The 80-84 sliding door has a more complicated latching system and
requires much more force on the handle to open the door. That is why
they have a longer handle and also why that handle tends to break after
many years. The redesigned 85+ door operates a lot easier and the handle
lasts longer. I have seen later ones broken but it is rare in
comparison.

Mark

Stephen Overmyer wrote:
>
> At 08:41 PM 8/09/2003 -0400, you wrote:
> >From:    The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
> >Speaking of sliding door handles, just a "heads up" that VW has
> >discontinued the '80-84 version. That is quite unfortunate, because it
> >is a relatively common failure item. It might be worth grabbing a spare
> >at the junkyard if you come across one, and putting it away for safe
> >keeping. (We no longer have any left.)  The '85-91 version remains
> >available new at this point (although it's anyone's guess for how long).
>
>    Is the latter one as prone to failure as the '80-'84 version?
>
>    My '92 still has the original handle and has never shown any signs
>    of failing but if it were the case,I might keep my eye open for a
>    spare...just in case...
>
>    Any tales of woe with the latter version out there?
>