Ford Ranger Grab Handle Mount

TLDR: Broke the "Oh Shit Handle" in my Ford Ranger, couldn't find a replacement, so I 3D printed one! (https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ford-ranger-px1-interior-grab-handle-mount)

This little random problem I had to fix needs a little back story.

I was taking someone out for McDonalds one day, and as they were climbing back into my dad’s Ford Ranger Hi-Rider, they snapped the “Oh Shit Handle” brackets, you know the one. The one on the ceiling of the car you grab when the person driving is being a total nut job…. Or in this case, you need a handle to help get yourself up and in.

Unfortunately, none of my local wreckers had any of these available for a decent price. Fortunately, I have a 3D printer! So, I opened Free cad and got designing!

Specifically, I am designing the bracket for a 2014 PX1 Ford Ranger.

I started by taking the measurements of the original bracket. Trying to recreate the original shape.

After taking the measurements, I opened up freecad and got creating. When I was happy with the outcome, I printed it and in typical me fashion. I read my measurements wrong, and my freshly printed bracket did not fit.

Though this is part of the fun. Making mistakes. I amended my cad drawing and printed the bracket again. This time it fit beautifully. I printed one more and installed them in the UTE.

AAAAAANNNNNDDDD…. Immediately as I pulled myself up with it, it snapped. Which is understandable as I printed it in PLA. What this did though was show me where the weak points are.

I amended my design, and this time printed in PETG. Re-installed the handle and boom good as new!

If you're interested my design is available here: https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/tool/ford-ranger-px1-interior-grab-handle-mount