can I install a grab bar on my dash?

[decodancer]

I know, weird question. I have removed my passengers seat and plan on entering through that door the majority of the time. My slider is sometimes hard to close from the inside and at times I have to pull it out from the back to open it from the outside. Hard to do with dogs on a leash or bags of groceries. It will also be easier for someone to get my dogs to walk them during my stint at Amazon. Because of my short height and yes probably also the fact that I'm getting older I need to grab something to get up into the van. I'd like to install a short (8 inches?) grab bar and the best place for it would be on the front of my dash. It's padded vinyl but there is something solid there to mount to. Is there any reason that this might not work and have any of you done something similar?

 

[decodancer]

They didn't have airbags in 1987 LOL and no glove box either. If I unscrew the area where my radio is, I might be able to reach around and feel for wires, I'll check that thanks.

 

[MrNoodly]

My late model van has a factory installed grab handle mounted to the window post. You might consider a similar location, or on the left side of the door opening.

However, it would be best to find a location where you can use nuts and bolts rather than just sheet metal screws. Repeated pulling on the grab bar will case the screws to flex in the holes, making the holes larger. The bar will get wobbly and eventually the screws will pull out of the van metal. If you can use bolts, washers and nuts the bar will be much more secure much longer.

You might be able to use the shoulder harness mount to attach a grab strap.

 

[rvwandering]

Our old motorhome had a factory installed grab handle mounted to the window post too. Very helpful. The new one had nothing but Tony found a handle at a truck parts store and installed it on the window post with bolts and nuts. It's gets used every day and is very sturdy.

 

[vanman2300]

Maybe you could try grabbing the window post itself by placing fingers outside and thumb inside with the door open instead of putting a handle on the post?

Another idea would be to cut a hole in the dash where it meets the door when closed so as to hide it when the door it shut. It might work well if the dash can handle the pulling.

 

[MrNoodly]

Another option is a step like the ones used on tall off-road trucks.

 

[LeeRevell]

Another option is a step like the ones used on tall off-road trucks.

I carry a step that my Dad made, to help my elderly Mother into and out of tall vehicles.

 

[decodancer]

A step does help, though I don't consider myself elderly LOL. I have one I built from spare lumber I used when I was going in and out the side door constantly during construction. The problem with the passengers area is that I'm not able to stand up immediately. I have to go in bent over until I get out of the cab area. I automatically want to reach for something as I do it. Another option would be to attach a strap to the ceiling area in the cab. There is a high top over the metal so I could bolt something there. Or what about a bar on the dog house? A bit low but might work. The dash is a more natural place to grab though. Maybe because I'm left handed? I use the steering wheel as a brace to get into the drivers seat. Hopefully I'm not doing any damage to it.

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I thought pictures of the area might help you envision what I'm talking about

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Excuse the mess. The step is under the console. I do intend to clean that off and I haven't finished the linoleum.

 

[SoulRaven]

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/productlist?k=grab+handle

 

[Zil]

The question was where to mount. I would not mount on the dog house. The dash would provide the strength needed. Use bolts, nuts, and (fender) washers, along with lock washers. Have some one lie on floor and look under the dash. You could also make a rack of pipe to fasten to the floor where you removed the seat. Wrong side but will work. Maybe from the dash to the floor on the right.

 

[decodancer]

If the dash is strong enough then that's where I'm going to put it. I tried reaching to the left and it just doesn't work, my arm is at an awkward angle. The pipe rack would work but probably overkill for what I need and would look out of place once I glamp the van up. Thanks for all your help.

 

[MrNoodly]

How about attaching a grab strap to the visor mount -- if only as an interim measure?

 

[highdesertranger]

is the sheet metal below the dash pad to low? the a-pillar is a good location(the metal between the windshield and door). a strap made out of webbing is an option, only uses one mount, off roaders use this a lot. you can put it through the dash pad but a couple of issues come to mind. the sheet metal under the pad might not be a solid piece a lot of times there are holes throughout this sheet metal. make sure if you do this options you hit sheet metal. another thing if you mount it through the dash the foam under the dash is going to break down after repeated use, then your bar will be loose. you will have to retighten but I will keep doing this until the foam is totally smashed. like others have said use bolts not screws. highdesertranger

 

[vanman2300]

Maybe put a handle on the inside of the door to use as a push off point rather than a pulling point on the dash?

 

[decodancer]

I grab towards the top of the door now. My fear is that it will eventually affect the alignment of the door which is a much bigger problem. I ordered the grab bar and it will be here tomorrow. If I can comfortably reach it I'll mount to the ceiling since I can access it easier for tightening bolts. If not, I'll go with the dash. I'll paint it to make it look more cohesive but I do think it is a necessary evil.

 

[Patrick46]

relax hun.

YES, I think you can drill right through the dash pad without any difficulties...no problemo.

I do agree with the folks who're saying to use long bolts (3"), with fender washers behind the dash, with nylock nuts on 'em. (ask at the hardware store for nylocks if you don't know what these are)

HDR mentions that the dash pad may break down with use, and altho this may be true, I honestly don't think it'll be all that bad. the worst case scenario is that you'll hafta get behind there once a year and retorque the nuts and bolts, but if you use the nylocks, you should be in great shape.

there are 6 or 8 phillips screws that hold the panel that the radio & heater controls are mounted into. (I've had several of these same vans). remove those screws, and then there are 2 snap/clip fittings behind the dash that you simply pull the panel away from once the screw are out. Just go easy when pulling. You don't wanna break anything.

You should have great access to the back of the dash through this opening.

Mark the spots, drill the holes, bolt it all together, and you should be golden!!

(feel free to PM if you've got any more questions.)

 

[sassypickins]

Well, Patrick seems to have it nailed (ok, screwed) but I had fun thinking about it, so here's what I came up with anyway!

Fasten a leash around the lower part of the steering column. Run the leash through a length of pvc that extends it over and past the console toward the passenger door - however long you need it. Tie a circle at the other end to make a handle but first insert a pvc tube about 5" long to create a handhold.

 

[decodancer]

Patrick, you're my hero . Sassy, you think like I do LOL and I have no doubt it would work. I somehow think an 8 inch grab bar would be a bit less obtrusive than several feet of pvc pipe running over my console so I'll probably stick to my current plan

 

[sassypickins]

I figured you'd get a kick out of it. ;-)

 

[Patrick46]

Deco...

one thing you might also consider (for someday when you get REALLY old)...

is going to a junkyard and getting a set of running boards off a van or pickup truck, and mounting these on your rig.

They don't need to be very long...just long enough to go under the front doors.

then, when you're old, feeble and crippled, it'll make getting into your van a whole bunch easier...without having to mess with a step or stool.



...but like I said, these can wait!