I assume the new grab uses screws to attach to the walls, and that it is 32" long, which would span three studs behind the wall. The bar sould be secured ideally in the wall studs at BOTH ends; if the is not possible, then it should be secured that way at ONE end and with toggle bolts at the other. The "stud" end should be, if possible, the one closest to the point at which someone would grab the bar, so it takes most of the pulling stress.
The trick here is locating the studs; you'll need a stud finder with enough detection capability to read through the ceramic. You can probably rent one. Understand how it works before you use it, by trying it a location where you know for sure the location of the studs somewhere else in the house.
Once the stud has been located for ONE end of the grab, mark a line with a felt tip marker (pen or oencil won't mark the tile) where you will drill on that end. Then use a level to mark a line where the OTHER end will go. The next trick is drilling holes through the ceramic and a little bit into the stud to guide the screws in for just ONE end of the grab. Start by taking a metal punch or big nail and tapping a point on your marked line where the screw hole(s) will go. The idea is to remove a tiny bit of the ceramic at that point -just a dimple, barely able to see it. This will knock off the glass coating of the ceramic tile and expose the terra cotta underneath. That's the place where you'll drill with the masonry bit that's big enough to make a hole only slightly larger than the diameter of the shaft of the screws. If you've been able to use studs for BOTH ends, then partially screw in the end you've just done, and line up the screw holes on the other end so you can see your marked line through them. Now mark the point at THAT end where you're going to make your holes. You might be able to do this with your nail or punch; otherwise use the marker. Then repeat the drilling procedure.
But Let's suppose one or both ends must use toggle bolts. Here's a picture of what you want:
You'll need to get a bolt that's thin enough to pass through the holes in the grab. And you'll need to drill your holes large enough to let the wing pass through to the other side. It is possible that you can't do both holes, because one would run into the other, making one big sort double hole like the Mastercard symbol, or, that you will destroy the ceramic tile. In that case, you'll use a plastic wall anchor for one of the holes. If the holes are vertical with respect to one another (one below the other) use the plastic anchor for the hole that will most likely get pushed toward the wall when the grab is used (the lower one, I would think).
Plastic anchors are usually sold as a set and include the screws that work with them, so get whatever kind has screws that will fit your grab -take one of the screws that came with the grab to the store to check. They also require a drill bit of the correct size, so get that size masonry or ceramic drill bit. (A lot of fuss, I know).
With all this in hand, drill your holes -one large enough to accomodate the width of the toggle bolt wing, and other just right for the plastic anchor.
Take the plastic anchor and hammer it gently into the hole for it. You made need to rap it pretty hard as the rim gets close to the ceramic. It is a good idea to put a small block of wood over the anchor and tap THAT so you don't whack out a hunk of ceramic by accident. When finished, the rim of the anchor will project above the surface of the tile a bit.
Take the toggle bolt apart, put the bolt part through the hole on the grab, then turn the wing back on to the bolt, just enough to get it threaded on a few turns. The wings should fold up away from the wall -toward you. Fold them up and push them through the hole inside the wall, the grab following along as you do so. They'll spring open on the inside to grip the back of the wall when you tighten the screw -but don't do that yet -let the grab hang loose.
Back to the anchor. Now put the screw through the grab and push the point into the anchor, and screw it in tight. Because the screw is a bit fatter than the channel for it in the anchor, the plastci anchor expands and binds up against the seramic. This will draw the grab onto the tile. Now back to the toggle bolt. Screw it in. If it doesn't seem to screw in, that's because the wing is spinning behind the wall. With your fingers or a tool, pull the bolt hear toward you as you screw it in; this will set the wings against the back wall. You'll need to let go of the bolt as you get near done but by then it will have grabbed the back wall.
The above instructions should work for you no matter what combination of screws, anchors or bolts you end up with.
But one thing you'll notice is that you never screw into the ceramic itself -the closest you come is a plastic anchor. And those anchors are the least secure method. Best bet -directly into the stud, next best, toggle bolt, least is plastic anchors.
what are some good websites to find jeep parts like roll bar covers, grab, handles, etc....?
I want a good website, but not like quadratec, or 4wd.com something good good but cheap to help me find the items im looking for for the price im willing to pay. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.... thanks
He's right, jcwhitney is probably the best for those sort of things. I think it's worth the time to request one of their paper catalogs (they have several, including a Jeep only) because flipping through the pages, you'll find things you never knew you needed...and never would have thought to look for online.
For suspension and performance parts, check out rustysoffroad.com.
