A simple, yet elegant, install of a grab handle for people entering the van via the sliding door. This handle, plus the Carr super hoop step make it very easy to enter and exit the van.
If you remove the black boot at the bottom of the column, you will find one screw that needs to be removed to allow you to pull the grey plastic cover away from the column behind the passenger door.
Pull on the weatherstripping to release it from the edge of the grey column trim.
If you measure up 13 1/2" from the bottom of the grey cover you will find a hex hole punched in the steel column. Up 8" higher, you will find a second hole. I think these are used for partition holding.
If you enlarge the two holes with a drill, they will fit a 1/4-20 rivnut. Install them.
In the plastic cover drill corresponding 3/8" holes about 7/8" in from the edge. Cut two small blocks of wood - 5/8" thick, about 1" high and 3/4" wide. Drill a 3/8" hole in each. These are needed to fill the space between the plastic cover and the metal column so the screws can be tightened against a solid surface.
Run two 14/-20 x 1 1/4" round head screws thru the handle holes,thru the plastic, thru the wood spacer blocks, and screw into the rivnuts. Note: round head screws not hex head bolts!
Put the rubber weatherstrip back in place and trim to clear the handle. Done!
Note: when you close the door, the door opening lever will just about touch the handle, but it does not interfere (at least in my case)
But, you say, where do I get a handle that fits the two hole spacing EXACTLY?
I found these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Black-Pla...ler-9-25-lg-/111698301445?hash=item1a01bcd205
The guys at Fiat must have set the hole spacing to be just right for the "RV handle industry"!
All of the above should work... do so at your own risk - no warranties expressed or implied. Not available in all states, and subject to local laws and ordinances. etc....>
Enjoy your PM!
Ed
If you remove the black boot at the bottom of the column, you will find one screw that needs to be removed to allow you to pull the grey plastic cover away from the column behind the passenger door.
Pull on the weatherstripping to release it from the edge of the grey column trim.
If you measure up 13 1/2" from the bottom of the grey cover you will find a hex hole punched in the steel column. Up 8" higher, you will find a second hole. I think these are used for partition holding.
If you enlarge the two holes with a drill, they will fit a 1/4-20 rivnut. Install them.
In the plastic cover drill corresponding 3/8" holes about 7/8" in from the edge. Cut two small blocks of wood - 5/8" thick, about 1" high and 3/4" wide. Drill a 3/8" hole in each. These are needed to fill the space between the plastic cover and the metal column so the screws can be tightened against a solid surface.
Run two 14/-20 x 1 1/4" round head screws thru the handle holes,thru the plastic, thru the wood spacer blocks, and screw into the rivnuts. Note: round head screws not hex head bolts!
Put the rubber weatherstrip back in place and trim to clear the handle. Done!
Note: when you close the door, the door opening lever will just about touch the handle, but it does not interfere (at least in my case)
But, you say, where do I get a handle that fits the two hole spacing EXACTLY?
I found these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-Black-Pla...ler-9-25-lg-/111698301445?hash=item1a01bcd205
The guys at Fiat must have set the hole spacing to be just right for the "RV handle industry"!
All of the above should work... do so at your own risk - no warranties expressed or implied. Not available in all states, and subject to local laws and ordinances. etc....>
Enjoy your PM!
Ed