Grab Bars
- Thread starter bmcgc
- Start date
No downside to that, and it looks better too me thinks. I think you mentioned these were the inexpensive Amazon bars. If so, my concern isn't the few mm's less of engaged threads, but more the integrity of those mounting plates..
Not saying yours will do this. The mounting plate on the one in the vid looks like cheap stamped steal.
This ^^^^
It will make you a one-percenter. Most folks would choose coffee and surfing. Go get a little wet.
Last edited:
I spent 26 years of my life working outside in all weather conditions on boats and ships with little or no personal protection.
The one percenter's have a long way to go before they catch up with me.
The structural integrity of the made in China bars look fine to me. I surfed the web and saw no deaths due to failed grab bars installed on Jeeps that were made in China. I think there is a better chance of a man with a hook for a hand being outside my bedroom window than one of these grab bars failing.
Is anyone concerned with made in China wheels that are running down the interstate at 70+ mph?
The one percenter's have a long way to go before they catch up with me.
The structural integrity of the made in China bars look fine to me. I surfed the web and saw no deaths due to failed grab bars installed on Jeeps that were made in China. I think there is a better chance of a man with a hook for a hand being outside my bedroom window than one of these grab bars failing.
Is anyone concerned with made in China wheels that are running down the interstate at 70+ mph?
From the left, I am the second helmet. That is a 52' boat in a big wave. We got wet that day.
The mounting plate is .22" or 5.8 mm thick. I'm guessing that in metric countries, that is a standard steel plate thickness.
The question would be the quality of the steel, not the thickness.
If I am lying on my back, looking at the sky, I will post an update and you can tell me "told you so".
If my misses is lying on her back, looking at the sky, I will post an update from my new location in Mexico.
The question would be the quality of the steel, not the thickness.
If I am lying on my back, looking at the sky, I will post an update and you can tell me "told you so".
If my misses is lying on her back, looking at the sky, I will post an update from my new location in Mexico.
I got hit with a bolt of lightening, then a ray of sunshine, all in the same instant.
I just didn't feel like dragging out the Dremal and slinging that crap all over the place.
I used my Harbor Freight plastic welder and melted the plastic out of the way. Quick, clean and easy.
If you do not have a plastic welder or a soldering iron with various tips, it is a good investment.
Mission complete, on to the radio install.
I just didn't feel like dragging out the Dremal and slinging that crap all over the place.
I used my Harbor Freight plastic welder and melted the plastic out of the way. Quick, clean and easy.
If you do not have a plastic welder or a soldering iron with various tips, it is a good investment.
Mission complete, on to the radio install.
Welder works like a champ. It's only 80w, so it takes a couple minutes to heat up. I think I paid $12 for it about 5 years ago. I need it 2-3 times a year, so it was $12 well spent.
Remember China crap passes through many American businesses before it gets in your hands. Of that $12, only a few bucks went to China.
Remember China crap passes through many American businesses before it gets in your hands. Of that $12, only a few bucks went to China.
Here is the 411 on the China bars.
I measured the metal thickness of the China bars with a China caliper. .22" thick, including the powdercoat.
The width where the handle is welded to the base is 7/8", including the powdercoat.
Using the handle transfers a lot of leverage on the baseplate at the narrow point, causing flex and eventual failure.
I am going to make a reenforcing plate out of 1/8" aluminum and install it between the windshield and grab bar.
It will be awhile before I get around to this project, but I will report back when I do.
I measured the metal thickness of the China bars with a China caliper. .22" thick, including the powdercoat.
The width where the handle is welded to the base is 7/8", including the powdercoat.
Using the handle transfers a lot of leverage on the baseplate at the narrow point, causing flex and eventual failure.
I am going to make a reenforcing plate out of 1/8" aluminum and install it between the windshield and grab bar.
It will be awhile before I get around to this project, but I will report back when I do.
Both gone now
I bought the Hooke Road bars, and have been impressed with them. There is zero flex or movement from the bars and the mounts. The base/mount is nearly 1/4 inch thick, and the bars are about 5/8 inch solid bar. The only issue I had, was cutting the holes in the windshield trim panels.
Exactly the ones I installed also. I just haven't decided to try and tackle reinstalling the window trim. And yes, they seem to be very sturdy as well.
Hey C.J. I bout these also before I read your post, I love the style and durability but I can’t get them to fit because of my A-Pillar trim molding. Any tips you could give me?
C.J. Roberts
TJ Addict
I have the soft top, and even with that I had to do a bit of trimming on the molding. You probably need to look at that. If you have a hard top, the molding is larger, but it's my understanding that it can be done.