Adding Grab Handles to 1997 - 2003 Econoline Van
 

This should work for any van from this time period. Mine is a 2000 E150.

I have people complaining how hard it is to get in and out of my van. So I needed to add grab handles. I looked at different options and thought, hey maybe the 2003+ ones might fit. So I went to the junkyard and got both pillar trim pieces and handles for $10 total.

The trim piece clips fit perfectly into the existing mounts. The only thing you need to cut out is the top white bracket.

To locate the handle holes I just put the handle in place and marked the hole with a black marker. I drilled a tiny pilot hole, then the full size hole, then used the proper size tap for screws the handle used (I'll add the exact size bits later).

The thing is solid as a rock. Just be careful not to over-tighten the bolts.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...beac2d73c7.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...dcd28668de.jpg

Wow ….. good job!! I'm glad my 2003 already has them from the factory, because you're right, they are DEFINITELY NEEDED !!! I had to add a few grab handles/straps around the side doors also, to help ease entry/exit concerns, along with anti-slip industrial tape on the footwells all around the vehicle. Other than that, it has been a great highway cruiser ….. :)

Do you have any pictures of the grab handles/straps that you installed on the side doors. I'm really wanting to add something like this to make it easier for the kids to get into the van. Thanks!

I had a buddy that worked for a Ford dealer who told me that a customer came in for the passenger grab bar that was broken be replaced under warranty. This customer came in the second time for the same problem and again was replaced. On the third time for the same problem, his wife accompanied him. Service manager denied the repair after seeing his 400lb wife. :-X24

Don't have the van at home right now, but an explanation and some "stock photos" should help. (1) First, I ordered some Jeep headrest handles to put on the headrests, and those are what I use the most (Ebay .. quick and easy to install). (2) Next, I bought some generic strap handles off of Ebay and screwed them into the woodwork above the two side doors .... and then (3) last, since I removed the one bucket seat that was right next to the side door (which made room for my foam mattress and sleeping area .. Yes, I live in my van when I travel) .. I had a shoe repair shop cut and sew an old seatbelt (bought off of Ebay) into a loop and clicked it in to the unused overhead seatbelt connector which makes a great overhead hand strap/loop/handle. Some of these "stock photos" might help:
(1) Jeep headrest handles:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...66503e61c2.jpg

(2) Strap handle (from Nissan, Cadillac, many other makes)
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...2d1a5ef1a8.jpg

(3) Seatbelt loop handle
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...0a948fc93f.jpg

E-Series vans factory equipped with the A-Pillar grab handles have reinforced areas under the attachment points---this makes them far safer than simply using a sheet-metal screw holding them in place. The factory parts will fit vans back to 1992 BUT the trim pieces do have a top clip that requires the headliner to be trimmed OR removed as this OP might have done. That would be personal preference as its not an essential part of this particular installation.

I have a 2000 that will be fitted with factory grab handles but I'll use what are generically called "plus nuts" inside the A-Pillars, the factory threaded fasteners so they've held in place very securely. This makes them safer over the long term, little to no chance of the sheet metal tearing or the holes being enlarged from repeated use.

The "strap handles" could easily be mounted right on the side doors themselves. Just locate where there is steel behind some of the wood trim and mount them using heavy metal screws ... these would be secure enough for light-weight younger children to steady themselves as they climb in and out of the side doors.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...cb347e255c.jpg