I had a go at making one today out of HDPE. It was more of a "playing
around on the lathe for fun" exercise than anything else. I posted
some pics here:

http://shufti.wordpress.com/2010/02/14/sliding-door-escutcheon/

It really makes a difference in how the handle feels in use. Now I
don't think I will be so concerned with those folks who wrench at the
handle when trying to open the door.

Alistair
'86 syncro 7  passenger
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/
http://shufti.wordpress.com

On 14-Feb-10, at 1:44 AM, Pascal Giasson wrote:

Alan,  Check this out as an aftermarket option:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-DELRIN-Vanagon-sliding-door-handle-
bushing-
spacer-92_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem45eb615a3bQQitemZ300301769275QQptZM
otorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I bought one a few years back and it works perfectly.

Pascal
'84Westy

On Wed, 10 Feb 2010 17:12:08 -0600, Alan Felder <dieseldoofus@GMAIL.COM>
wrote:

> I am planning on ordering (fron europe) some sliding door
> escutcheons for
> the early version of the sliding door, part number 251 843 711 (not
> 711A
for
> the later models).  These appear to be absolutely NLA here in the
> US but if
> anyone wants to prove me wrong I would like that.