On Thu, 11 Sep 2003, Gerry Burns wrote:

> Recently purchased a '85 Vanagon Transporter. Having an awesome time
> with it but had a few questions for any helpful enthusiast. Firstly and
> most importantly, the sliding door is extremely difficult to seat and
> open. I'm assuming the door has to be realigned.

Try greasing the tracks, first.  Sometimes that makes a big difference.

Also, don't close the door just by slamming it -- roll it towards the
closed position, and as it reaches the point where the rear starts to move
in push inward on the rear of the door.  This is what the manual
recommends, and it's much easier on the door mechanism than just flinging
it closed.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si