Date:         Tue, 9 Sep 2003 00:15:27 -0400
Reply-To:     Alan Pickersgill <alanpick@MAGMA.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alan Pickersgill <alanpick@MAGMA.CA>
Subject:      85 Sliding Door worn - Parts?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

The sliding door on my 85 became worn to the point that it drooped when open and when closed struck the striker pin incorrectly often enough that it broke the weld. Newfoundland body shop welded it and I got home to Ottawa but now have to do the repair. Bently shows the parts subject to wear on one page (58.21). VW dealer suggests that some of the parts, roller and roller assembly (carrier in the Bently)will be $250 Canadian $ (does not appear to includethe ball bearing). As usual this sounds outrageously expensive.

Does anyone with experience with this job know if these are the only parts I'm likely to need, or if there are others that will be needed. Is it necessary to buy new parts or are good used ones practical. 

Is VW the only source for new parts or are good aftermarket ones available?

Anyone have the necessary parts for sale used?

Bently suggest that it is a two person job to remove and reinstall the door, but otherwise it looks quite straight forward. Is this correct or am I best to find a VW body person and pay the labour?

Experienced advice would be appreciated.

Alan Pickersgill
Ottawa Ontario 
Canada
85 Transporter converted to Westfalia.