RELEASE OF GUARANTOR

         Kojaian  Holdings  LLC  ("Kojaian"),  a  Guarantor  under that  certain
Guaranty  dated as of May 27,  1999  executed  by  Kojaian,  ASC  Holdings  LLC,
API/JPE, Inc. and SAC Corporation  ("Guaranty")  guarantying all Indebtedness of
JPE, Inc., Brake, Axle and Tandem Company Canada,  Inc., Dayton Parts, Inc., JPE
Finishing,  Inc., Plastic Trim, Inc. and Starboard Industries,  Inc. to Comerica
Bank is hereby released from its obligations and liabilities under the Guaranty.

         All  Capitalized  terms  used but not  defined  herein  shall  have the
meanings given to them in the Guaranty.

Dated: December 30, 1999

                                  COMERICA BANK

                                                     By: /s/ Richard S. Arceci
                                                         ---------------------
                                                             Richard S. Arceci

                                                     Its:    Vice President
                                                             --------------


Acknowledged by and
Agreed to this 30 day of
December, 1999:

ASC HOLDINGS LLC

By: /s/ David L. Treadwell
   -----------------------
        David L. Treadwell

Its: President and Chief Executive Officer
     -------------------------------------


API/JPE, INC.

By:/s/ David L. Treadwell
   -----------------------
       David L. Treadwell

Its: Chairman
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SAC CORPORATION

By: /s/ David L. Treadwell
    ----------------------
        David L. Treadwell

Its: Chairman
     --------