1st Gen. Ram - All Topics Discussion for all Dodge Rams prior to 1994. This includes engine, drivetrain and non-drivetrain discussions. Anything prior to 1994 should go in here.

Steps and "getting in" grab handles

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-16-2010, 10:23 PM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Overdrive440's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Steps and "getting in" grab handles

I'm looking to install a set of steps on my truck, but not looking for running boards or long tube "nerf" bars. I was thinking of some of those compact stirrup style cast aluminum ones, like I've seen on some of your trucks, but I'm not sure where to find those. Any tips on brands, etc? and how you like them?

Also, anybody install grab handles in the inside of the A-pillar like a modern truck? What did you guys use? Is it something you would do again?
Old 11-16-2010, 10:32 PM
  #2  
Registered User
 
NE frmhnd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: McCook, Nebraska
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
You mean "OH S%^&" handles?
Old 11-16-2010, 10:32 PM
  #3  
Registered User
 
TrkEnvy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 538
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
I went on ebay and bought a grab handle out of a honda civic. 10 bucks.. The gray was similar to the material I redid my headlinder in. I removed the headliner and drilled two small holes in the metal just above the door. I then tack welded 2 nuts over the holes that I had thread matched to the screws that came with the honda grab handle. I then installed the headliner and made 2 small slits where the nuts were welded and screwed the grab handle to the truck. Looks factory and my wife is much happier getting in now.
Old 11-16-2010, 10:57 PM
  #4  
Registered User
 
Dlowkes7's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I know that JCWhitney, Summit racing, and Northern tool sell the steps you are talking about.

As for the handles i am unsure.


subscribed.......I've been looking for an easier way to get into my rig.
Old 11-17-2010, 06:21 AM
  #5  
Registered User
 
Crossy's son's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Quinton, New Jersey (middle of nowhere)
Posts: 7,547
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
I ask that you please don't buy those chrome grab handles that attach to the outside of the cab with #12 machine screws......

Old 11-17-2010, 06:29 AM
  #6  
Registered User
 
KD93's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: West Palm Beach, Florida
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Crossy's son
I ask that you please don't buy those chrome grab handles that attach to the outside of the cab with #12 machine screws......

Yep!
Old 11-17-2010, 11:53 AM
  #7  
Registered User
 
james1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Englewood, TN
Posts: 807
Received 41 Likes on 27 Posts
I have no direct experience, but the recommendation I read on these steps said they attach to the truck frame:

http://www.ultimateautoaccessories.c...ct_Code=as-500
Old 11-18-2010, 10:09 AM
  #8  
Registered User
 
BearKiller's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: KENTUCKY
Posts: 6,347
Received 73 Likes on 57 Posts
I very much prefer running-boards to those steps, both for the rock-slinging paint protection, and the fact that it is very easy to miss the step and possibly cause a fall.

That being said, I have read that, whatever step you mount, be sure to brace it also firmly through the floor-board; the leverage that the step puts on the rocker-panels soon breaks their welds.


As for the grab-handles, I personally like those chrome/stainless ones that Crossy's offspring mentioned; big trucks all have big long ones located there and for good reason.

I had reason to be inside a late-model Volvo a few days ago, and it had a long rail/grab that fastened to the floor, just ahead of the door, and proceeded up, over the top, and back down to the floor behind the door, providing a good firm hand-hold wherever one might reach for it.

I have been playing with the idea of doing likewise in my truck.
Old 11-18-2010, 01:26 PM
  #9  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Overdrive440's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Crossy's son
I ask that you please don't buy those chrome grab handles that attach to the outside of the cab with #12 machine screws......

No... I don't like the looks of that at all.

The civic handle idea is pretty good. I'll see if my civic parts car has one and check it out.


As for steps, I was thinking something like these:

http://www.carr.com/store/carrsuperhoop.asp

I haven't seen any running boards I really like, they usually sit too close to the rocker, so you foot doesn't get a good step. I've slipped off a few running boards already. As for paint protection, I'm thinking or getting the bottom part sprayed with bed liner.
Old 11-18-2010, 05:18 PM
  #10  
Registered User
 
TrkEnvy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 538
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
The Civic handle..
Name:  DSC00674.jpg
Views: 5742
Size:  77.3 KB

Name:  DSC00673.jpg
Views: 5812
Size:  40.1 KB
Old 11-25-2010, 02:48 PM
  #11  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Overdrive440's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That looks pretty nice. I'll give it a try.

Has anybody mounted a handle on the inside windshield pillar?
Old 11-25-2010, 06:30 PM
  #12  
Registered User
 
olddodgetrucks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 558
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
had ones on piller from 2nd gen. $10 at junk yard
Old 11-25-2010, 10:48 PM
  #13  
Registered User
 
lovin1stgens's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Columbus Indiana
Posts: 493
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Ill tell you i got some carr brand steps. Theyre real good peetty cheap and a sinch to install. I would like some handles too so im gonne keep up on this lol
Old 11-28-2010, 10:11 AM
  #14  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
Overdrive440's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by lovin1stgens
Ill tell you i got some carr brand steps....
They install the the rockers, right? Which model did you choose? Do you have pictures of them mounted?

I've been looking around, and there's not a whole lot of steps that I found that mount to the frame. Actually, I haven't found running boards, steps or even nerf bars that bolt to the frame. I know some say that the rockers get damaged by using steps that hang off them, but I want to know more info on that.
Old 11-29-2010, 01:32 PM
  #15  
Registered User
 
raggmann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Botha,Alberta,Canada
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's mine, they are the Hoop II and yes,they mount to the rockers.



Quick Reply: Steps and "getting in" grab handles



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:57 AM.