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Subject:Re: new vanagon owner questions, drivers side grab handle and stuck speedo needle
From:John Rodgers
Date:Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:04:40 -0500

My 88 GL didn't have a driver side handle. I got an extra right side
handle and Unca Joel helped me install it. Be sure you get the upper and
lower plastic wedgies that go  with it or it won't fit right. Be very
careful in drilling the holes. In fact, if you have a stop drill whose
drill depth can be set, that would be the thing to use, otherwise you
can drill right into the wiring int he post and cause a big headache.
Unca Joel may speak to this. He used a template of some sort.

The handle mounts exactly opposite and at the same level as the one on
the passenger side. Some people install one of these on the sliding door
so you don't have to reef of the sliding door handle to get it to close.

Good luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver

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
>
>
>