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View single post by Mike69
 Posted: Fri Nov 3rd, 2017 03:12 pm
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Mike69
Mustang Nut


Joined: Sun Oct 22nd, 2017
Location: Horsepasture, USA
Posts: 1692
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Here is how I added the "A" pillar grab handles on my 2000 Ranger that did not come from the factory with them.
Tools needed;1) Cordless drill,2) Drill bits,3) Riv-nut intalation tool,4) Phillips head screw driver,5) 7/32" nut driver, or 1/4" drive socket & rachet.
Here is a list of the parts I used;1) 4L5Z-1003598-BAB, Dark graphite A pillar molding r/s (purchased from Tasca Ford),2) 4L5Z-1003599-BAB, Dark graphite A pillar molding l/s (purchased from Tasca Ford),3) F87Z-10026A52-AA, A pillar grab handle bracket (purchased from Tasca Ford),4) F87Z-10026A53-AA, A pillar grab handle bracket (purchased from Tasca Ford),5) 2 Medium graphite grab handles w/the screws & the screw covers (purchased from a local JY. The ones that mount over the passengers side door on the inside roof are the same),6) 1 box of kick panel retainer clips Pt-#19760 (purchased from Amazon),7) Medium graphite interior trim paint to repaint the "A" pillar trim moldings since my interior is medium graphite & the medium graphite moldings are not available from Ford any more. Only 2005 & up are available & they are a little different. I will explain later. (I purchased the interior trim paint from Late Model Restoration),8) Riv-nuts & screws or you could use bolts to mount the grab handle brackets. The riv-nuts IIRC were 38-16.
Here is a pic of all the pieces needed for one side;


Here is a pic of the kick panel clips I used to attach the molding over the door;

Here is how I did it,1) Removed the old "A" pillar moldings,2) Drilled out the 4 holes where the grab handle brackets would attach to just enough to accept the riv-nut. (ONLY MAKE THE HOLE LARGE ENOUGH FOR THE RIV_NUT TO BARELY SLIP IN THE HOLE),3) Install the 8 riv-nuts, ( 4 per side) (You will need a riv-nut install tool),
4) Attach the 2 "A" pillar grab handle brackets w/the screws or bolts,
5) Here is the part where I had to modify the "A" pillar moldings because the retainer studs on the back of the new moldings where they clip to the roof are longer then my old moldings & would not let the new moldings sit flush. Compare the back of the new & old moldings, if you are adding them to an older Ranger compare the new & old moldings &  you will see the difference. If you are adding them to a newer Ranger (2005 & up I believe) they should be the same & can skip this & the next 2 steps.


6) What I did was use side cutters & I cut off the stem on the back of the new moldings that has the retainer clip on it so the base is the same height as my old molding.7) Now I had to come up with a way to attach the molding to the inside roof over the door. I had 2 ideas;  1st was- use plastic clips that the sun visor screws go into since they fit in the retainer clip hole snugly,   2nd was- use 2 plastic kick panel clips. (That is the way I choose) While holding the new molding in place I marked the molding where the slot in the roof is where the old molding clipped in to & drilled 2 holes at my marks. I re checked the alignment of the 2 holes to make sure they were in the right spot & then enlarged them to accept the kick panel clips,8) Since my interior is medium graphite & the only color close was dark graphite I painted them & the 2 retainer clips to match my interior,9) I installed the new "A" pillar moldings using the 2 kick panel clips over the doors, (the new moldings are a little different where they meet the rear side panel. Look at the pic & you will see the difference in size. Unless you are lucky enough to score a set that are for your year truck these were the only option I had,
10) Install the 2 grab handles.

Closing note, Everything fit perfectly with the exception of where the "A" pillar molding meets the rear side molding over the door. If it does not bother you like it does not me, you can add the grab handles like I did.

Last edited on Fri Nov 3rd, 2017 08:28 pm by Mike69



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21 Bronco Sport Big Bend (Wife's DD)
05 F150 XLT Reg Cab, 2WD, 5.4L, Auto (My DD)
69 Mustang Coupe 5.0, 5 spd 9" rear(Project)
14 Kawasaki Vulcan (Wife's Toy)