Setting up the passenger grab handle

This update covers the passenger grab handle on my carbon-fiber dash.

Related notes live on the Factory Five Cobra build hub.

passenger grab handle: Why a grab handle

Protecting the windshield

First, many Cobra builders add a grab handle for the passenger.

Otherwise, a passenger may grab the windshield instead.

As a result, cracked windshields show up a lot in the community!

Also, the CF dash has a nice space for a handle.

So I ordered one from Summit Racing.

Ultimately, I think it looks great!

Under-dash kit trimming

Next, the trick is mounting the dash at the proper height.

Then I build supports for the bar that attach to the frame.

Also, I purchased a Replica Parts under-dash kit.

However, it needed extensive mods to fit my setup.

For example, you can see the trimming below on the under-dash panel.

Because the panel targets earlier MKIV frames, my later frame differs.

In other words, the later style frame has a much higher steering mount.

Besides that, I trimmed where I installed the Wilwood EPB ECU.

Likewise, I trimmed behind the drop-down section of the dash.

Therefore, I made room for switches and extra wiring in that space.

Still, this took a lot of trial and error, fitting, and re-fitting.

After all that trimming, we finally got real support.

Meanwhile, we kept room for wires, access points, and the grab handle!

Mounting the handle

Hardware and brackets

First, set up the handle with aluminum angle and steel bar.

Then add rivnuts plus 5/16-18 and 10-24 stainless bolts and locknuts.

Paint, alignment, and next steps

Next, we painted all the parts with Rustoleum black paint to protect them.

After that, we snugged everything up.

Meanwhile, my son and I still align the bottom dash holes to the rivnuts.

Still, we are nearly done setting up the dash hardware!

Once we finish the under-dash, we will create 5–6 angle pieces.

Then we rivet them to the upper 3/4″ bar.

Finally, we use industrial Velcro to attach those pieces to the dash.