Myself, I've only seen this "second" handle on Westies.  My 84 "Ole Putt"
has one and it is very convenient to use to close a partially open (and
sometimes stubborn) sliding door when sitting on the rear seat.  Being the
3rd owner, I received my Westy in very original and pristine condition in
1996 with vitually no modifications by the original or second owner (other
than a blown engine of course - whaddya expect for $1K?).  My ex-80 7
passenger Vanagon did not have this "second" handle.

Jim Thompson
84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
oldvolkshome@earthlink.net
jim@karmannghia.com
http://www.oldvolkshome.com
***********************
----- Original Message -----
From: "jbange" <hfinn@INGRATES.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 1:54 PM
Subject: Re: Need sliding door handle for '82 (outside)

> At 01:27 PM 12/30/2004, you wrote:
> >Just got through examining the doors on both.  No provision for a second
> >rear handle.  Did not locate in the us etka either. Then check against
the
> >european civilian and military options and did not find it either.
>
> Considering that such a handle would only be usable for the last couple
> inches of closing the door, I'm not surprised it was never a factory
> option. Can't imagine the point of a handle that immediately disappears
> behind the C-pillar upon sliding the door. Maybe someone put it in to be
> able to add some "pull" to get a grumpy slider latch to close all the way.
>
> John Bange
> '90 Vanagon "Geldsauger"