Grab bar placement

[WVvan]

I've checked and there aren't any mounting holes on my 1999. I did get a couple grab handles from a newer van at the junk yard. One of the many projects I've not got to yet.

[Dango]

Finished the project. It was easier than I had expected thanks to the info I rec'd from you all. Pillar trim did just pull off. One thing I would suggest is that you should try to line up the bottom holes of the handle with the protruding surface of the hole for the center A-pillar trim clip. This ensures you won't drill to daylight. There will be plenty of surface area to drill for the top holes.

The handle above the door was a no-brainer.

(2) handles from SMB $5.98 ea.
(8) 1 x 8 sm screws
1/8" drill bit (I always start smaller for "pre-pilot")
30 mins. in total

[BroncoHauler]

When drilling through the A pillar, just keep an open eye for any wires that may be run through the pillar. It's a popular locaiton to route wires (dome lights, gauges...).


Herb

[my3kids]

Besides its intended use I also use the driver's side grab handle to loop a thick cable lock through it and the steering wheel when I'm parked in places unknown/unattended. Our vehicles are just odd looking enough that it sometimes garners more attention than wanted. Of course this won't stop the dedicated thief .. my aim is to deter the casual thief.

Ray

[wingate]

Even though the OP has finished his install, for reference, here are a couple of pics of the newer factory grab handle and trim installed on a 98.

The gap at the top due to a possible difference in the headliner contour:



And the rivnuts that I used to mount them (it looks like they came from McMaster Carr):



Although I thought I would use them more, I actually don't need them to climb into the van (stock 2WD height) and probably won't bother to install them again if our next van doesn't come with them.

Robert

[86Scotty]

Cool Dango! Those look great. I like the price too. I will be calling SMB but would you mind measuring the length of one of them for me? My new to me SMB came with some genuine hideous Buick from the 80's wood grain and chrome grab handles, and I can't stand them. If they're the same size and will fit my holes I'll be ordering right away.

Thanks
Eric

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by Dango

(2) handles from SMB $5.98 ea.
(8) 1 x 8 sm screws
1/8" drill bit (I always start smaller for "pre-pilot")
30 mins. in total

The previous owner of my SMB had one of those installed on the back of the passenger seat, making a nice handhold when using the side doors. I'm guessing that there was some metal backing put in place before the seats were recovered.


Herb

[Dango]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

Cool Dango! Those look great. I like the price too. I will be calling SMB but would you mind measuring the length of one of them for me? My new to me SMB came with some genuine hideous Buick from the 80's wood grain and chrome grab handles, and I can't stand them. If they're the same size and will fit my holes I'll be ordering right away.

Thanks
Eric

My pleasure.
Overall: 11" (caps on)
Overall: 10 1/2" (caps off)
From outside screw to outside screw: 10 (center to center)
From inside screw to inside screw: 9 1/4

Of course these measurements can vary a bit depending on how much you choose to bend it.

[86Scotty]

Thanks a lot Dango! Now if they have my color.......

[cowboy4x4]

I just took a handle a mounting plate and the trim piece off a newer van and installed on my 98...The holes in the "A" pillar were not there but the area for the bracket was. I just used some self tapping screws... looks factory