Bryan,
I saw your post and thought you may be able to use this information. I was
having a similar problem where my sliding door would pop open and it was
about to drive me mad.  A nice guy named John Schaper sent me this message
and it was just what the doctor ordered.  The unit costs about $30.00 and
took about 30 minutes to install.  Now when I shut the door, it stays shut.

Kris Estes
'88 Westy
"Ernie"

This might help in ordering.

>From:  John Schaper
>Sent:  Monday, January 03, 2000 7:56 AM
>To:    'magic1910@AOL.COM'
>Subject:       Rear Latch
>
>I received the latching mechanism for the rear sliding door.  It took
>about an hour  to install with the most difficult part being how to loosen
>the 2 screws.  The door works perfectly and does not jar open.  The part
>number for my 85 GL: is 251 843 604 B.  Its called a Central Lock.

>From: Bryan Shelander <bryanshelander@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Bryan Shelander <bryanshelander@HOTMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: sliding door lock info
>Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 00:45:04 PDT
>
>my late '85 can be locked with the door all the way open and latched.  I
>just reach in with my skinny hand and flip the lever up to release the door
>catch, unnaffected by the lock.  I also use a strap from my raft to keep
>the
>door from sliding open while driving.  Bad latch I guess, were the 85's
>recalled for this reason?
>
>happy trails, Bryan
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