A pillar grab handles

[gDMJoe]

Jigks - You mentioned they were available up to 2009, do you think they would be available as spare part and would they fit a 2014?

Pre-2009 LH grab handles will NOT fit due the A-pillar design change in 2009+.
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[Jigks]

Thanks @gDMJoe

 

[970Co]

Why would you have a grab handle?

 

[TheJoker]

Jigks,
I bet there's some differences between the 2009 and 2010+; as well as the new 2015 with the new Aluminum bodies. Best bet would be to hope the aftermarket steps up with pillar mounts for gauges...they will also probably incorporate a grab handle. My 98.5 Dodge had grab handles and someone made an entire new mount incorporating the gauge mount as well as the grab handle. I bought the new part through Geno's Garage, (Genosgarage.com); they might know the supplier that manufactured the new driver side (LEFT!!!) handle/gauge mount. The manufacturer might be interested in designing one for the several million F150's manufactures between 2010 and 2014..
Eddie

also if you remove the inside pillar cover on the left, and reinforce the back, you might be able to mount a grab handle from another source...marine etc. It wouldn't look factory, but would be functional...

Not a good idea. We have airbags in the A-pillars, and just about everywhere else. Be very careful when considering adding a grab handle here. Just my $.02

---------- Post added at 11:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------

Why would you have a grab handle?

Read the op.

As I have a converted Raptor to RHD my passenger side doesn't have the handle as it is on my side (the right). Without it is makes it difficult for short people in my family to get in and I am sure with not much to hang on to when we go off road!

 

[970Co]

Not a good idea. We have airbags in the A-pillars, and just about everywhere else. Be very careful when considering adding a grab handle here. Just my $.02

---------- Post added at 11:15 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:13 AM ----------



Read the op.

Damn it! Driving and reading the forum bites me in the ass

 

[gDMJoe]

TheJoker - Not a good idea. We have airbags in the A-pillars, and just about everywhere else.

For those concerned about explosive bolts, jettisoned objects, and front, side air-curtain deployment ...

When the A-pillar air-curtain deploys it kicks-out the trim at the top and pushes past it leaving the trim/moulding still attached to the A-pillar.

There are 2 clips of different construct that retain the trim/moulding ...

1. close to the top.
   • This clip is made to separate at its top, narrow tip. *Learned the hard way that you have to carefully pull the top part of the trim/moulding to remove it otherwise it separates and can drop-down into the cab inner/outer wall.
   • the clip fits into a slot in the A-pillar that is behind the air-curtain.
2. ~¾ the way down from the top.
   • this clip is a typical panel clip - teeth grip the plastic pillar on the trim/moulding and the head fits into a slot in the A-pillar.
   • given that the air-curtain is folded and only extends down (say) 4" from the top of the A-pillar and the fact that the clip is further forward (e.g. closer to the windshield), it doesn't come into any consideration when/if the air-curtain deploys.

When the air-curtain deploys ...

1. it's expansion pushes past the top of the trim/moulding though may(?) cause it to be slightly out and away from the A-pillar.
2. the air-curtain extends rearward along the side glass until fully deployed and then deflates.
3. the lower portion of the trim/moulding remains attached (somewhat) to the A-pillar, however, may be askew at the top

When I installed an A-pillar gauge pod with a scan guage, I left ~12" of wire within the trim/moulding+pod -and- its connection to the guage is a plug and is not bolted/screwed to any post(s). THINKING: Even if the trim/moulding+pod is TOTALLY pushed-out, it has 12" before the guage could separate from the pod, and even then it's a tight/snug 2-1/16" fit.

REMEMBER ...

• The RH (passenger) A-pillar trim/moulding (with hand grip) is bolted to the A-pillar, has a side-curtain airbag, AND is standard on all.
  .
• +(plus) the F-250's/SuperDuty's have LH and RH grab handles as well as the same side-curtain airbag deployment system.

References:

• discussions with FoMoCo dealership bodyshop tech's.
  .
• questioned a first-hand, real-life experiencer ... Tested My Air Bag Effectiveness Today
  
• Excerpted from dealer brochures ...
  
  
  ​

 

[TheJoker]

gDMJoe, sounds like you'be given this a lot of thought. I was simply pointing out that you can't just bolt on a grab handle with out some forethought. I have yet to see any one attempt this mod. I also haven't seen anyone damage the airbag trying it. Once someone adds a Oh Shit handle without saying Oh Shit. I will stop reminding people.

 

[Wilson]

Even tho I'm 6'3" I step on my running boards turn then sit down. Works I have no idea what's I grab. But it's not the steering wheel

 

[gDMJoe]

TheJoker - I was simply pointing out that you can't just bolt on a grab handle with out some forethought. I have yet to see any one attempt this mod. I also haven't seen anyone damage the airbag trying it. Once someone adds a Oh Shit handle without saying Oh Shit. I will stop reminding people.

Understand and agree ... After all it's NOT plug-and-play. Some bracketry/mounting points would also need to considered/fabricated.

Just sayin' ... Should be doable.
.

 

[Jigks]

I don't thinks there are airbags in the A pillars but rather in the roofline and the B pillar. There is always an SRS badge where there is an airbag.