Tried to install front Grabars today. Started with front drivers side. Ended with front drivers side after wasting an hour and a half trying to line up bolts. Stock bolts came out fine. Stock bolts go back in fine. Bolts included with Grabars go in fine, they thread all the way in smoothly (this is without actually mounting the Grabar). Once Grabar is in position both bolts will not thread at the same time.

I have followed the instructions. I have tried not following the instructions. I have left the first bolt threaded loosely and attempted to install the second bolt. Once the bolts are restricted to the mounting holes in the Grabars the 2nd bolt will not thread. Its as if the holes in the Grabar do not align with the threads in the Jeep. I bought my Jeep new and it has never been damaged, so this is not the issue.

I also notice that the stock hardware has no threads on the first 1/8" of the bolt. It is almost as if this nub locates the bolt before it starts to thread. The hardware with the Grabars has no locating nub just threads all the way to the tip.

I wanted to let people know my experience with this product because I only see positive reviews. The handles are solid. If they fit they may be great. I like the idea and the fact that they are supposed to use existing mounting holes. But The precision doesn't seem to be there to get this thing mounted or maybe they need looser tolerances to allow for variation from Jeep to Jeep. Even if these handles did mount they are just an afterthought. I'm not sure the mounting holes in the Jeep ever had the intention of a handle that supports the weight of full size adults hanging on them being bolted up.

Did anyone else have to give up on these Grabars?



UPDATE:

GRABARS ARE INSTALLED AND SOLID AS A ROCK. VERY NICE ADDITION TO A LIFTED JEEP!

During my first attempt to install the grabars my Jeep was parked on a slanted area in my driveway. While in bed last night I figured maybe I would move it to a level area and try again in the morning. The flat ground must have done the trick. The slanted area must have shifted the windshield frame enough to make this installation impossible. They did take some finagling as others have mentioned but they did thread smoothly. Total install time 20 minutes.

 

Hmmmm strange I installed mine front and back last month 20 minutes tops!!! Sorry about your experience 2009 JKU

 

Mine were super-easy to install, and I have fronts and backs. They've been in for like a year and stout as can be. Sounds like maybe you just got a bad batch, maybe the holes in the bars themselves are off just slightly. They're a smaller firm with seemingly crazy good attention to customer service; I bet they'd send you a replacement set pretty quick if you contact them.

 

I agree they should take about 20 minutes to install. I may try them on my other JK tomorrow maybe they will fit another Jeep.

 

I ordered mine from Quadratec and they were backordered. I waited a few months and almost canceled. Maybe the holes are off from rushing to keep up with demand?

 

The Carolina Metal Masters grab handles are awesome. Went in easy, are solid, and they look great. Just an option if you choose another route.

 

I just installed mine tonight... It did indeed take about 20 minutes, but it did in fact take a little work to get the bolts lined up and threaded.

 

Just got mine from Northridge today, called on last Monday. The front ones took a bit of lining up but they are in. Back ones -super easy. Very nice handles and no more pulling on steering wheels for those that might have to.

 

Mine were perfect, very happy customer here.

 

Mine were about 20 minutes also. Did have a bit of trouble with driver side. Had to make about three turns with upper bolt then jiggle to align side bolt. The other three went in with no problem. Possible I suppose to be bent in shipping or something.

Sent using smoke signals