A-pillar grab handle

[mikkelstuff]

My wife (under chemo) is struggling to get in the passenger side of my '02 4WD Ranger even with a foot stool. She finds the passenger side overhead grab handle to be too high to reach but would like one on the A-pillar.

Do I dare add a grab handle to the A-pillar? Anything under the plastic to hold mounting screws?

Any recommendations for grab handle? I like the existing passenger side roof grab handle if anyone has the part number.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Perhaps put a loop on the existing grab handle? A short belt or dog collar? A piece of soft 3/4" rope? Adjust so it hangs down to a comfortable level.

 

[RobbieD]

I can see where an A-pillar grab handle would be very helpful (I'd use one myself).

I think a stock overhead grab handle would work well, but I would suggest that you solidly mount it using expanding nut inserts, also called rivet nuts or jack nuts. This'll let you mount the handle with machine thread bolts; very strong.

Here's an example pic of one of several styles:

 

[Uncle Gump]

The factory a-pillar grab handles have a bracket that is riveted to the pillar with hardened rivets. The handle then fastens to the bracket.

 

[Curious Hound]

Remove the trim and see what’s there. If the handles were an option for certain trim levels, the brackets are probably there, ready to be used.

 

[CrabGuy]

I have an 04 XLT and it has the grab bar on the A pillar. You can also maybe use one of those handles that just slip into the door frame latch for support. My wife has been in chemo since 2019 but usually has no problem with her Subaru. I'm having a total knee replacement next week so I bought the support handle that pretty much works on any car.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

You can probably find one on Fleabay, or the Help! section of parts store.

Off road stores have grab handles...maybe check out the jeep or utv stuff.

Maybe a handle off the passenger side dash as well like the utv's have

 

[sgtsandman]

My wife (under chemo) is struggling to get in the passenger side of my '02 4WD Ranger even with a foot stool. She finds the passenger side overhead grab handle to be too high to reach but would like one on the A-pillar.

Do I dare add a grab handle to the A-pillar? Anything under the plastic to hold mounting screws?

Any recommendations for grab handle? I like the existing passenger side roof grab handle if anyone has the part number.

My 2011 has grab handles on the A pillars. So, it should be do able on yours. There is actual metal back there.

 

[pjtoledo]

both my 2000 and 2005 have the holes in the pillar frame for the brackets..
I've drilled out a couple sets of rivets in salvage yards, the heads are aluminum and drill easily after the pin is punched thru.
If you want gray they seem to be everywhere, the tan I wanted is much harder to find.

Don't get Mazda, the top over the door is different.

you'll need special short rivets, or washers to take up the slack with 1/8 grip range rivets, the 2 pieces of metal are slightly less than 1/8" total thickness.
1/4" diameter.

dang steering wheel gets in the way of the giant sized rivet tool, pass side is easy.


EDIT: body shops have power tools for the rivets, pull trigger and it's done.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

both my 2000 and 2005 have the holes in the pillar frame for the brackets..
I've drilled out a couple sets of rivets in salvage yards, the heads are aluminum and drill easily after the pin is punched thru.
If you want gray they seem to be everywhere, the tan I wanted is much harder to find.

Don't get Mazda, the top over the door is different.

you'll need special short rivets, or washers to take up the slack with 1/8 grip range rivets, the 2 pieces of metal are slightly less than 1/8" total thickness.
1/4" diameter.

dang steering wheel gets in the way of the giant sized rivet tool, pass side is easy.

I just drilled out a set for my dad’s Ranger, good to know what I’m working with here that the holes should be there, I was a little worried about how to locate them

 

[mikkelstuff]

I took a chance and drilled though the plastic trim since I don't know how to remove it. The top hole went into metal so that bolt is secure. The bottom hole went into nothing! Still I pried away the plastic trim to install a nut on the back side of the trim. Though not ideal, it turns out this works well for the wife. She just needs the grab handle for balance while entering the truck.

Anyone know how to remove that trim?

 

[Uncle Gump]

You just grab it with both hands... high and low. Then pull it away from the a pillar. It's gonna sound like you breaking it... but you most likely won't.

 

[Curious Hound]

You just grab it with both hands... high and low. Then pull it away from the a pillar. It's gonna sound like you breaking it... but you most likely won't.

In my trucks, if it sounds like I'm breaking it, I've already broken it.

 

[pjtoledo]

I took a chance and drilled though the plastic trim since I don't know how to remove it. The top hole went into metal so that bolt is secure. The bottom hole went into nothing! Still I pried away the plastic trim to install a nut on the back side of the trim. Though not ideal, it turns out this works well for the wife. She just needs the grab handle for balance while entering the truck.

Anyone know how to remove that trim?

View attachment 93682

stand outside the truck, pull the trim down a bit, insert bent screwdriver near front & rear to push the 2 metal tabs.

then the 2 tabs on the A pillar pull out.

the reason for pushing on the metal tabs is the plastic they are attached to can break off easily.

it helps to have a light to see the tabs if you're outside on a bright day.

 

[sgtsandman]

You just grab it with both hands... high and low. Then pull it away from the a pillar. It's gonna sound like you breaking it... but you most likely won't.

Yep. Unlike the tabs on the panels for the sill. Each time I pull those up for something, another tab breaks...