David, if you can get to look at a Vanagon GL camper (Westphalia), look
at the grab handle installation on the driver's side.  It has one (or at
least mine does, and it is described in the owner's manual).  That might
help with your questions about the installation.

Dave McNeely

On Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 4:45 PM, David Cohen wrote:

> Hi,
>   I have a new to me 1990 Vanagon GL.  I am trying to go through  the
> van
> and fix all of the things that aren't fixed.  The needle on the
> speedo keeps
> sticking.  I have to tap on the plastic clear cover about 50  times
> and
> sometimes it releases.  Any tricks to fixing this without  replacing
> the entire
> instrument cluster?
>
> Also, why did these vans NOT come with a grab handle like the
> passenger
> side to enter and exit the vehicle?  I have a newly healing broken
> ankle  and
> could really use the grab handle to get in and out of the van.  I
> bought an
> extra grab handle with mounts, same as the passenger side.  Any
> tricks or
> drill bit size to install this handle on the driver's  side?   I know
> I have
> to be careful not to drill into the wires in the  pillar.
>
> Thanks,
> David