It’s been done.

Spitsnrovers, all one word, on samba has experimented.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8799589

Not quite as straightforward as one initially imagines. Albeit it’s done on the later westy and james cook tyoe campers in other markets.

It’s a very interesting idea, great diddle potential. Even though my right shoulder is fracked enough with rotator cuff issues, I still can get my top up :-)  but maybe one day I won’t get it up ....

Alistair 

> On Jul 31, 2020, at 1:09 PM, Richard Smith (Smirby) <smirby@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Next you’ll be advocating an electric pop top lifter!
> 
> :-)
> 
> Friday is fun.
> 
> Actually, apart from the locking mechanism, the lifting mechanism wouldn’t be THAT hard (for Alistair).
> 
> https://www.firgelliauto.ca/collections/actuators <https://www.firgelliauto.ca/collections/actuators>
> 
> …r
> 
> 
>> On Jul 31, 2020, at 1:03 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>> 
>> Tongue,  was in cheek when I posted this!
>> 
>> But, cool that it actually existed.  
>> 
>> It could be part of a useful wheelchair access. 
>> 
>> I’m also in the camp of simpler is better. 
>> 
>> So I sheepishly withdraw the request. 
>> 
>> But, wouldn’t that be fun to show off at a camp gathering!
>> 
>> Eric 
>> 
>>>> On Jul 31, 2020, at 3:56 PM, Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 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
>>>> 
>>>>>>>> 
>>>>