grab handle?

[bkaser90]

I have noticed on some vans there is a grab handle on the pass. side a-pillar and I would like to add one to my van as my parents are getting up there in age and they could use it. Anyone know what year they started this and know if it is possible to get one and add it to my van?

[rwetter]

On my last e150 I added a handle to the pass a pillar by purchasing a handle for the rear of the Pass front seat (same as the handle on the side double door) It took a little doing to anchor the handle into the a pillar as there is not much metal there so be careful to anchor well.

hope that helps!

[wolfmanagh]

I just added a handle on both sides on the 98. I think the handles were new for a 07 or 08 model. I had to make some slight modifications to the new pillar trim panels both they look alright. As for mounting the handles I used those rivet type nuts in the pillar and that makes the handles nice and strong. The color is slightly off but it is good enough. I'll take some more pictures sometime soon and make a gallery for the van.

on edit: the tool is a "THREAD SETTING TOOL" and the nuts are "RIVET NUTS"

[IntrepidCUB]

i know on our 06 at work we have the grab handles on each side i get so use to them then climb in my 94 and almost kill myself

[IntrepidCUB]

will the a pillers off a 06 or newer fit a older van i wonder

[bkaser90]

Originally Posted by IntrepidCUB

will the a pillers off a 06 or newer fit a older van i wonder

I don't see why not, the only thing I am wondering is if they beefed up the area where the handle bolts to, or if they added threaded inserts to the A-pillar?

[bkaser90]

ohh, and for those scoring at home, my van in a '98 E-350 Chateau. V-10

[lngroller]

Riv nut question. I bought one of these tools and it came with aluminum rivnuts, I find them way too soft and wouldn't trust them, do they come in steel or stainless?

[wolfmanagh]

Originally Posted by lngroller

Riv nut question. I bought one of these tools and it came with aluminum rivnuts, I find them way too soft and wouldn't trust them, do they come in steel or stainless?

Yes you can get them in steel. I used some steel ones that the uncle had in his kit.

Here are a couple pictures of my handles in the 98. The color isn't quite the same as my existing color but I can live with it as it is close enough. You can see in my pictures that it doesn't fit quite right at the top of the pillar trim. I'm sure I could have found a better fit but this works and I'm sure I won't even notice it.