Grab handle reinstall trick/advice?

Hello all,

New 4Runner owner and first-time poster. We bought a 2021 TRD Pro and I’m in the process installing a Frontrunner roof rack, full length. I went the route of using bolts rather than the rivnuts. I’ve searched all around this forum and the internet for advice on this question, and haven’t found it yet, though others have said this is tricky.

I have the new side rails installed and was able to do so by getting into the roof-headliner cavity through a combination of the access above the door and from the side by the sunroof. That required taking the grab handles (or Oh shit bars) off to lower the headliner a bit. Now I’m having a heck of a time getting those back in with the clips that held them in. As mentioned, I’ve seen a few posts where others have said this tricky, but I’m just not having luck getting them in and secure.

Anyone know the secret or have any advice?

Thanks,
Bryan

 

I can’t help you but welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

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I took mine out to install hard handles quite a while ago, but this is what I remember. The flimsy metal clip goes through the handle and into the rectangular hole in the sheet metal. That plastic trim cap tab post goes into the void in the center and snaps in.
You might have to bend open the metal clip to make it a snug fit.

 

welcome

 

ElectroBoy--thanks. Those are exactly the parts. Maybe this is what you are saying, but I think the solution may be putting the trim cap on before trying to install the handle into the sheet metal. I've had a hard time trying to get the clip to stay in the right position wile inserting the handle--the clip just wants to move inward and it will unseat from the handle, but I did not have the trim cap tab on. That post in the void in the center should prevent the clip from moving inward. I had just put the trim caps aside thinking they'd go on last, and that may have been the issue.

Everyone else--thanks for the warm welcome!

 

Electro Boy is correct , I've removed many headliners and that's the way to reinstall .

 

That was it gents. Thanks!