Anyone installed an “A” pillar grab handle on a 2000 F350? I’ve search and only found a few reference but no detailed information. First, does the “A” pillar have tabs or supports for the grab handle? What kind of modification is needed on the “A” pillar panel? Can you purchase a later modal panel to fit the grab handle? If someone has a thread or information that could help it would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

i put one on my 99
did it some time ago so dont recall exactly how i did it
but i think i ordered a second one like on the left and just mounted it on the left side
i think i had to drill the pillar cover and that the holes were there for the handle mount

i dont use it much but it looks better to me having one on both sides

 

I have access to a 2006 F550 that has grab bars on both sides. The grab bars appear to be slightly larger then the one on my 2000 F350 probably not going to bolt up to the stock location on my 2000. Does anyone know if the “A” pillar panels on the 2006 F550 are the same? If yes, maybe I could pull both panels and grab bars to make a matching set and attempt to secure the grab bars with new holes. Any idea how to remove the “A” pillar panel…do they just pop off after removing the grab bar?

 

Yes the a pillar panel just has clips that hold it in place after the screws are out. Pull down on the rubber weather strip and then out on the panel, and then jimmy it out from the dash panel.
You can get an oem left side pillar grab handle, as some models came this way. (I don't recall which tho) If I remember it correct you get the grab handle and pillar panel and then only have to put in some holes into the metal that the grab handle screws go into.

 

i think they are the same

 

I happened to be at KTP the month that Ford changed the grab handle.

Here are the observations I made at the plant regarding the A pillars:

1. The newer grab handles (post 2002) are longer and narrower than the original grab handles (1999-2001).

2. There are two threaded square nuts welded into the pinch flange of the A Pillar to secure the grab handles to.

3. These square nuts are welded further apart on the newer version grab handles, because the handle opening is longer.

4. The OEM fasteners that retain the handle are machine screws designed for multiple thread engagement into nuts. They are not sheet metal screws, and the handle fasteners are not intended to screw directly into the sheet metal without a nut.

5. The square nuts are welded into the A pillar for anti-rotation when installing or removing the handle for other service (ie, accessing roof wiring for cab lights, vanity mirrors, and dome light).

6. The newer trucks (post 2002) have two nuts welded into both the passenger and the driver's side A pillar.

7. The original trucks (with the nuts closer together) only had nuts welded into the passenger side A Pillar. I specifically remember that they were not there on the earlier models where I have looked for them.


Kengarchow... I know you said it's been a while, and you don't remember how you did it, but along with the OP, I am very curious how you retrofitted the grab handle in your 1999... especially where and how you fastened it to the metal part of the A pillar.