entry handle for 2000 PSD Van - Diesel Forum

kleen · 12-23-2005, 07:07 PM

Don't know what else to call it but the handle you use to climb into the passenger side of the van on the pillar post. Can't believe Ford didn't put one in but at least they learned their lesson. I see later models have them standard. Does anyone know if I can put one in the van and if so where can I get the parts?

Mr_Roboto · 12-24-2005, 10:55 AM

I don't doubt you can put one in. The biggest consideration is if the newer plastic parts are the same shade of grey as your van's parts. You will probably have to drill the holes for the handle.

Unless you could find a wrecked new van (unlikely) your best bet is the Ford dealer..

bork · 12-24-2005, 04:25 PM

I got handle & trim outta junk yard , but have not put in my van yet. all looks the same except the nuts welded in under pillar . Big bob said someone cracked their windshield by adding one on. But I'm gonna try by welding a nut on a 3/4" x 2" x 1/8"thick plate in the two mounting spots , so load will be spread out.I'll use the strong stainless steel pop rivets to attach plate to pillar. I'll post pictures when I do task & figure out how to post pics.

Mr_Roboto · 12-25-2005, 02:53 PM

You have to consider that the windshield pillars are strong enough to support the van in a rollover. Most likely the windshield was broken due to carelessness rather than the actual handle.

There is something called a "Riv-Nut" that is a threaded insert that you put on a hole and tighten. That would be ideal for mounting something on the pillar. There is a special tool to tighten them, but you should be able to do it by tightening a bolt with a few washers underneath into it..

kleen · 12-27-2005, 12:58 PM

Thanks for the replys I will sniff around a couple junk yards before going to the dealer.

Happy New Year

Dansvan · 12-30-2005, 12:40 PM

Just installed the grab handle in my 2000 E350. Piece of cake. Ordered the trim and handle from Ford, 70$. Grey matched perfect. Removed the old trim. Installed new piece. Held the handle in place and marked where to drill the holes. Removed everything and drilled. Fed stiff wire up the pillar through the hole I drilled and out the hole at the top right behind the headliner. Wrapped the wire around the bolt (which had a large thick washer on it) and pulled it down and through the drilled hole. Installed another large thick washer and a nut. Did the same for both holes. Re-installed the trim. Installed the new handle with lockwashers and nuts. Slid the trim hole covering pieces down and re-installed the door seal. Looks great, wife loves it, and is very stout.

bork · 12-30-2005, 04:43 PM

Your the man ! dansvan. You said you put a nut and washer on bolt before grab handle in place. Doesn't that make handle stick out that much further ? And wouldn't nut on pillar make a small seat for handle to snug to ?
PS arent you the guy that rode the rocks at Moab ? If you are, I think you should have put handle on before that trip !

Dansvan · 12-30-2005, 06:55 PM

Without the spacer and nut under the handle, it would be to far down into the trim to fit properly. I've never seen a factory installed set up, but there is a good 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch between the trim and the actual pillar. The handle does recess into it, but if it was bolted flat to the pillar it would be way down in there. I was concerned about the surface area under the handle mounts as well, but the holes in the handle are only drilled for 1/4 inch bolts, and the flat area isn't much larger than that around it. I'll post up a few pics after new years.

And yes, my co-pilot on the Moab trip was wishing for a "oh crap" handle as well...