$200 to replace the sliding door handle?! Ouch, don't even think about paying that.  Mine just broke a few weeks ago and I fixed it myself for $30.  There is a guy in Texas (I think) named Steve Sandlin who sells them used, his email is carlocks@txucom.net  He can even key it to your existing keys if you wish.  I chose to just get one with its own key. $30 and a PIECE OF CAKE repair!  I think Steve Sandlin is a list member.
Peace, John Baker

On Thu, 31 Jan 2002 08:36:13 -0700 "William M. Davidson" <grateful@PLATO.NMIA.COM> wrote:

I have been subscribed for about two days now and I am glad I found
this list.

Another question I have pertains to the sliding door latch hardware on my
84 Vanagon.  I guess I didn't have to say it was a Vanagon for this list.

It seems to wear out about every 100K miles.  Before anyone tells me
that there is no connection between the mileage I put on the road and
the door latch: I know that.  It just _seems_ to gradually get really
hard to open and then the cast aluminum handle eventually cracks about
every 100K.  This will be the second latch I will be putting in.  I took
out the latch and tried looking for places to lube the thing but didn't
see anything obvious.

Anyone else seen this problem?  Any suggestions?  I guess a $200 repair
every 100K isn't that bad. :)

--
William M. Davidson
grateful@nmia.com

1704 Blume, NE
Albuquerque, NM 87112
505 294 4571

Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't
want, to impress people they don't like. -Will Rogers