First off, I want to say that this is a VERY cool mod. Section525 beat me to it (click here to see his - he used regular explorer handles though :thumbdwn: 
)- but he pushed me into finishing mine (from a year ago). Here is my old thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130064
Prices: (via FastPartsNetwork)
2003 Ford F-150
2L3Z-1531406-AAA - Handle $19.07
2L3Z-1531458-AAA - Cover Clips $4.14
The Parts:
Sheet Metal Screw:
Note: I had to use a spacer between the pillar and the mounting surface of the handle - but I have to go to work and make some more spacers (so no pictures of those).
Time:
Installation: ~1 hr.
Engineering the first handle: ~4 hrs
Figuring out how to make this handle work with my a-pillar was a pain, but I finally figured it out and made it very supportive!
Installation:
For me, I had to find out where I wanted it mounted and then findout where I was on the actual a-pillar. I then drilled holes and then cut the a-pillar panel so that the handle will sit flush. I then put my spacer on the ends of the handle and screwed them on. The only hard part was figuring out exactly whereon the a-pillar panel you are and cutting out the holes (if you use the type of handles I used).
Why should you use my type handles?
Because you can make it flush! I am not saying Section did a bad job -he actually did a great job along with all of his other projects - I am just showing the difference in handle choices! No drama needed here!!
Sections525:
Mine:
Installed:
How Strong:
The handles feel very sturdy and my father, who weights roughly 250 pulled himself up into the truck and felt very good about the handle. At first he was shy - but I told him to try and twist it and he felt better about it. I am about 180 and I pulled myself up fine and felt very safe and it was easy as could be to get into my truck now
There you go! Kind of cool huh? I will do my driver side a-pillar soon (probably tomorrow), but I will add pictures of that later
-Drew
)- but he pushed me into finishing mine (from a year ago). Here is my old thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130064 Prices: (via FastPartsNetwork)
2003 Ford F-150
2L3Z-1531406-AAA - Handle $19.07
2L3Z-1531458-AAA - Cover Clips $4.14
The Parts:
Sheet Metal Screw:
Note: I had to use a spacer between the pillar and the mounting surface of the handle - but I have to go to work and make some more spacers (so no pictures of those).
Time:
Installation: ~1 hr.
Engineering the first handle: ~4 hrs
Figuring out how to make this handle work with my a-pillar was a pain, but I finally figured it out and made it very supportive!
Installation:
For me, I had to find out where I wanted it mounted and then findout where I was on the actual a-pillar. I then drilled holes and then cut the a-pillar panel so that the handle will sit flush. I then put my spacer on the ends of the handle and screwed them on. The only hard part was figuring out exactly whereon the a-pillar panel you are and cutting out the holes (if you use the type of handles I used).
Why should you use my type handles?
Because you can make it flush! I am not saying Section did a bad job -he actually did a great job along with all of his other projects - I am just showing the difference in handle choices! No drama needed here!!
Sections525:
Mine:
Installed:
How Strong:
The handles feel very sturdy and my father, who weights roughly 250 pulled himself up into the truck and felt very good about the handle. At first he was shy - but I told him to try and twist it and he felt better about it. I am about 180 and I pulled myself up fine and felt very safe and it was easy as could be to get into my truck now
There you go! Kind of cool huh? I will do my driver side a-pillar soon (probably tomorrow), but I will add pictures of that later
-Drew
