Hi folks, need some help getting hold of a pull strap for the inside of the sliding door. I basically have a piece of webbing strap attached to the inside of the sliding door (nearest the rear) that I use to pull it shut when inside the van. It looks like something the PO screwed on himself but has since become detached. Its worn and I can't put it back so need a replacement. Cant seem to find any equivalent parts on VW Heritage or JK websites. Any ideas, does one even exist, what am I looking for? The original inner plastic door handle is in place, but I can't shut the door properly just by pulling on this as the back end doesn't engage - I have to get out of the van and shut from the outside.
The pull strap is handy - and necessary if you want to close the door fully from inside - but isn't original. The PO's probably lashed something up. You might want to improve on it: bit of nylon webbing, mebbe? Another alternative (which I think Westfalia used) is to get a cast part that bolts to the door rear. This can then be fitted with a stock plastic door handle mounted sideways. I've got one, but I can't remember where I bought it!
I think years ago they used to sell a handle which looked exactly like a T25 a pillar grab handle that you could screw onto the inside of the window frame to do that. http://www.justkampers.com/251857607-01c-grab-handle-for-cab-door-or-a-pillar-vw-t25-1979-1992.html I am sure these are the ones. or maybe a T2 cab door handle would be better and look more original.
That's on early vans, upto '73 maybe? But I think he means close the door completely, not just the last bit than brings the rear in on early vans, he's probably got some furniture in the way which means he can't push on the front of the door from inside.
Here you go. You can see there's a little bracket with a square boss that bolts to the door. A standard handle fits over this. Someone out there makes the brackets, but I can't remember who. You'll also note from the pic that it's inadvisable to buy JK MDF door panels, as they warp ...
Here's a trivia question for anybody who might know. This door handle has a plastic cap on it. When my handle snapped off i was pleased to find that reproductions are available. Unfortunately the original cap doesn't fit this and nobody seems make one that does. Does anybody know the solution. Yes I know I've got too much time on my hands
Nice one Snotty - like that ... Hope there`s no patent on it as i`m going to to blatantly copy the idea ...
It fits as in pic below - bracket thing just bolts to the existing holes in the door. As to why it fits - that's more a question of philosophy An additional question would be...why can't you press the handle through the metal bracket? Richard Feynman explains all of this on YouTube... The handle & cap both have VW part numbers, so I assume they're Brazzy ones. Think I got them from VWH. The bracket thing may a Westy bit off fleaBay.
I have webbing on mine too, very handy in the middle of the night to avoid repeated slamming, just one loud slam for me and anyone it wakes up won't know who it was.
I think Westy kicked it off, as they had furniture in the way at the front. There's definitely someone Out There making repros - about 15 euros, I recall - but I've lost the link. Nigel Skeet @naskeet might know, if he's still around. No-one got a CAD prog and a small NC miller? Easy to machine out of ally stock. Potential business opportunity here, chaps ...
TryBusok in Netherlands. They have the bracket and also the handles I now realise. I got some stuff from them last year but postage was a bit complicated.
