remaining  balance of such reserves shall be distributed in
accordance with subparagraph (3) below, and

                    (3)       to the  Partners,  to be  divided  among  them  in
accordance with their respective Capital Account balances  (determined after the
allocation  of Profit,  Loss and special  allocations  and any required  capital
contribution).

          (b)       The  Liquidating  Partner shall be allowed a reasonable time
for the orderly  liquidation  of the  Partnership's  assets and the discharge of
indebtedness  and other  liabilities  to  creditors,  so as to  minimize  losses
resulting from the  liquidation of the  Partnership's  assets.  The  Liquidating
Partner shall not be entitled to  compensation  for its services in  liquidating
the Partnership.

          SECTION 8.4. TERMINATION. Upon completion of the foregoing liquidation
and distribution,  the Liquidating  Partner shall file or cause to be filed with
the Secretary of State of the State of Texas, a certificate of  cancellation  of
the Certificate of Limited Partnership,  and the Partnership  thereupon shall be
terminated.

          SECTION 8.5. FISCAL YEAR OF TERMINATION. The Liquidating Partner shall
use its best efforts to liquidate the  Partnership and terminate its affairs and
business in the same fiscal year that the Partnership sells all or substantially
all of its assets.  Upon the  liquidation of the  Partnership  (or any Partner's
interest  therein) within the meaning of Treasury  Regulation  ss.1.704-1(b) (2)
(ii) (g), the

                                      -14-

<PAGE>



liquidating  distributions  shall  be  made  on  or  before  the  close  of  the
Partnership's  fiscal year in which the liquidation  occurs,  or if later within
ninety  (90)  days  after  the  date of  such  liquidation.  In the  case of the
liquidation  of the  Partnership,  such  distribution  may be  made  to a  trust
established  for  the  benefit  of the  Partners  for  purposes  of  liquidating
Partnership  assets,  collecting  amounts  owed to the  Partnership,  paying any
liabilities of the Partnership  and  distributing  the remaining  amounts to the
Partners in the same amounts as would have been  distributed by the  Partnership
without regard to the trust.

          SECTION 8.6. CONTINUING  LIABILITIES AND OTHER OBLIGATIONS.  Except as
may otherwise be expressly  provided  herein,  no  reconstitution,  termination,
dissolution  or  liquidation  of  the  Partnership  shall  relieve,  release  or
otherwise discharge any Partner, or any of that Partner's  successors,  assigns,
heirs or legal  representatives,  from any previous breach or default of, or any
liability or other obligation theretofore incurred or accrued under, any term or
provision of this  Agreement  or  applicable  law, and any and all  liabilities,
claims,  demands or causes of action arising from any such  breaches,  defaults,
liabilities and obligations shall survive any such reconstitution,  termination,
dissolution or liquidation.

          SECTION 8.7. FINAL STATEMENT. As soon as practicable after dissolution
of the  Partnership,  the  Liquidating  Partner  shall  cause to be  prepared  a
statement of the  Partnership's  assets and  liabilities  as of the date of such
dissolution and furnished to the Partners.


                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

           SECTION 9.1.  LIMITATION OF AUTHORITY.  Except as expressly  provided
herein,  no provision  hereof shall be deemed to create any  partnership,  joint
venture,  joint  enterprise  or  association  among the  parties  hereto,  or to
authorize or to empower any party  hereto to act on behalf of,  obligate or bind
any other party hereto.

          SECTION   9.2.   NOTICE.   Any  notice,   request,   demand  or  other
communication  permitted or required to be given  hereunder shall be in writing,
shall be signed by the party  giving it,  shall be sent to the  addressee at the
address  or  telecopy  number  set forth  below on  Schedule A hereto and to the
Partnership at its principal office (or at such other address or telecopy number
as shall be  designated  hereunder by notice to the other  parties) and shall be
deemed  conclusively  to have been given:  (a) on the business day following the
day on  which  it is sent  by  telecopy  with a  confirmation  generated  by the
transmitting  machine  showing  the  proper  number of pages  being  transmitted
without  error;  (b) on the date which it is delivered if delivered by hand; (c)
on the business day  following  the day on which it is sent postage  prepaid and
return  receipt  requested  by United  States  Express  Mail or other  reputable
overnight courier service for next day or next business day delivery; (d) on the
fifth day following the day sent by certified or registered  United States mail,
postage  prepaid  and return  receipt  requested;  or (e) when  received  by the
addressee, if sent otherwise.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>



          SECTION 9.3. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Each Partner hereto agrees that, upon
the request of the General Partner,  it will do such further acts and things and
execute, acknowledge, deliver and record such other agreements,  instruments and
statements  as from time to time may be  reasonably  necessary  or  desirable to
evidence, confirm or carry out the intent and purpose of this Agreement.

          SECTION 9.4. POWER OF ATTORNEY.

          (a)       Each  Partner,  by his execution of this  Agreement,  hereby
irrevocably makes,  constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and
lawful  attorney-in-fact,  with full power of substitution,  to act in his name,
place and stead, to make, execute,  sign, acknowledge and file on behalf of each
of them and on behalf of the Partnership:

                    (1)       Amendments to or  restatements  of this  Agreement
and the  Certificate  of Limited  Partnership  as may be required  or  permitted
pursuant  to  law  or  the  provisions  of  this  Agreement,  including  without
limitation,  amendments  required  to effect  the  admission  of  additional  or
substitute Partners pursuant to Article VII;

                    (2)       Any instruments,  documents, certificates or other
papers which the General  Partner may deem  necessary or desirable to effect the
termination  of the  Partnership  after  its  dissolution  as  provided  in this
Agreement;

                    (3)       Any  fictitious  name   certificate   required  or
permitted by law to be filed on behalf of the Partnership; and

                    (4)       Any other instruments,  documents and certificates
which may from time to time be required or  permitted  by the laws of any state,
the United States of America, or any political subdivision or agency thereof, to
effectuate,  implement,  continue and defend the valid and subsisting existence,
rights and property of the Partnership as a limited partnership and its power to
carry out its purposes as set forth in this Agreement.

          (b)       The power of attorney  granted under this Section 9.3 may be
exercised  by  the  attorney-in-fact  by  listing  the  Partners  executing  the
agreement,  certificate,  instrument or other document with the single signature
of the attorney-in-fact acting as attorney-in-fact for all such Partners.

          (c)       The  power of  attorney  under  this  Section  9.3  shall be
irrevocable  and shall be deemed to be a power  coupled  with an  interest.  The
power of  attorney  shall  survive  the  death,  disability,  legal  incapacity,
withdrawal,  bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution or cessation of the Partner and
the transfer (by operation or law or otherwise) of its Partnership  interest and
shall  survive  and pass to a  Liquidation  Partner  upon a  liquidation  of the
Partnership.


                                      -16-

<PAGE>



          SECTION  9.5.  SECTION  AND  OTHER  HEADINGS.  The  section  and other
headings  contained in this Agreement are for reference  purposes only and shall
not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

          SECTION 9.6.  FEES AND  EXPENSES.  All fees and  expenses,  including,
without  limitation,  attorneys'  fees and expenses  incurred in connection with
this Agreement shall be borne by the Partnership.

          SECTION 9.7.  GOVERNING  LAW; JURY WAIVERS.  This  Agreement  shall be
governed by and  construed  in  accordance  with the laws of the State of Texas,
without  regard  to any  conflict  of law  provisions  that  would  defer to the
substantive laws of another jurisdiction.  Each party hereto hereby waives trial
by jury with respect to any action brought, or any claim made, regarding,  or in
connection with, this Agreement.

          SECTION 9.8  SEVERABILITY.  In the event that any term or provision of
this Agreement shall be finally determined to be superseded, invalid, illegal or
otherwise  unenforceable  pursuant to applicable law by a governmental authority
having  jurisdiction and venue, that determination shall not impair or otherwise
affect the validity,  legality or enforceability (a) by or before that authority
of the remaining terms and provisions  Agreement,  which shall be enforced as if
the unenforceable term or provision were deleted,  or (b) by or before any other
authority of any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

          SECTION 9.9 REMEDIES. In the event of any actual or prospective breach
or  default by any party,  the other  parties  shall be  entitled  to  equitable
relief,  including remedies in the nature of injunction and specific performance
(without  being  required to post a bond or other  security or to establish  any
actual  damages).  In this  regard,  the parties  acknowledge  that they will be
irreparably  damaged in the event this Agreement is not  specifically  enforced,
since (among  other  things) the  Percentages  are not readily  marketable.  All
remedies   hereunder  are  cumulative  and  not  exclusive,   may  be  exercised
concurrently  and nothing  herein shall be deemed to prohibit or limit any party
from  pursuing any other remedy or relief  available at law or in equity for any
actual or prospective breach or default, including the recovery of damages.

          SECTION  9.10.  COUNTERPARTS.   This  Agreement  may  be  executed  in
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which, when
taken  together,  shall  constitute  but one  agreement  binding upon all of the
parties hereto.

          SECTION 9.11.  SUCCESSORS  AND ASSIGNS;  ASSIGNMENT.  Whenever in this
Agreement  reference  is made to any party,  such  reference  shall be deemed to
include the successors,  assigns, heirs and legal representatives of such party;
provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not be deemed to authorize
or permit any Partner to transfer any Partnership  interest or any of its rights
or  obligations  hereunder  to any other person  except as  otherwise  expressly
permitted in this Agreement.


                                      -17-

<PAGE>



          SECTION 9.12. NO THIRD PARTY RIGHTS.  The terms and provisions of this
Agreement  are for the  exclusive  benefit of the parties  hereto,  and no other
person,  including creditors of any party hereto,  shall have any right or claim
against  any party by reason of those  terms and  provisions  or be  entitled to
enforce any of those terms and provisions against any party.

          SECTION 9.13. NO WAIVER BY ACTIONS,  ETC. Any waiver of, or consent to
any departure  from, any term or provision of this Agreement shall be in writing
and  signed by each  party  adversely  affected  thereby.  Any waiver or consent
respecting  any term or provision of this  Agreement  shall be effective only in
the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given and shall not
be deemed,  regardless of frequency given, to be a further or continuing  waiver
or  consent.  The  failure  or delay of a party at any time or times to  require
performance of, or to exercise or enforce any of its rights, powers, privileges,
remedies and interests  with respect to, any term or provision of this Agreement
in no manner (except as otherwise  expressly  provided herein) shall affect that
party's  right at a later time to enforce  any such  provision.  No notice to or
demand on a party in any event shall  entitle such party to any other or further
notice or  demand  in the same,  similar  or other  circumstances.  All  rights,
powers,  privileges,  remedies and interests of a party under this Agreement are
cumulative and not alternatives, and they are in addition to and shall not limit
(except as  otherwise  expressly  provided  herein) any other right,  power,  or
privilege granted herein or pursuant to applicable law.

          SECTION  9.14.  MODIFICATION,  AMENDMENT,  ETC.  Any  modification  or
amendment  of this  Agreement,  except as  otherwise  expressly  provided in the
Agreement or as otherwise  required by applicable  law,  shall be in writing and
signed or consented to in writing by the General Partner and by Partners holding
a majority of the  Percentage;  provided,  however,  that the  General  Partner,
without the  consent of any Limited  Partner,  may amend any  provision  of this
Agreement  or of the  Certificate  of Limited  Partnership  to  reflect  (a) the
admission  of  additional  or  substitute   Partners  in  accordance  with  this
Agreement,  (b) a change  that is  necessary  to qualify  the  Partnership  as a
limited  partnership  under  the  laws of any  state  or that  is  necessary  or
advisable  in the opinion of the counsel to the  Partnership  to ensure that the
Partnership  will not be treated as an association  taxable as a corporation for
federal income tax purposes, except that as otherwise expressly provided by this
Agreement,  no  amendment  may (a) without the consent of the  Partners  who are
materially adversely affected by such amendment,  (1) alter a Partner's personal
liability for  liabilities or  obligations  of the  Partnership or (2) alter the
allocation of Partnership  income,  gain, loss or deduction or any  distribution
hereunder to which a Partner may be entitled,  or (b) without the consent of the
Partners  owning  the  requisite  Percentages  to take the  action  which is the
subject of the provision  being  amended,  amend any provision of this Agreement
relating to such  action,  including  this Section 9.14 with respect to any such
provision.

          SECTION 9.15.  ENTIRE  AGREEMENT.  This Agreement  contains the entire
agreement of the parties and  supersedes all other  representations,  agreements
and understandings,  oral or otherwise,  between the parties with respect to the
matters contained herein.



                                      -18-

<PAGE>



          IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the Partners have  executed and  delivered  this
Agreement as of the date first written above.


                                             GENERAL PARTNER:

                                             Hilite Industries - Texas, Inc.


                                             By: /s/  Daniel W. Brady
                                                --------------------------------
                                                  Daniel W. Brady
                                                  Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                  Directors and Chief Operating
                                                  Officer


                                             LIMITED PARTNER:

                                             Hilite Industries - Delaware, Inc.


                                             By: /s/  James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                --------------------------------
                                                  James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                  President and Treasurer


                                      -19-

<PAGE>



                                                                      SCHEDULE A


             NAME, ADDRESS AND CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE PARTNERS

                                                                      PERCENTAGE
GENERAL PARTNER                      CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION              INTEREST
- ---------------                      --------------------             ----------

Hilite Industries - Texas, Inc.      All of its assets, as                1%
1671 S. Broadway                     described in Schedule
Carrollton, Texas 75006              A1.
Attn: General Counsel
Tel: (972) 242-2116
Fax: (972) 242-2902


LIMITED PARTNER
- ---------------
Hilite Industries - Delaware, Inc.   All of its assets, as                99%
300 Delaware Avenue                  described in Schedule
Wilmington, DE 19801                 A2.
Attn: General Counsel
Tel:
Fax:


                                      -20-

<PAGE>



                                                                     SCHEDULE A1

                                  BILL OF SALE

     THIS BILL OF SALE,  dated January 30, 1998 is being  executed and delivered
pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated December 31, 1997 (the
"Agreement"),   between  Hilite   Industries,   Inc.,  a  Delaware   corporation
("Transferor"), hereby assigns and transfers to Hilite Industries-Texas, Inc., a
Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transferor ("Transferee").
Capitalized  terms used herein without  definition have the respective  meanings
given to them in the Agreement.

     For good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, Transferor and Transferee hereby agree as follows:

     Section 1. Transferor  hereby assigns,  transfers,  conveys and delivers to
Transferee,  and Transferee hereby acquires and accepts,  all of the Assets with
the exception of the Excluded  Assets.  The Assets include,  but are not limited
to:

          (1)  all machinery,  equipment,  computers,  computer hardware, tools,
               inventory,   supplies,   construction  in  progress,   furniture,
               automobiles, and all other tangible assets of Transferor wherever
               located;

          (2)  all the  interest  of and the rights  and  benefits  accruing  to
               Transferor  as  lessee  under all  leases  or  rental  agreements
               covering the Assets;

          (3)  all of the rights and benefits  accruing to Transferor  under the
               Contracts;

          (4)  all operating data and records of Transferor,  including  without
               limitation client lists and records,  referral  sources,  mailing
               lists,  equipment logs,  operating guides and manuals,  copies of
               financial,  accounting and personnel records,  correspondence and
               other similar documents and records;

          (5)  all of Transferor's rights to any intellectual property;

          (6)  the  Real  Property  and  all  other  real   property   owned  by
               Transferor;

          (7)  all prepaid expenses; and

          (8)  all receivables of the Transferor.

     TO HAVE AND TO HOLD such  Assets unto  Transferee  and its  successors  and
assigns, to and for their use forever.

     Section  2. To the  extent  there  is a  conflict  between  the  terms  and
provisions  of this  Bill of Sale and  those of the  Agreement,  the  terms  and
provisions of the Agreement will govern.


                                      -21-

<PAGE>



     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Transferor and Transferee have caused this Bill of Sale
to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

                                             HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.


                                             By:   /s/ Samuel M. Berry
                                                 -------------------------
                                                  Samuel M. Berry
                                                  President, Chief Operating
                                                  Officer and Director

                                             HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.


                                             By:   /s/ Daniel W. Brady
                                                 -------------------------
                                                  Daniel W. Brady
                                                  Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                  Directors and Chief Operating
                                                  Officer


                                      -22-

<PAGE>



                                                                     SCHEDULE A2

                                  BILL OF SALE

     THIS BILL OF SALE,  dated January 30, 1998 is being  executed and delivered
pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption Agreement dated December 31, 1997 (the
"Agreement"), between Hilite Industries-Texas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Transferor"), and Hilite Industries-Delaware,  Inc., a Delaware corporation and
a wholly-owned  subsidiary of the  Transferor  (the  "Transferee").  Capitalized
terms used herein without definition have the respective  meanings given to them
in the Agreement.

     For good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency of which
is hereby acknowledged, Transferor and Transferee hereby agree as follows:

     Section 1. Transferor  hereby assigns,  transfers,  conveys and delivers to
Transferee,  and Transferee hereby acquires and accepts,  all of the Assets with
the exception of the Excluded  Assets.  The Assets include,  but are not limited
to:

          (1)  all machinery,  equipment,  computers,  computer hardware, tools,
               inventory,   supplies,   construction  in  progress,   furniture,
               automobiles, and all other tangible assets of Transferor wherever
               located;

          (2)  all the  interest  of and the rights  and  benefits  accruing  to
               Transferor  as  lessee  under all  leases  or  rental  agreements
               covering the Assets;

          (3)  all of the rights and benefits  accruing to Transferor  under the
               Contracts;

          (4)  all operating data and records of Transferor,  including  without
               limitation client lists and records,  referral  sources,  mailing
               lists,  equipment logs,  operating guides and manuals,  copies of
               financial,  accounting and personnel records,  correspondence and
               other similar documents and records;

          (5)  all of Transferor's rights to any intellectual property;

          (6)  the  Real  Property  and  all  other  real   property   owned  by
               Transferor;

          (7)  all prepaid expenses; and

          (8)  all receivables of the Transferor.

     TO HAVE AND TO HOLD such  Assets unto  Transferee  and its  successors  and
assigns, to and for their use forever.

                                      -23-

<PAGE>


     Section  2. To the  extent  there  is a  conflict  between  the  terms  and
provisions  of this  Bill of Sale and  those of the  Agreement,  the  terms  and
provisions of the Agreement will govern.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Transferor and Transferee have caused this Bill of Sale
to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

                                             HILITE INDUSTRIES-TEXAS, INC.


                                             By:   /s/ Daniel W. Brady
                                                -------------------------------
                                                  Daniel W. Brady
                                                  Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                  Directors and Chief Operating
                                                  Officer


                                             HILITE INDUSTRIES-DELAWARE, INC.


                                             By:   /s/ James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                -------------------------------
                                                  James E. Lineberger, Jr.
                                                  President and Treasurer



                                      -24-


<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<CIK>                         0000915197
<NAME>                        HILITE INDUSTRIES, INC.
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                       3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>              JUN-30-1998
<PERIOD-START>                 JUL-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                   DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                  0
<SECURITIES>                            0
<RECEIVABLES>                  10,865,256
<ALLOWANCES>                      237,628
<INVENTORY>                    10,351,896
<CURRENT-ASSETS>               23,995,365
<PP&E>                         39,642,659
<DEPRECIATION>                 13,732,805
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                 57,844,379
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>          13,647,887
<BONDS>                                 0
                   0
                             0
<COMMON>                           49,000
<OTHER-SE>                     23,562,757
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>   57,844,379
<SALES>                        41,656,789
<TOTAL-REVENUES>               41,656,789
<CGS>                          33,370,096
<TOTAL-COSTS>                  38,081,115
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                        0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                800,018
<INCOME-PRETAX>                 2,775,626
<INCOME-TAX>                    1,044,922
<INCOME-CONTINUING>             1,730,704
<DISCONTINUED>                          0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                         0
<CHANGES>                               0
<NET-INCOME>                    1,730,704
<EPS-PRIMARY>                        0.35
<EPS-DILUTED>                        0.35
        


</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission