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Subject:Re: Sliding Door Handle
From:Karl F. Bloss
Date:Mon, 4 Oct 1999 12:04:54 -0400

> If you plan on removing the dooe handle unit, you need an impact driver.

That depends on what you call the "unit."  I removed my '87 sliding door handle
by first carefully prying off the plastic clips holding the paneling.  Then I
unscrewed the handle mechanism, which is just held in place with a single
phillips head screw.  My old handle was from an '85 (handle cosmetically too
long but otherwise wored), so I imagine the earlier vans used the same system.

FWIW, I had Steve Sandlin <http://www.steveslockshop.com/> rekey the lock to my
key via mail order.  Replacement is reverse of removal.  :-)

I've heard of people losing the handle because it's only held in place by that
one screw and it loosens over time.  If your handle has in and out play, I
would tighten that screw before you lose that expensive piece.

-Karl

Karl and Kristina Bloss, Trexlertown, PA
'87 Westfalia Weekender  "Beverley" - 188K miles
VW Mechanic list: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops
Busses by the Trail - Oct 15-17, 1999: http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/bbtt
PA/NJ Vanagon owner's mailing list: http://www.onelist.com/subscribe/pavanagon