Got used-to using the grab handles every time getting in/out of my F150.
Nice convenient feature!

Now i'd like to have one at least on the driver's side A pillar.
Don't know if it would be secure enough just using a couple self-tapping or sheet metal screws to fasten it to the A pillar.

Did any of the earlier year XJs or Comanche's come stock with them?

 

There is a write-up here somewhere for attaching handles to A-pillar. I believe they used nutserts. Pillars have many layers of metal, often one piece folded/wrapped upon itself.

 

Thanks for the reply Steve!
I did a search and didn't see anything useful for A-pillar grab handles.
However didn't find the thread about using nutserts.

Thanks for the idea though about using nutserts instead of sheet metal screws.
I'd think nutserts would be a lot stronger fastener.

Now to find a grab handle needing a new home and pop off that dam plastic trim.
I already broke every @#^&'n trim clip when i replaced my headliner.

 

These links may be helpful http://mallcrawlin.com/forum/showthr...l=1#post201430

https://www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ/...tall_on_my_xj/

 

Thanks again for the links.

The second link gave me some ideas. I'm gonna try and see if i can jury-rig a rigid an OEM handle instead of a flex handle.

My only concern are the broken trim clips which i hot-glued back on from the head liner change fiasco. I know every single one will break off the trim piece again.
It'll also need to be modified somehow for the handle...to be determined.

Think i'll fasten the trim piece back on with stainless sheet metal screws instead of wrestling with all those @%$&^*'n clips again. Might need to re-glue a couple back on just for correct alignment.

 

I installed a stock grab handle on the A-pillar of my '89. I think I used self-tappers. I'll check today. Haven't had any issues, but it's not like I'm doing pull ups on it. I recently picked up another grab handle from a junk yard to install in my '96 DD.

 

ElMartillo, thanks.... thats exactly what i had in mind, just like the handles on my F150.
Nice job!

No pull ups. LOL.
Just something to balance myself while getting out of my lifted Jeep instead of using the steering wheel.
Don't know why these XJs didn't come stock with them.

Question?
The stock handles have protruding trunnions (in addition to the screws) for added strength.
Did you cut them off flush and just use the screws or
did you modify the A pillar metal to accommodate them?

It also looks from the pic that you didn't have to modify the trim.
The trim being a little on the concave side i'd suspect it doesn't sit flush with the A pillar metal.
So tightening the screws would distort the trim piece. Did you use spacers, etc. or does the trim sit flush withe the metal?

Trying to get all my ducks in a row before i attempt this mod.

 

So it turns out I just used sheet metal screws. The top screw utilizes an existing hole in the A-pillar, originally used to attach the trim. I just drilled a hole in the a pillar for the bottom screw. See the rectangular holes cut in the trim to accept the white plastic foot of the handle. Also, I had to not only remove the trunnion, but apparently I ground down the remaining plastic foot so it would bottom out on the A-pillar but the handle sits flush with the trim.

Hope this helps.

 

...and just installed one in my '96 in about 30 mins.

Cheers

 

Thanks again for posting those pics, they help a lot!

The grab handles on my F150 are mounted on a slight angle facing towards the rear of the truck.
That way there's no side window or windshield handle blocking the view.
And thats an excellent handle position for climbing in/out of the truck.
At least Ford got one thing right! LOL

So, been thinking of mounting the handle on the narrow part of the trim facing towards the rear of the Jeep.
Might be a little more convenient and maybe less of a windshield obstruction?
Won't know if thats even feasible or strong enough until i pull the trim and have handle in hand to eyeball it all out.
If not, i'll mount it exactly like yours.

I see now how your install over came the gap between the trim and the metal.
Now i've got to go to the local boneyard before i hit fleabay and see if i can find me a handle or two.

 

Get the handle and hold it in the position mine is in. I think you'll find it doesn't obstruct views through the windsheild or side window.