The handle was on the early Vanagons due to the larger door.  The 85 and above, after the body change, did not.  Smaller door.
Dave B.

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Sat, Aug 1, 2020 5:59 pm
Subject: Re: closing slider quietly

My memory says my 1984 came with it standard and it was flush to the door but I think somehow tilted out to grab.  But I’m sure they came with the earlier vans.

Seems like the 85 just missed it.

Eric 

> On Aug 1, 2020, at 3:37 PM, Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE> wrote:
> 
> Most probably all these handles were retrofitted. None of the euro
> Vanagons have these, and they are not mentioned in the parts catalogue.
> 
> Photo anyone? I wonder if they are standard grab handles, and fit
> between open door and C-pillar when moving door...?
> 
> 
> Regards
> Raimund
> 
> 
> Am 01.08.2020 um 21:32 schrieb Tom Buese:
>> My 84 has the rear handle.
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Aug 1, 2020, at 3:08 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Jeff and others,
>>> 
>>> I’m trying to remember.  I think my 84 did but I don’t remember if my 85 does  I haven’t seen my van in over 5 months.
>>> I’m thinking it doesn’t have such a handle.
>>> 
>>> Something to add to my wish list!
>>> eRic
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Aug 1, 2020, at 1:41 PM, Jeff Palmer <w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Is there?! What years? I think my dads 79 might have had one but don’t think my 85 ever did. Eric does yours? Would love to get one if it did!
>>>> 
>>>> Jeff
>>>> 
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>> 
>>>>>> On Jul 31, 2020, at 4:26 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> There is a handle at the rear of the door for this purpose.  Just slide door
>>>>> slowly to the front and pull the handle in to engage the latch rather than
>>>>> slamming it.  From the outside you can push in the rear edge of the door to
>>>>> latch it.
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> Stuart