grab bars - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gmikkels · 08-02-2022, 07:45 PM

Hello,
Has anyone done grab bars on the A pillar of a 72 k20?
Thanks,
Gene

**special-K** · 08-03-2022, 07:41 AM

I haven't, but I sure thought it was a great idea on the 88-98s. I used to consider mounting something there back when I was 4-wheeling a lot.

**jeffahart** · 08-03-2022, 10:20 AM

I use these every time I get in the truck. I cut down some off the shelf grabs from a truck stop parts store and put bicycle handle grips on them.

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gmikkels · 08-03-2022, 10:27 AM

That looks awesome

**kwmech** · 08-03-2022, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffahart

I use these every time I get in the truck. I cut down some off the shelf grabs from a truck stop parts store and put bicycle handle grips on them.

Attachment 2209083

Info on where you got those, or a link. My dad could use something like that on his Dodge

BLAZERMAN · 08-03-2022, 06:03 PM

I really like those! I always cringe when I see someone use the steering wheel to pull themselves up into a lifted truck...Not Good!
How did you fasten them to the pillar, rivet nuts?

**jeffahart** · 08-03-2022, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwmech

Info on where you got those, or a link. My dad could use something like that on his Dodge

Similar to link at bottom of this post. I did it a few years ago. I cut off the flat part about an inch, re-smashed the tube in the vise(to make the handle shorter, else it will protrude out too far) then I drilled two holes instead of one, then bent the flat part to and angle that worked. I cut the hand stops off of mountain bike handle grips and slid them on. the whole thing is a one or two hour operation.

I also use these for overhead, wrapped them in steering wheel tape. They get a lot of use also.

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original Peterbilt Handle

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Modified handle

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Link to similar handle.

https://www.amazon.com/GG-Grand-Gene...90355465&psc=1

**jeffahart** · 08-03-2022, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLAZERMAN

I really like those! I always cringe when I see someone use the steering wheel to pull themselves up into a lifted truck...Not Good!
How did you fasten them to the pillar, rivet nuts?

I used sheet metal screws, largest ones that would fit. I almost never use rivet nuts.

j

**jeffahart** · 08-03-2022, 07:28 PM

And on a side note: To be honest, I just put these in as a stop gap. Thought I would eventually find something better. But I ended up really liking them.

j

fun in dirt · 08-04-2022, 09:45 AM

I installed these inside the roof above the door with nut-serts.
https://www.grainger.com/product/MON...ated-Y-N-4KZX7
Love them!

SunSoaked · 08-04-2022, 10:15 AM

Made my own. One of the best mods I've ever done for my K20.

gmikkels · 08-05-2022, 01:19 PM

Some great ideas guys,
Thanks for posting
Gene

**Zoomad75** · 08-10-2022, 11:28 PM

I used soft Nylon webbing grab handles intended for a Jeep JK Wrangler.

I drilled through the a-pillar and used a large flat strap on the outside to brace the pillar once the handle was bolted in. It is hidden by the door weatherstrip when it's in place.

I also used one on the opposite side a-pillar and a third one where the factory grab handle would be on over the passenger side door opening.

I use the one on the driver side every time I get into the truck.

08-02-2022, 07:45 PM	#1
gmikkels Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: franktown colorado Posts: 376	grab bars Hello, Has anyone done grab bars on the A pillar of a 72 k20? Thanks, Gene

08-03-2022, 07:41 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: grab bars I haven't, but I sure thought it was a great idea on the 88-98s. I used to consider mounting something there back when I was 4-wheeling a lot. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-03-2022, 10:20 AM	#3
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,907	Re: grab bars I use these every time I get in the truck. I cut down some off the shelf grabs from a truck stop parts store and put bicycle handle grips on them. __________________ White K20

08-03-2022, 10:27 AM	#4
gmikkels Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: franktown colorado Posts: 376	Re: grab bars That looks awesome

08-03-2022, 06:03 PM	#6
BLAZERMAN Currently Blazerless Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. Joseph Mo. Posts: 4,828	Re: grab bars I really like those! I always cringe when I see someone use the steering wheel to pull themselves up into a lifted truck...Not Good! How did you fasten them to the pillar, rivet nuts? __________________ 1972 C/30 133" W.B. C&C 1970 GMC 3500 157" W.B. single wheel C&C

08-03-2022, 07:28 PM	#9
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,907	Re: grab bars And on a side note: To be honest, I just put these in as a stop gap. Thought I would eventually find something better. But I ended up really liking them. j __________________ White K20

08-04-2022, 09:45 AM	#10
fun in dirt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 2,122	Re: grab bars I installed these inside the roof above the door with nut-serts. https://www.grainger.com/product/MON...ated-Y-N-4KZX7 Love them! Attached Images __________________ '72 C to K20 "Cannibalizer" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...32#post8653432 '85 K30 "Big Nassy" [B]'85 C10 [B] "Corpse" '01 2500 Suburban ...party wagon & tow truck '06 Silverado SS...DD '06 C1500 WT...DD '07 Classic C1500 WT...DD Built & sold cause can't keep 'em all: '72 Blazer "The Bucket" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=433190 '55 Chevy straight axle gasser https://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173938 '69 Pro Street Chevelle http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332541 '86 M1031 CUCV http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=553619 Last edited by fun in dirt; 08-05-2022 at 08:35 AM.

08-04-2022, 10:15 AM	#11
SunSoaked Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Yuma Arizona Posts: 1,525	Re: grab bars Made my own. One of the best mods I've ever done for my K20. Attached Images

08-05-2022, 01:19 PM	#12
gmikkels Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: franktown colorado Posts: 376	Re: grab bars Some great ideas guys, Thanks for posting Gene

08-10-2022, 11:28 PM	#13
Zoomad75 K5Camper Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Pueblo, CO Posts: 1,513	Re: grab bars I used soft Nylon webbing grab handles intended for a Jeep JK Wrangler. I drilled through the a-pillar and used a large flat strap on the outside to brace the pillar once the handle was bolted in. It is hidden by the door weatherstrip when it's in place. I also used one on the opposite side a-pillar and a third one where the factory grab handle would be on over the passenger side door opening. I use the one on the driver side every time I get into the truck. __________________ Rob Z. 1975 K5 350/465/205/D44/12b 4" lift on 35's- RIP 1991 K5 8.1L/NV4500/241/D44/14b FWC Camper



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