I looked at 86> doors closely before I had my 82 door repaired. I would say
that there is no chance of them being changeable. The locking mech on an 86
slides in at 45 degrees whereas the older one goes in at 90. The handles
are also a different length. IMHO it will be a botch up if they get it to
fit.

Martin

>What exactly changed on the sliding doors between these years.  The reason I
>ask is because, as I write this the body shop working on my van just bought
>a sliding door off an '83 and they are installing it on my '86.  I would
>like to know of any difference before I go in there and pay for the work.
>Thanks, any help appreciated.

Leif Paulsen
'86 Syncro "4BY-THOR"

> << I just found out that the door of the Vanagon was changed in
> '85 some time.
>  To be safe only get a door from '86 or newer.
>  Hope this helps you.
>  Ken Wilford
>  Van-Again
>  John 3:16
>   >>
>
> vanagon sliding doors:
> '80-'84
> '85-'91.
>
> chris
>