HELP? - Upper Pillar Grab Handle - Need Spacers

[Carlini]

'89 Westy. Would LOVE to add an upper pillar grab handle to the driver's side as I am 71 and weigh over 250 lbs, and it's rather a pain to grab the steering wheel to pull myself up and in. BUT Gowesty.com only sells the handles and has said for years the spacers are not available. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Lou in OC

[dhaavers]

They are around...search the classifieds here: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/search.php...ton=Search
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Carlini]

Wow! That was quick. Thanks very, VERY much. Lou in OC

[crazyvwvanman]

I can possibly help you out with this. I'll look around and see how what I have. We are having a San Diego get together soon. How about coming down for it?

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=385197&start=822

Mark

[T3 Pilot]

Perfect item for a shapeways 3D print file.......

I don't know how to scan/create the file, but someone on this forum probably can.
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1988 Vanagon

The most important part in every vehicle is the nut behind the wheel......

[dobryan]

So I used some popsicle sticks as spacers to mount a grab handle to the drivers A pillar. Do not over think this. 😀
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[agon.parts]

I'll test it later this week, or if anyone else is interested in testing it - let me know and I can send you the file.

_________________
Forrest Walker Whitmore
AGON

FREEBIES: https://1drv.ms/u/s!AkqzgREEtE9Aj7poRLxLuW-oGORuiQ?e=eSKThT

[alanmacleod2]

Lou,

Did you find the spacers that you need. Contact me if not, I've got some (always grab them when I run across a Vanagon in a pull-a-part)

[email protected]

Alan

[cmayna]

Carlini, One of the best mods I have done to my rig. You wont regret it.

_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.


Craig

[dhaavers]

[figborg]

I'm bookmarking this thread as I am very interested in installing one as well. I look forward to see how the 3D prototypes for the spacers come out. I've also read the older threads that address this project.

I am also interested in adding a grab handle above the window on the passenger's side. I imagine I need special spacers for those as well. Any ideas on what handle is best for that?
_________________
-- PF
Providence, RI
1986.5 Westy camper (G year code, grey interior), 2WD, manual transmission, Subaru conversion by Vanaru. Spoiled rotten.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=662374

[Carlini]

A sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone. Jason sold me a set, which I haven't installed yet.
But, yes, one wonders why driver's side grab bars weren't standard.
Lou in OC

[cmayna]

Carlini,
Just a word of caution. There are wires running down that pillar so be careful when going crazy with your drill.
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.


Craig

[Carlini]

I sort of expected that so thanks for the heads up. LC

[ALstew]

I wanted to bump this thread to see if anyone can link me to the shapeways site where I can order that little spacer set so I can do this to my van.

Thanks!

[cmayna]

Have you looked in the classifieds here on the Samba?
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.


Craig

[Alaskaberrys]

I just ordered a pair. Recent post from the ‘Driver's side Grab handle’ thread;

[VWeGoBeachNow]

Thanks for this post and how to install. I like this mod and was able to find a black oem one with mounts on eBay.
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88 Wolfsburg Limited Edition Vanagon GL Tin Top
Vesuve Grey underneath cheapo Vesuve Grey paint job
2.1 L
4spd

[cmayna]

I thought I might have an extra handle with spacers but find out that the spacers are I believe the ceiling (upper door opening) style for they are shaped much differently than what we see on the A pillar. Think I'll keep that pup for a rainy day, maybe up on the sliding door opening? Hmmm..after a few beers, trying to climb into the camper to pass out. Might be a little helpful.....
_________________
'90 Westy / automatic.
If I'm not working on the camper or my '50 Chebbie truck, I'm either fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.


Craig

[nilza]