Grab handle solution.

[German]

I didn’t know if this should go into the modified section or the stock section. Either way, it should help a lot of unlimited owners out there.

I bought some grab handles for the Jeep because my daughter was having trouble getting in and out. I knew this would be a bigger issue when the lift and tires are on, and I didn’t want to get raped buying some after market side steps when I have the stock rock rails on the Rubicon. Trouble is, the straps were too short to reach around the bar with its bazaar plastic inserts and the location of the sound bar forces the straps (if they would fit) towards the rear of the vehicle. Not a good location, but better than nothing right? Well, the fact that they wouldn’t fit forced me to improvise.

Step 1: Buy the middle of the road straps from one of the many dealers out there. I got the best deal from FourWheel Parts, but you may be able to find them cheaper. They are called “Deluxe Sport Handles, Product #: OUT769301” from FourWheel Parts and run for $14.99 and free shipping. Note: Only buy one pair because the straps are too short to fit the front.


Sorry for the poor photo quality. It was raining this morning when I took the photos. I'll post exterior photos of the Jeep shourtly in the photos section.

Step 2: Remove the handle portion of the grab handles. They just slide off of the Velcro section.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/mike-german/IMG_2611.jpg

Step 3: Drill a hole using a ¼” drill bit about a ¼ of an inch from the end of the straps. This will give you enough room to slide the bolts through.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/mike-german/IMG_2612.jpg

Step 4: Remove one of the bolts from your sound bar. Slide the bolt through the hole in the strap and screw back into place. Then repeat for the other bolt. I would not suggest taking both bolts out at the same time for obvious reasons, but if you feel lucky, have a blast.

Step 5: Step back and marvel at your achievement.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/mike-german/IMG_2621.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v453/mike-german/IMG_2622.jpg


Step 6: Most important!!! Invite all of your friends over and show them the product of your vast imagination. Not to mention your engineering prowess. Be sure not the thank German for filling you in on this little mod.

[wayoflife]

Hey German, this is a great mod - Thanks for posting this!! :thumbs:

[Beel_MT]

Wow, great improv. It almost looks like it could pass for factory install.

I don't have have one to look at, how big is the bolt head? Do you think you have the potential for pulling through?

I have a grommet kit I use for all sorts of things around the house. The grommets have a 3/8 ID which might be too big. Maybe I'll get some 1/4 inch.

Very cool.

Beel

[German]

The washer is 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter. It shouldn't pull through.

[Beel_MT]

The washer is 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter. It shouldn't pull through.

Nice. You're right, that shouldn't pull through at all.

Beel

[BeerMonkey]

thats awesome, wonder if the regular ones fit a 2 dr

[papabear]

This is awesome, thanks for posting. Dave

[2K1TJ]

Thanks for sharing!. I have those same handles that I saved off a YJ that I used to own. I'd already planned on using them on the JK. This info will come in handy.:yup:

[SpudRacer]

I can't see any pics...

Tom
Bryson City, NC

[kidjeep]

Thanks for the idea! It reminds me of something I did with my YJ interior door handles. I was so annoyed by the hard plastic originals always pushing against my left leg that I made a new one with some cool colored mountaing climbing strapping from REI. It comes in lots of vibrant colors and is dirt cheap. It actually looked like very fitting in a Jeep.

[Phishjeep]

I bought the same handles (Thanks, German). I put one on the passenger side of my two door, then I used the other handle and the backing pieces from both handles to put a handle on the vertical part of the roll bar, beneath the adjustable seat belt retainer. Now, my six year old can grab the handle and put his foot on the sill and pull himself in without looking precarious (like he did before, especially when he didn't weant my help). I can throw some pictures up if anyone wants to see it.

[HG97TJ]

I can throw some pictures up if anyone wants to see it.

Yes, I'd like to see the pics. Thanks.

[ThinkMud]

I bought the same handles (Thanks, German). I put one on the passenger side of my two door, then I used the other handle and the backing pieces from both handles to put a handle on the vertical part of the roll bar, beneath the adjustable seat belt retainer. Now, my six year old can grab the handle and put his foot on the sill and pull himself in without looking precarious (like he did before, especially when he didn't weant my help). I can throw some pictures up if anyone wants to see it.


I'd like to see that! I have a 6 yr old son as well, and he has trouble getting in the back of my JK 4 door now, with 33" tires, and Tuesday I'm getting my 2.5" lift in the mail, and well, i just know he will have lots of trouble then!!

[Rescue X]

German...great idea...I just finished mine and they work great! It's a perfect spot!

Thanks...

[Dean]

That's really ingenious! Do the bolts in the soundbar hold alot of weight? Like a heavy adult using it to get in?

[Rescue X]

They worked for all 190 lbs of me...got in/out using them and they worked like a champ...I also pulled on them as hard as I could and nothing happened...

I bet they are stronger than the velcro strap that I removed...

[Major Ho]

Just wanted to say this is a great idea. I just ordered 2 pairs myself

Also, in my search I found a good deal for some MasterCraft lookalikes with the rubber grips for 14.99. Since we are taking off the velcro portion anyways we won't see the big ORW logo. Even the Mastercrafts are cheaper at 17.95 compared to the 39.99 I saw at Quadratec.

offroadwarehouse.com/Store_ViewProducts.asp!Cat!1340

[dajuicejml]

Skyjacker's 3in Grabhandles fit without mods.

[Silver JK]

Bought the handles on ebay and installed them in 15 min. Great solution and they look like they were meant to be there. Thanks for a great and practical idea. :D

[Cesar]

My hat is off to you German. great Mod. Make sure you patent it.

[emtjeep]

Might do something like that myself.

[jkmon]

So will this work for the front passengers. Only seen pics for the rear passengers, assuming this is for a 4 dr.

tx

[farbuckle]

So will this work for the front passengers. Only seen pics for the rear passengers, assuming this is for a 4 dr.

tx

We're using the bolts from the soundbar to mount the handles... In my 4 door, I ended up using the standard mopar roll bar wrap arounds for the front.

[jwetzel]

In the front, the Mastercraft 3" grab handles work great, and look nice too. That was my first mod to my rubi.

[Heyspike]

Thanks, nice mod.I used 1" webbing and daisy chained it, it's not perfected yet, but it works.

[Battscrew]

Great thread!! went to my local Princess Auto (Calg (ary Alberta) (its a hardware and surplus store. Picked up 4 grab handles for $2.50 each and velcro straps at Home depot ($10.00) and here is my set up!!

8112

8113

[Brad2893]

I just did my rear roll bar with the handles available from Chesapeake Light Craft (see other posts). Looks stock and works well. Dealer couldn't figure out if it came like that lol.

[dsword]

Sweet!:clap: