Dash Grab Bar Install in a 60 (1 Viewer)

[Carp]

Thanks to Gaylon, I was able to find a 62 model Dash Grab bar and installed it in my 60. I looked and didn't see any detailed write-up on how to do this, so I thought "This could be my chance to contribute!" Not real techie, I know, but it's better than nothing, right?

The whole install took 2 hours including pictures, measuring 3 times, eating dinner, and clean up. I would definitely say this is a job, and someone could do it in under an hour, I would imagine. Especially if you know where to drill.

Tools Needed:
Phillips head screwdriver
12mm wrench (big surprise, I know)
12mm socket with wiggle head
Ratchet
Tape Measure
Drill
5/16" drill bit (I will verify this, it's been a while and my memory is a little fuzzy)
Center punch
Pencil

Materials:
1 dash grab bar from 88-91 FJ62
2 large diameter washers (the ones Gaylon sent me were 1" in diameter)
2 12mm nuts (should come with grab bar)

Procedure:

Open Glove box and remove 4 phillips head screws (leave the retaining hook in right now)

Lift glove box door and turn to the right (this will allow you to remove the door without removing the arm).

Using your 12mm tool, unscrew the light switch on the right hand side of the glove box. Pull the switch out.

Unhook the switch from the wire, and set aside.

Remove the 2 screws from the retaining hook at the top of the glovebox. Push the light out of the glovebox, by pushing in on the tabs.

Remove glovebox and set aside.

Next, remove your ashtray and remove the 2 screws holding the metal bracket for the ashtray. Remove the bracket.

Remove the 4 screws holding the dash trim on and remove the trim.

Now on to the measuring.

I hooked my measuring tape into the crease in the dash right below the end of the dash pad. I measured down 1 3/4" (ignore the other marks, that was me trying to find the right spot) and put a mark.

Next, I hooked the tape measure where the dash recessed to allow the glovebox door to sit flush. I measured 1 3/8" from there and put the mark.

Repeat for the left hand side of the glove box.

Center punch on your marks and drill your holes. Your dash should look like this.

Now, push the grab bar into the holes, and put the washer and nut on. The hard part for me was getting a tool onto the nut on the left hand side of the glove box. The best I could do was to use my gearwrench.

Reassemble your dash, and glovebox, and BINGO, a grab bar for your passenger.

YMMV and do this at your own risk. My wife loves it. Enjoy!!

 

[GulfShoresFJ60]

Nice write-up. I'll eventually be doing the same thing when I get to that point of my build. Thanks

 

[Nigel]

Thanks for the write-up. Looks really nice. I definitely need to get one of these installed.

 

[IndianDoc]

Nice

Now if I can just get my self motivated and put the one I've had for months in the dash instead of in the box Actually had been dreading going into the dash. Again thanks Nigel it look easier than I thought.

 

[sirenmoses]

x2 on maybe now I'll finally get mine installed, instead of rattling around on the passenger seat. great write-up!

 

[Turkeypen]

Is that also a new stereo I spy in the dash Dave?

 

[landcruiserjunky]

Nice! Everyone comments on the "OH SH!T" bar

 

[Carp]

Is that also a new stereo I spy in the dash Dave?

I wish, that's actually the one that came with the Cruiser, it had no front output, but fit nicely. The one in there at OTMT was an old one I had taken out, and now I know why... Can't wait to put my new to me one in! Thanks again!!

 

[LCOwner]

The left side is a bitch huh?

 

[Carp]

The left side is a ***** huh?

You can say that again!

 

[sterling]

Hey Carp!
Just did this mod on my 60, thanks for the write up
Put the laptop in the drivers seat and went to town
I took my time and it was about an hour
A job for sure
Got my grab bar through cruiserparts
Definetly a worthwhile mod for a 60 under $50

 

[vipergrhd]

nice job

as soon as i get mine,i'll definitely use this as a guideline.can't seem to find any used one at the parting out section,someone always beats me to it kinda e-bay.






john

 

[Carp]

Hey Carp!
Just did this mod on my 60, thanks for the write up
Put the laptop in the drivers seat and went to town
I took my time and it was about an hour
A job for sure
Got my grab bar through cruiserparts
Definetly a worthwhile mod for a 60 under $50

Glad to know that I could help. Enjoy!

 

[BiG BoB]

God a 60 series looks wierd without one! My 83 came with one from new

Around here they're known as the bejesus bar

Sean

 

[cruiserunc]

Latch

This is one of my recent mods, neat extra for those rigs that are a little higher off the ground.

Anyway, I know it seems trivial but one "experienced" comment I wanted to offer, remember which way the latch hook faces when you remove it, because if you reinstall it backward, and close the glovebox door, trying to get the glove box door open can be a b!%(h!

 

[cruiserhunter]

Use a 51/2 rachet and a 1in socket and tightening the left side is a breeze.
Did mine with a $5 dollar montero grab bar from the pick and pull. Turned out superb.
Thanks for the right up

Patrick

 

[Eldorado556]

Bumping this with something to add. I was not satisfied with how tight I was able to get the left hand side of the bar. Too much crap in the way to get a ratchet in easily.

Easy way to gain access was to remove the HVAC tube that is in the way of your wrench.

The empty hole shows the screw you remove

Tube out

Now plenty of room for torquing down the nut.

Finished product.

 

[soulminingpdx]

Hey @Carp - BIG thanks on your detailed install notes. I'm not a wrench at all so this was more like a job for me!
I was able to piece my truck back together nice and tight following along here - I can't imagine trying this mod blind without a plan going in.
If you're ever in PDX, let me know as I definitely owe you beer for all the time you saved me!

 

[Boss Hog]

I had no idea it was that involved!! Now I’m gonna take another look at my glovebox & the bar I’ve been procrastinating on installing...