Grab handle above driver side window

[Kataphn]

There has been discussion here about how this grab handle is provided on UK and Japanese LEAFs but not our North American ones. I decided I wanted one. We plan to keep our LEAF a long time and we are not getting any younger. A grab handle for the driver would be very handy for getting in and out, especially because I am pretty tall. It was a pricey mod but I am glad we did it. I bought the handle from the dealer for about $60 and installation was about $100. The handle is the same for all 4 positions in the vehicle. The LEAF specialist at Downtown Los Angeles Nissan was a bit skeptical about whether everything needed for installation was under the headliner, but he was game to try if I was. I knew the indentation was there for a handle because you can see it. He had to carefully peel back the headliner and then makes cuts in the headliner to attach the handle. He did a great job and is now ready to do a similar installation for anyone else!
So maybe we are the only ones in the US who have a LEAF with a driver's side grab handle?

[MikeD]

Do you think this could be a DIY project with the proper instructions/photos?

I am guessing that the reason it is left off on the driver's side is that the handle is deemed something of a safety issue (should the driver's head collide with that part of the roof)...

[lenny]

Photos please?

[EricBayArea]

Topic discussed here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.p ... 6&p=145237" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Part Number is 73940-3NA0A ("GRIP ASSYASSIST") and can be had for $35-$45 online. I think the part comes with the 2 screws required for install. I would think that all that is required is using a small knife and cutting 2 holes through the headliner where the screws go (you can feel them with your finger). The metal behind the headliner is typically already threaded for the screws. Just screw it in.

$100 for install seems extremely high but then again a lot of people pay dealers around that price for things like replacing the cabin air filter. To each their own.

[CWO4Mann]

Topic discussed here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.p ... 6&p=145237" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Part Number is 73940-3NA0A ("GRIP ASSYASSIST") and can be had for $35-$45 online. I think the part comes with the 2 screws required for install. I would think that all that is required is using a small knife and cutting 2 holes through the headliner where the screws go (you can feel them with your finger). The metal behind the headliner is typically already threaded for the screws. Just screw it in.

$100 for install seems extremely high but then again a lot of people pay dealers around that price for things like replacing the cabin air filter. To each their own.

Is the plug 73091E the same as used under the car as on the headliner?

Regards,

Dave

[Kataphn]

Topic discussed here: http://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.p ... 6&p=145237" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Part Number is 73940-3NA0A ("GRIP ASSYASSIST") and can be had for $35-$45 online. I think the part comes with the 2 screws required for install. I would think that all that is required is using a small knife and cutting 2 holes through the headliner where the screws go (you can feel them with your finger). The metal behind the headliner is typically already threaded for the screws. Just screw it in.

$100 for install seems extremely high but then again a lot of people pay dealers around that price for things like replacing the cabin air filter. To each their own.

I did not witness the install but the tech said that the handle snapped in. There were no screws. Yes, price was high...but not being handy car wise, I was glad to have the dealer to it.

[Rokeby]

Personally, I'm leary of the permanence of the plastic overhead assist handle, even if it is
screwed into a receiver attached to the roof. I think the plastic handle in the rear seat of a
car is well suited for holding the weight of hanging clothing… but not more.

Fortunately, there is a small piece of equipment that is designed to use the strong attachment
points of the door latch, the Stander HandyBar. It has a great whacking hunk of metal that
runs through the handle and is integral with the latch hook... you could use it as a small hammer!



I've known two older folks who used and swore by these bars. They especially liked that when
temporary mounted for use they were low down where they could really push down hard to
either raise themselves from the seat, or ease them selves into the seat, which you can't do
with the overhead handle. Note that you can both push and pull on the bar, It even clips to
the seat belt for storage and easy access.

In some cases, the Stander swivel cushion can make entry and exit much easier too:



Both these items are on eBay and all over the Inter-web.

NB: I have no financial interest in these products.
The two older folks are my late Mum and Dad.

[ceejones]

I purchased the genuine Nissan grab handle from an on-line OEM parts dealer. The handle comes with the two clips for installation. I installed it same day, but there's a trick I'd like to share. First off, when you get the part you have to figure out how to release the clips. Pull back on the pin at the top.


Then lift up the retainer.


When the retainer is off, the metal clip slides out. (Also see INT-28 in the shop manual.)


Now for the fun stuff. Mark an initial location with a lead pencil measuring horizontally from the A-pillar cover and vertically from the lower crease in the headliner. With this general area in mind, slip your hand up between the door rubber seal and the headliner, gently.


You'll find a plastic handle shaped silhouette snapped over the holes you need. Slide a slender flat screwdriver up there with your hand and gently pry the plastic piece with its two plugs out of the handle mounting holes (pry toward the interior of the car) and remove the offending piece.


Now, with the feel of your fingers under the headliner and the initial marks in pencil, you can use your Exacto or a sharp box knife to cut the headliner way. (Removing the offending plastic surrogate was my trick. It prevents you from finding the holes through the headliner.)


You can then install the metal clips.


You have to cut away more headliner for the knobs (in black in the next photo) on the backside of your new handle. A small pair of needlenose pliers helped me remove some of the white padding under the gray felt.


Now you can install the handle with the retainers. If they don't slide in (with a strong effort), remove a little more padding. I got both retainers started before pushing them all the way to assure that they were lined up side to side with the new handle.


Fit the headliner back under the rubber door seal and nobody will know you've been in here. It took me about 1.5 hours to learn the trick and do the job. If you start knowing the procedure, you should get done in a half an hour of actual work. Watch your head in an accident. I hope this helps you.

[mwalsh]

I'm not going to do this one myself, but nice write-up!