Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Discuss modifications on your 1979 to late 1998 SFA 4x4 Hilux here.
Post Reply
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

A question for those chaps who have pulled the roof liner or rebuilt a sfa - is it possible to install a roof handle (or passenger assist handle to be precise) on the driver's side? Does the cab possibly have the mouldings/holes in the metal hidden behind the liner? Maybe someone can post a pic of that section with the liner out please?

I know you're meant keep one hand on your cellphone whilst the other holds your beer, steer with your knee, but I can't get in, it's too high;) need a handle.
Last edited by Tim86 on Fri Jul 20, 2018 8:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

You've got the same problem as me on the last SFA ..... no sliders, so you gotta almost hop up to get your bum on the seat. The other SFA is the same height, but I don't have a problem getting into that one because the sliders act as a step.

Still in the process of making up sliders for the white one ...... almost there, just time is a problem. You got a nice welder now, so no excuses not to make up your own. :D:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
The Legend
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 3558
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:53 am
Town: Kempton Park
Vehicle: 1994 2.2 4y 4x4 D/C Toyota Hi-Lux
Real Name: Dawie
Club VHF Licence: X93-

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by The Legend »

JohanM come in , Tim needs your assistance. I know you install a roof handle on the passengers side of your SFA.
“A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAYS WORK”

“Do what you do so well, that the people that see you do it, will want to see you do it again,and will bring others to see you do it”
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Dawie, it's the drivers side ..... :D:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
pietpetoors
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 10649
Joined: Thu May 17, 2007 9:12 pm
Town: Langebaan
Vehicle: 2.7 Hilux 4x4 DC
Real Name: Pieter
Club VHF Licence: X27
Contact:

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by pietpetoors »

If there ain't any holes you can fit rivnuts, that is what I did with my IFS Hilux when I installed Prado 90 grab handles
see
viewtopic.php?f=93&t=41434&hilit=grab+handle
Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow!
Image
1999 Hilux 2.7i 4x4 Raider DC with 3.4 Prado V6. Rear diff-lock, Bull Bar and rock sliders, 31" Cooper ST Maxx, Snorkel, Alu-Canopy, VHF Motorolla radio, West Coast Rust, Mikem Suspension, Ball Joint Spacers in front and Mikem extended shackles at the rear, 25watt LED Spots
User avatar
The Legend
Monster Truck
Monster Truck
Posts: 3558
Joined: Sun Jul 04, 2010 6:53 am
Town: Kempton Park
Vehicle: 1994 2.2 4y 4x4 D/C Toyota Hi-Lux
Real Name: Dawie
Club VHF Licence: X93-

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by The Legend »

Mud Dog wrote: Thu Jul 19, 2018 6:22 pm Dawie, it's the drivers side ..... :D:
:eh: Sorry my mistake
“A BAD DAYS FISHING IS BETTER THAN A GOOD DAYS WORK”

“Do what you do so well, that the people that see you do it, will want to see you do it again,and will bring others to see you do it”
User avatar
Family_Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 12692
Joined: Tue May 22, 2007 10:09 am
Town: Klerksdorp
Vehicle: Hilux DC SFA, Hilux 2.7 DC, Hilux 2.7 SC, Prado 95 VX
Real Name: Eric
Club VHF Licence: HC101
Location: Klerksdorp, NW
Contact:

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Family_Dog »

Chances are the holes are there, can't see Toyota using different roof cabs for LHD & RHD models.


-F_D
Image

White Fang: 1999 2.7i DC Raider 4x4
Bull Dog: 1987 4Y-EFI 2.2 DC 4x4
Pra Dog: 1998 Prado VX 3.4
Hound Dog: 2000 2.7i SC 4x4


One Staffie, One Jack Russell, One Ring Neck Screecher, 17 Fish of questionable heritage


Image
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

I had sliders Andy, from the PO days, but I chopped them off as they were structurally unsound.

Here's a recent development and cause of the problem:
IMG_20180716_230831.jpg
50mm lift to the seat makes such a difference, probably one of the best mods so far, great visibility of all corners, I can push the pedals to the floor, fit a safe or whatnot under the seat and the rear passengers have more legroom as the seat is naturally adjusted forwards. It feels like you're sitting in a Cruiser instead of a lowrider.
Add to that the 33's and OME and future leaf pressing and the top of seat is way up there:)

I can feel there is solid bodywork metal behind the liner above the drivers door opening so rivnuts will work if no holes exist.

Now, from where to get a handle, in grey...
User avatar
niclemaitre
LR 4WD Full Lockers
LR 4WD Full Lockers
Posts: 929
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:44 pm
Town: Stellenbosch
Vehicle: 99 IFS DC 4x4
Real Name: Nic
Location: Stellenbosch

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by niclemaitre »

Try Caryota in Bellville, near Access Park or the R300/R102 intersection
Happy trails
Nic

SFA '97 DC - affirmatively shopped
SFA '87 DC "Rooies" - sold
IFS '99 DC "Benny"
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Tim wrote:I had sliders Andy, from the PO days, but I chopped them off as they were structurally unsound.
Like I said, no excuse to build a replacement set, and while you're at it you can incorporate something like this ....

viewtopic.php?f=92&t=6721&p=74492&hilit ... tep#p74492
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Yeah, I'm not great with side steps, I like the 'jacked up' look of a clean 'Lux - maybe that'll change with age and necessity;) Very nifty foldables you made there though!
Sliders yes, a single slim thick walled tube tucked away under there (not too far in to defeat the purpose) and bolted to the chassis (not welded, purist) will come about one day. How do you plan to attach your new sets of sliders?

I also thought of running a similar type tube around the perimeter of the rear overhang and bolted to the chassis rail ends (got forbid bobbin' my truck). Additional bevelled/curved bash plates welded to said tubes may aid in sliding along.

And then of course one of those delectable bent plate transfer cross member replacements would be great - can anyone advise from where I may attain one?
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Sliders will get plates on the end of the 'legs' and will then be bolted / clamped to the chassis rail.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
niclemaitre
LR 4WD Full Lockers
LR 4WD Full Lockers
Posts: 929
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:44 pm
Town: Stellenbosch
Vehicle: 99 IFS DC 4x4
Real Name: Nic
Location: Stellenbosch

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by niclemaitre »

Tim86 wrote: Fri Jul 20, 2018 2:22 pm And then of course one of those delectable bent plate transfer cross member replacements would be great - can anyone advise from where I may attain one?
What's that?

I just put wide flat bar on the ends of my sliders "legs" that come to the chassis, one piece welded to the leg and the other loose on the inside with bolts top and bottom.
Happy trails
Nic

SFA '97 DC - affirmatively shopped
SFA '87 DC "Rooies" - sold
IFS '99 DC "Benny"
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Sifu Lux has one - I think Mr. Petoors sold them at one time...??
IMG_2040 (1).JPG
One thing that has always niggled me on sfa's is the low cross member.
Quite hard to DIY something this thick.
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Tim that's a TrailGear x-member for the dual x-fer cases (the 4x4Direct sticker was put on after). It uses the same mounting points on the chassis but is set back for the 2nd x-fer case, so it wouldn't work on the standard set up. It is however possible that they make one for single x-fer boxes, one would have to look at their website. Otherwise I think that you might be able to get locally from guys like StofPad, you'll just have to surf about a bit.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Nick wrote:I just put wide flat bar on the ends of my sliders "legs" that come to the chassis, one piece welded to the leg and the other loose on the inside with bolts top and bottom.
Most common way to fit them. :winkx:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Andy what thickness and type of steel is that cross-member made of?
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Don't know Tim - never looked at it that closely - can't even go look at it now coz it's in the shop for cam and follower replacement (I'm getting too lazy to tackle it myself and have a lot of other things on my plate).

It looks to be about 6mm in the pic and is probably mild steel.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Eric you were correct - the threaded holes are in fact there above the driver's door (M6). Toyota still stocks the period correct grab handle for all of R49.00 if you dig deep enough into their system, albeit only in beige and without any of the screw cover fittings which I had to make myself. Now I can get in:)
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

BTW Tim, I had a look at that cross member. It's 8mm steel plate. :winkx:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Many thanks, now you're giving me ideas:-)
User avatar
niclemaitre
LR 4WD Full Lockers
LR 4WD Full Lockers
Posts: 929
Joined: Mon Jun 13, 2011 2:44 pm
Town: Stellenbosch
Vehicle: 99 IFS DC 4x4
Real Name: Nic
Location: Stellenbosch

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by niclemaitre »

There's a company I've used a few times that do excellent laser cutting and bending in whatever thickness of steel, all they want is the CAD. If you can make up a sketch, I can turn it into CAD and we can make some...
Happy trails
Nic

SFA '97 DC - affirmatively shopped
SFA '87 DC "Rooies" - sold
IFS '99 DC "Benny"
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

The problem will be to get the exact profile - angles of the bends and depth of the "cradle". It looks like an intricate shape. And then the mounting bolt holes must also be exact .... 8mm is not going to flex over such a short span to try line up bolt holes.

I also have to wonder if the TrailGear crawler box will have the same or similar enough shape / profile/ size as a dual transfer case setup.
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

That is a very kind offer by you Nic. I am of a (young) structural engineering background so also mess about with CAD and some Revit on a daily basis.
I think that a cross member for a standard transfer box setup may be even easier to make than we think as the material only needs to be straight and of a certain width, with the four bends and holes in of course. Say 200x10.0 flat bar. Drill a few oval holes and it will fit nicely.

Interesting pic off the web:
homemadecmember2.jpg
Would be better to get rid of the original thicker portions either side as they also catch a bit.
User avatar
Tim86
LR 4WD Rear Locker
LR 4WD Rear Locker
Posts: 298
Joined: Tue Apr 12, 2016 10:33 pm
Town: Cape Town
Vehicle: Hilux
Real Name: Tim

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Tim86 »

Found one:
IMG_0682.jpg
IMG_0682.jpg (32.24 KiB) Viewed 6909 times
User avatar
Mud Dog
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 29852
Joined: Tue Apr 29, 2008 2:18 am
Town: East London
Vehicle: '90 SFA Hilux DC 4X4, Full OME, 110mm lift. Brospeed branch, 50mm ss freeflow exhaust. 30 x 9.5 Discoverer S/T's on Viper mags. L/R tank. (AWOL) '98 LTD 2.4 SFA, dual battery system. Dobinson suspension, LR tanks, 31" BF mud's.
Real Name: Andy
Club VHF Licence: HC103

Re: Driver's Side Roof Handle Installation

Post by Mud Dog »

Looks like a plan. :D:
When your road comes to an end ...... you need a HILUX!.

Image
Image

Life is like a jar of Jalapeño peppers ... what you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Don't take life too seriously ..... no-one gets out alive.
It's not about waiting for storms to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain.
And be yourself ..... everyone else is taken!
Post Reply

Return to “1979 to early 1998 Hilux (Gen 3&4 aka SFA 4x4)”