Hi Raymond,

Nope,  

        This is a unique handle only used in that location.  It bends out from flat then makes a handle you can pull.  The front handle doesn’t do that and is a different handle. 

These were on earlier vans. 

Eric Caron 

> On Aug 12, 2020, at 12:01 PM, Raimund Feussner <ray@V6BUS.DE> wrote:
> 
> 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