Club 80-90 Forums

Has anyone ever rigged up handle or release system to open rear tailgate from inside ?
Would imagine todays H&S would insist this was possible if on new vans and really feel this would be great idea as escape route in emergency.

Brickworks sold an original VW solution, I crafted one from a Discovery rear door handle and a bicycle brake cable. Unfortunately it's not fitted at the moment.

Dunno if early vans are the same but my late van has a release lever inside the door and a handy hole to acess it, you can stick your finger in the hole and release the latch.
I cut a hole in the trim panel, you can just see it in this pic...

there is something somewhere on the samba about rigging up a similar thing,cannot remember where though

Certain markets required this option as a safety feature afaik

Yes. I clearly remember someone doing this (a few years back on 80/80) and using the recessed pull-door handle from an Austin Maestro. It looked quite smart. I did consider it but as I've no need to open the hatch at night and its no real hassle to nip round and open it in the day, I never bothered. Can definately be done though.

I would suggest a handle and cable/rod is the best solution as you'll struggle to access hole quickly once cushions are all in place.

escape route in emergency.

I've got an emergency hammer by the back seat. That makes every window an escape route.

Or, if that fails, hit yourself on the head with said hammer, thereby making you completely oblivious to any potential dangers.

CovKid wrote:Or, if that fails, hit yourself on the head with said hammer, thereby making you completely oblivious to any potential dangers.

Like Titus, I made one from a Discovery handle a few years ago, I've yet to use it to open the door from inside though. Seemed like a good idea at the time

Maybe after reading that I might stow the extending wheel brace handle in the back to act as a hammer.
Petrol tank,filler area and Battery and its cables are at the front and there is an ignition source at the gas fridge. Hmmmm.

All,

If the tailgate is locked, can you still use this magical handle to open the door or does the key lock inhibit the opening?

Thinking of doing this my self so keen to know.

Thanks.

Yes, well you could with my set up as it didn't use the button to open the lock.

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/In ... ch_opening" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;