2008 Ford Escape

SC Tom wrote:
> "Charles H Fuller" <buzfuller.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:zrSdnfXJHttOmnnanZ2dnUVZ_g2dnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Does anyone know if there is a kit available to add a assist handle to the
>> passenger side of a 2008 Ford Escape XLT? I am referring to the one
>> inside, just above door, overhead. I had a 2002 Escape that had one. I
>> have been to the dealer, talked to salesman, service dept., no one seems
>> to know.
>> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Looking at the overhead handles on my '02 Escape, it would seem that they
> are mounted to small brackets welded to the inside of the roof. If the
> brackets are there on your '08, you may be able to get handles from a junk
> yard that would match your interior color. Other than that, I don't know
> what to tell you. I haven't seen any after-market grips like that. Would the
> ones for the windshield pillar work for you? They might be easier to rig.
>
> Good luck,
> SC Tom

Have you tried looking on the accessories pages on Ford's website? They
may list them there.

Jeff
 >> Stay informed about: 2008 Ford Escape 

On Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:09:14 -0400, "Charles H Fuller"
<buzfuller.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote:

>Does anyone know if there is a kit available to add a assist handle to the
>passenger side of a 2008 Ford Escape XLT? I am referring to the one inside,
>just above door, overhead. I had a 2002 Escape that had one. I have been to
>the dealer, talked to salesman, service dept., no one seems to know.
>Any help would be appreciated.

If there isn't a pre-made kit, you can make one. The handle itself
should be available at the parts counter, or at a wrecking yard if
they haven't changed from year to year.

You'll need to pop open the edge of the headliner and look, but you
probably don't have the threaded inserts there to hold the mounting
screws. There are several solutions that can be used - first and
easiest, they make big "speednuts" that have a stamped spring steel
c-clip body that clamps over the sheetmetal edge, and a threaded
attachment point on the back to screw the handle to. That might be
how the factory does it, I've never looked.

Or you get riv-nuts. They are a cross between a pop rivet and a
threaded insert, you can use a regular heavy-duty pop rivet tool with
a special threaded mandrel to install them. If you plan to do lots of
them, they sell special purpose-built rivet setters that have a handle
to unthread the mandrel easily without disassembling the whole tool.

WARNING: If the car has side curtain airbags they are under the
door garnish trim, don't do ANYTHING up there that isn't factory
approved. A "Field Expedient" (AKA cockamamie) solution for the
handles might interfere with airbag deployment, and in mid-accident is
NOT when you want to find out you broke them.

--<< Bruce >>--
 >> Stay informed about: 2008 Ford Escape 

The RH asset handle is available from your local Ford dealers parts
department, it is standard on high line Escapes and Mariners

"SC Tom" <sc.DeleteThis@tom.net> wrote in message news:bDDFj.60$qC1.46@newsfe06.lga...
>
> "Charles H Fuller" <buzfuller.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:zrSdnfXJHttOmnnanZ2dnUVZ_g2dnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Does anyone know if there is a kit available to add a assist handle to
>> the passenger side of a 2008 Ford Escape XLT? I am referring to the one
>> inside, just above door, overhead. I had a 2002 Escape that had one. I
>> have been to the dealer, talked to salesman, service dept., no one seems
>> to know.
>> Any help would be appreciated.
>
> Looking at the overhead handles on my '02 Escape, it would seem that they
> are mounted to small brackets welded to the inside of the roof. If the
> brackets are there on your '08, you may be able to get handles from a junk
> yard that would match your interior color. Other than that, I don't know
> what to tell you. I haven't seen any after-market grips like that. Would
> the ones for the windshield pillar work for you? They might be easier to
> rig.
>
> Good luck,
> SC Tom
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: 2008 Ford Escape 

Charles H Fuller <buzfuller RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote:
> Does anyone know if there is a kit available to add a assist handle to the
> passenger side of a 2008 Ford Escape XLT? I am referring to the one inside,
> just above door, overhead. I had a 2002 Escape that had one. I have been to
> the dealer, talked to salesman, service dept., no one seems to know.
> Any help would be appreciated.

My 2005 came with either the assist handles or side air bags, not both.
I think the 2008 comes with side air bags, so you've probably lost the
ability to add the handles.

--
Clarence A Dold - Hidden Valley Lake, CA, USA GPS: 38.8,-122.5
 >> Stay informed about: 2008 Ford Escape