I got Jim´s picture of the handle as well.
Isn´t this the standard front handle, just bolted horizontally onto the
rear of the slider door?!

Maybe a US special, once again

Regards
Raimund

Am 12.08.2020 um 01:28 schrieb Jim. Felder:
> Raimund, these are not retrofit handles. They are not regular handles. They
> are die cast and made in two pieces with a spring between the pieces so
> that that the handle lies flat against the door until lifted outwards by
> the fingers so a more forceful pull can be made. They are made that way to
> slip between the door and the body when the door is open so as not to
> scratch the paint. I have never seen a diesel without one, don't know about
> other models.
>
> There is no mention of the handle in either the Owner's Manual or the
> Camping Equipment Manual of 1983. But the door itself has a lug welded on
> at the factory to receive the handle. Mine was purchased in German for the
> US market.
>
> I can take a picture if you want to see one.
>
> Jim
>
> On Sat, Aug 1, 2020 at 2:37 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