Maybe it's there to aid in the final door-latching procedure, from the inside.
Another possibility is that it is a rear-seat s*** handle.

Sudhir

On 6/15/07, neil <musomuso@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> Ok, so why is the handle there??
>
> I have the post on my 81 Westy at that location, but no handle.
>
> When door is open, you can't use it, and when shut, it provides what purpose?
>
> By the time you slide door a little, it's hidden away between body and
> slider door.
>
> Wha?
>
> And FWIW, I used plain old WB grease on upper/lower bearings/nylon
> blocks, and popped off cover and lubed slider mechanism on rear arm.
> Sure helped.
>
> Plus NOT knocking dust/dirt off my boots at bottom (runner for lower
> bearing area) sure helps keep bearing from grinding! I whisk broom
> that area out from time to time when camping.
>
> Plus I can see now how one would want to use a lubricant that isn't
> like, uh, black, and would, like, uh, possibly get on your
> hands/clothes.
>
>
> Neil.
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.
>
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
>
> On 6/14/07, BJ Feddish <bfeddish@netreach.net> wrote:
> > >> Can cnyone send a url with a picture of where it is please? <<
> >
> > Here you go: http://www.feddishbasses.com/vw/handle.html
> >
> > >> I LIKE the idea of being to close the door quietly from inside -
> > especially in camp grounds. <<
> >
> > I think the sliding door is too load no matter what. I always exit and enter
> > via the passenger side door late at night and early in the morning.
> >
> > Bryan
> >
>