sliding door early and later type - differences

[Johnmck]

hi, i am looking for a replacement sliding door for a 1980 van. i,m confused over late and early doors. in what year did they change and how do you know difference if door is off van, heard some reference to cranked and straight handles??? but confused. appreciate some guidance thanks

[langb20]

Hi,
sliding doors changed around 82/83
early ones are not interchangeable with later ones unfortunately (good condition early ones are uber rare)
early ones have a longer external handle (and recess that it sits in) the runner part that goes under the side cover is different, as too is the striker plate that keeps it shut when you close it. If a caravelle type (fitted window) the windows are slightly larger than later types also.
but by far the giveaway when looking at a door is the external handle/recess difference
how knackered is your early door? there are inner and outer bottom sections available to buy, a.h schofields/Jk do them I think, i've gotta repair one of mine too
Regards,
Brent

[Cruz]

Early door has a longer handle and a bigger handle recess.

Think they changed a bit later than 83. maybe 84/85

[Johnmck]

Thanks, looking at one that states
The door is off a 1985 van. I forgot to mention there are 2 types of catch. There is a straight one and an angled one. This one is for the straight style catch. My van has the angled catch so this door wouldn't fit


so early door angled catch, straight catch later one?

not sure my weldingup to fitting repair panels - looks tricky and not sure i would be able to make sure door would fit after!! had hoped early replacement might be an option.

[Cruz]

An early sliding door in a condition you would be happy with and requiring minimal attention will set you back £250+.

The best thing is to post up a picture of the condition of the sliding door currently on your van then people can advise you as to the best course of action.

Any bodyshop worth it's salt can repair the door

[Plasticman]

so early door angled catch, straight catch later one?

No other way round
mike

[billy739]

a late sliding door track , striker plate later and you can fit your early van with a late door.

probably cheaper than a good early door!


but inner door card and factory window and outer handle will not fit!

[DavidPallister]

Or do what i've done:

cut the front and back lock sections, and outer recess from my knackered early door

buy a good late door (£50)

cut the corresponding areas out from the good late door

weld early lock sections and recess into late door

et voila, one late door that fits an early van without having to butcher the van structure


Dave