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Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 21 Aug 2020, 13:59
by slowcoach
I got the idea from this thread (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=739144&highlight=grab+handle++pillar) to add an interior grab handle to close the sliding door from the inside, without having the slam the door.

with an extra grab handle, and two of these spacers:
https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/spacer-bas ... -door.html
(these are different to the A-pillar spacers and let it fit onto a curved profile surface)

i did this:
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theres at least 1cm clearance of the hande to the outside of the van when it slides open.  but now we can close the door from the inside with no slamming, almost silently (just a click from the lock) and without waking our daughter up :ok

 

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 21 Aug 2020, 14:06
by TONYT25T25
And waking up the rest of the campsite, will look into this also, as my door normally requires a couple of slams if I do not use enough force on the first one.  Is there an easier way of opening from the inside when closed, I find the handle a bit awkward to pull up because of the angle it is at, although I now remember instead of opening to the side it is easier just to stand forward of the handle then pull it up, if that makes sense.

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 21 Aug 2020, 14:16
by slowcoach
If you're talking about the inside handle at the front of the slider, is it horizontal when closed? Do you're having to pull it upward?

If so, it's on a square peg, so unscrew it and rotate it downward do it points at the floor. Screw it back on. Now you have to pull it backwards to open the door. Mine used to be like you have described.. always thought someone must have put in on mine wrong!

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 21 Aug 2020, 14:33
by TONYT25T25
Thanks, just did as you said and now much easier to open from the inside, to think I have been putting up with this since I had the van.  Just to add I have a strap fitted half way down the panel to pull the door shut, I wonder if I move this back to where your handle is fitted it would do the same job. As i have to give my door a good pull and slam to shut it using this strap.

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 21 Aug 2020, 14:57
by slowcoach
yeah, anything on or near the back edge of the door would do it :)

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 22 Aug 2020, 08:43
by TONYT25T25
Moved strap/handle to rear of door and now much easier and quieter to close, just need to cover the previous holes up with either another strap, filler or caps.  Thanks :D

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 26 Aug 2020, 20:16
by BambooBilly
Great idea Slowcoach (&thesamba)

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 31 Aug 2020, 08:09
by Dazco
That's a great idea, think I'll be copying that. :ok

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 31 Aug 2020, 09:41
by slowcoach
Just measure up properly from the holes in the handle. Mark the centre line along the door then lunch the holes to drill. Pilot holescs good idea!. 10mm if I remember rightly. Use the correct big Philips head screws, brickwerks have them associated with grab handles. 4 of those in, and it's not going anywhere :ok

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 31 Aug 2020, 19:38
by petethefeet
Hi,
Thanks for posting this. 
The lack of a proper VW handle has bugged me, we have a couple of brass handles fitted by the previous owner.
Image

Is the handle that is fitted the same as the A pillar handle?

Regards

Pete

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 30 Sep 2020, 18:37
by slowcoach
petethefeet wrote:Hi,
Thanks for posting this. 
The lack of a proper VW handle has bugged me, we have a couple of brass handles fitted by the previous owner.
Image

Is the handle that is fitted the same as the A pillar handle?

Regards

Pete
Sorry, yes same handle as a pillar, different spacers. Brass ones you have there will do the same thing Image

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 30 Sep 2020, 18:56
by silverbullet
You want the spacers that are used on Caravelle B posts.

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod - further installation tip.

Posted: 27 Nov 2020, 20:57
by Piratepete
Recently did this mod. Well worth doing. Warning- If you mount the handle too near the rear of the door, it might foul the edge of the rock n roll bed when converting it back to a seat. :)

Pete

1990 Holdsworth Villa 3

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 27 Nov 2020, 21:46
by TONYT25T25
 I did this alteration a while back, nearly lost me on that reply, my sliding door is mostly open when converting to bed or seat, will have a test tomorrow to see if having the door shut causes an issue.

Re: Sliding door grab handle mod

Posted: 01 Aug 2021, 19:35
by Splurt
Great little mod, no more slamming doors 

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