Badlands 2-door with First Two DIY Mods

[Pops]

Hello all -- 'have had this Badlands for a few weeks and am still kinda breaking-in the engine and moving parts.
Yes, it's been muddy already.

2-door
Badlands
Sasquatch
Desert Sand

This, my first post, is about my feedback on the assist grab strap many people have. I was thinking of buying one, but wanted to try my own prototype first -- 'was wondering if the position was right.

First Mod: made a quick prototype using some 1-inch strap from an old daypack and hot nail to melt the attach holes with.
Using the two existing screws, it installed easily, like many folks here have already mentioned. I tried the new strap out a few times and drove with it for a day.

Second Mod: removed the strap.

For me, it was too far aft to help me get in/out as easily as I had hoped and was a little bit of a distraction with some pesky brushes across my face. I will try using some other attach points more forward along the cage: stay tuned for any results from the next attempt.
(am considering some elastic piece attached to the middle of the strap and the rear attach point that tucks the strap up a bit, but is still easy to grab)

For imagery and entertainment: the vehicle,

...and, here is the prototype strap that was designed for very temporary use:

I hope this is a little useful and interesting to others!

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[Brian_B]

Yeah the handle location is pretty awkward with that air bag curtain kind of in the way. I find I pretty much just use the handle when I'm hanging out at a stop light... It's too far in and up to get at when you are trying to get in, and the one on the A-pillar is too low and far forward.

Too bad we have to have that stupid air bag in the A-pillar and couldn't put the grab bar where they used to go... that was the perfect spot.

That said, I love DIY mods and your strap looked as good as any sold on Amazon really.

 

[Pops]

Thanks much, seriously, for the favorable comparison! I didn't even add any paracord braiding, smile.

I'm coming from a 2003 Tacoma TRD which had the grab handles in the better place.

Just wait until I start to share some more of my engineering, such as the no-drill front license plate frame bracket mount and screen mud flaps (everyone is right! These Good Years shoot more rocks than a kid with his first slingshot).

Have a great week coming up, everyone!

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