Nope, the slider mechanism was completely invisible on the Vanagon.

Hidden under the floor, found pic:
http://www.vwpix.org/T3/Prospekte/deutschland/auf_und_ausbauten/Sonstiges/1987_00_El_Schiebetuer_fuer_VW_Bus/Elektrische_Schiebetuer2.jpg
And it also came with a retractable door step!

I know someone who has a parted-out system, with a broken steel cable,
but I never dared to ask for a price.

Raimund

Am 31.07.2020 um 19:51 schrieb christopher@t3technique.com:
>
> http://www.adorusa.com/
>
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHwy_ipXYQY
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of
> Raimund Feussner
> Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020 9:45 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Slider door challenge
>
> Hmm, electric sliding door was available back in the 1980s, from a
> german converter who built Vanagon Taxis.
>
> I have all the details scanned, manufacturing documents, parts lists.
>
> But what it didn´t have was a smooth closing mechanism. The sliding
> motor must have been strong enough to "push" the sliding door into its
> lock.
>
> I don´t know if that´s the official english wording, but Ford Transit
> calls it "Cinch Latch":
>
> Basically, an off-center locking pole, where the rear slide door lock
> snaps into, then it turns 180° into the opposite position, pulling it
> to the vehicle body.
>
> You US guys probably know that already from all your e-slide Minivans :-)
>
> Regards
>
> Raimund
>
> Am 31.07.2020 um 17:59 schrieb Eric Caron:
>
> > Yes,
>
> >
>
> >� � � � � � � � �  a quiet way out and back is very helpful!
>
> >
>
> > Sometimes using the�  rear hatch tent from Bus Depot at night I could
> gou out the back and return quietly.�  I have a friend that would go
> out the passenger door as it was quieter.
>
> >
>
> > I’ve thought about setting up the rear hatch release but I’d need a
> handle to keep it from flying up and to help ease it back.
>
> > Does the 91 come with a rear hatch set up like that?
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > I think electric slider wins.
>
> >
>
> > Eric
>
> >
>
> >> On Jul 31, 2020, at 10:02 AM, Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM
> <mailto:soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM>> wrote:
>
> >>
>
> >> Stealthy late night pee... I like it.
>
> >>
>
> >> On Thu, Jul 30, 2020 at 10:19 PM Kenneth O'Connor
>
> >> <kenneth.oconnor@gmail.com <mailto:kenneth.oconnor@gmail.com>>
>
> >> wrote:
>
> >>
>
> >>> Like, how will we know when it's time to get up?
>
> >>>
>
> >>> On Thu, Jul 30, 2020 at 5:56 PM Eric Caron
> <ericcaron96@comcast.net <mailto:ericcaron96@comcast.net>>
>
> >>> wrote:
>
> >>>
>
> >>>> Hi Alistair and all.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> Alistair, once you finish our fancy rear light hinge, I have the
>
> >>>> next challenge.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> The silent sledding door.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> I think we need a electric door closer.�  It slowly closes the door
>
> >>>> and latches tightly, no slam.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> Same when opening.
>
> >>>> Should be able to be designed and built in a day.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> I’m in.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> Who is up for the challenge?
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> Then again if it works I won’t even know�  I’m at a VW bus gathering.
>
> >>> Need
>
> >>>> those slider door sounds to center me.
>
> >>>>
>
> >>>> Eric Caron
>
> >>>>
>