I don't know what the rear gate lock assembly looks like on a non-powered
setup, but you could always swap in that unit from a late model Carat, GL or
the like, then attach the actuator.  The sliding door can be retrofitted
with the stock or an aftermarket contact set, so that's relatively easy to
do.   I consider powerlocks to be an accessory priority right behind A/C and
slightly ahead of cruise control--aka, must have.

On Tue, Jun 10, 2008 at 6:16 PM, Allan Streib <streib@cs.indiana.edu> wrote:

> Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM> writes:
>
> > I finally got tired of messing around with the finicky stock setup,
> > and a less than stellar experience with one of our list vendors, and
> > so opted to replace my entire system with an aftermarket setup built
> > by MES.  http://www.a1electric.com/mes.htm
>
> I emailed them, because I would love central locking in my '91 GL
> (manual locks currently).  Their response was that the rear hatch can
> be hooked up as long as it operates like a "typical door" with a
> separate lock (knob and/or key) and handle that you pull to open it.
> If it has a push button with a key in it, you won't be able to hook up
> an electric actuator to it.
>
> They also said the sliding door would need sliding contacts.
>
> Sounds like the most practical thing for me to consider would be
> actuators on the front doors and leave the side and rear manual.
>
> Allan
> --
> 1991 Vanagon GL
>