Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:42:00 -0500
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Sliding door -- 91 Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <08497492-3480-4110-BB7F-AA82940D3BA5@icloud.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi John,
This is a doable job if you have the replacement parts. But, if you need support I’d consider a few options.
If you don’t have the Vanallert app on your phone I’d get it. There is a section for those offering support. You might find someone in your area listed and you could ask them to come over. It is usually for those traveling, but I think your situation counts.
Also, though I’m not a FB fan, I’m on a few lists and the one I would recommend to you is the Vanagon Technical Depository. I’ve noticed many of our list members posting there. One of the moderators was even one of our early moderators. Thi list doesn’t fall into the trap of wasted time with posts dedicated to unrelated comments and attempts at humor but instead focusses on real technical support. It is the closest thing to this list I’ve found on FB.
You may find both good direction and possibly even a support person if you post there.
I also have a detailed post from one of our list members about the hinge I can send you if you like.
Eric Caron
> On Nov 21, 2025, at 2:05 PM, John Lauterbach <smoketoxdoc@ICLOUD.COM> wrote:
>
> I would like the wisdom of the list on how to fix or get fixed. This past summer on a very hot day I had to rescue my girlfriend's groceries after her Subaru failed to start. When I got back to her home and my van in her garage, the sliding door would not close. Part of the problem was that the pice of the rear sliding door hinge had broken. I got the replacement door hinge from Ken as I hoped to get some help from local mobile mechanics or similar to help with the task.
>
> It looks like I am going to.need to find a body shop. Is the Vanagon sliding door at all like the sliding doors of other vans of that era. Is this something a good body shop can handle? Right now van is garaged near Poinciana, FL.
>
> If I have to drive my Vanagon to a shop, what is best way to secure the door to keep it from flying open?
>
> My girlfriend and I are both over 75 and cannot do anything that might be considered heavy lifting. I have looked at YouTube videos and it appears that two guys are needed to
> guide the door onto an external support while the old hinge is removed and new hinge put on. I have all the right tools. But not the muscle.
>
> Thank you for reading. John
> Sent from my iPhone
