On Mon, Nov 10, 2008 at 7:29 PM, Paul Guzyk <paullist08@guzyk.com> wrote:
> The sliding door was completely changed (for the better) for Model year 1985.

Completely? Does this mean that the later door's rear (center) rollers
won't fit the earlier rail, or that the later rail won't fit the
earlier body? This is the one thing that would stop me fitting a later
door to my earlier van.

> 84 and older have a crappy rear latching system and the outside handles tend to break off.

My 84's door hasn't had any problems with the latch (though it's a
total pain not being able to flick the lock knob and slide the door
shut to lock it). Not that I used the van for long before the trans
gave up and it was off the road.

The later handle fits the early door if you trim the end a bit. I have
one in case it's ever needed.

> The 85+ are far superior, and later model ones even  have central locking.

> I would not want an 84 or older sliding door unless there wan no other solution, but I guess it comes down to how much work you're willing to put into your frankenstein van.

My van's an early one, and will be fitted with central locking (which
I have stashed awaiting a time at which I can be bothered to fit it).
So I don't see any great reason not to fit an early door, if that's
what comes along at an affordable price and shipping. A late  door
would of course be better, IF the rear slide is compatible.

--
Andrew Grebneff
Dunedin, New Zealand
Fossil preparator
Mollusc, Toyota & VW van nut
Temporarily in Calgary, AB, Canada
<goose1047@gmail.com>