Driver's side Grab handle

[PSquare]

Hi,

We just got a grab handle to install in the driver's side pillar.

But we are missing the "wedges" to be able to install it properly.

Go Westy mentions that we need both the upper and lower wedge.
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2284...amp;start=

However the lower wedge is out of stock!

Can't find it anywhere online

Do any of you know where can I get one? or do you have an idea how to install the handle without this part?

[bucko]

These "wedges" are plastic pieces that snap into the door, that the phillips screws thread into, holding the handle on.

Someone should have an "extra" lying around.
_________________
Current VW drives: 1984 Westfalia

Past VW drives: 1967 Beetle, 1973 Beetle, 1977 Bus, 1971 Military Type 181

[PDXWesty]

Did you try your local VW dealer? They can be pretty reasonable on parts like that, sometimes even cheaper.

[90Doka_Guy]

check in the classifieds for someone parting out a van
_________________
-'87 Westy
-'90 Tintop
-'90 DOKA

[PSquare]

I looked in the classifieds for "wedges" and "grab handle"


Could not find anything.

I will be looking for someone parting out a Van ... That is a good idea.

I also got a list of VW Used part dealer ship from Go Westy. I am posting it here in case it helps others:



USED PARTS SUPPLIERS

AFFORDABLE GERMAN - 602.253.8889 (Arizona - All VW Models)

BW AUTO DISMANTLERS 1.800.327.0888 (California - All VW Models)

RUSS' RECYCLING - 626.303.4366 (California - All VW Models)

FAST INC. - 626-357-3361(California - All Watercooled VW Models)

DICKS AUTO HAUS - 410.827.6501 (Maryland - All VW Models)

CAMPBELL NELSON - 888.337.7757 (Washington - All VW Models)

GERMAN PARTS WAREHAUS - 916.635.6469 (California - All VW Models)

INTERSTATE USED PARTS 760.736.8515 (California - 1968-79 Type II, NO Vanagon)

DISCOUNT AUTO PARTS 800.748.1537 (New Mexico - All VW Models)

SMALL CAR CONNECTION 760.244.3446 (California - Aircooled, some Watercooled)

[mightyart]

Please don't post parts requests in the Forums.
It's the first rule in posting on the forums.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4
Post a free wanted ad in the classifieds if you can't locate something.
Everyone complains about how many useless returns you get when you do a search, parts requests are one of the reasons for this.

[PSquare]

sorry about that.

I though it was really hard to find that part and was looking for a way to install the handle without it.

[greebly]

Installed a driver's side grab handle on the van this week. My son designed a replacement set of mounts and a template to install the mounts exactly matching the passenger side. It makes the install much easier. The passenger grab mount has the replicated mounts in white nylon.

My son did a write up on the installation here: https://imgur.com/a/kHp3TL4
He has made the template and reproduction mounts available through Shapeways. Here is the link for the template: https://www.shapeways.com/product/RP3EKP2W7/vanagon-grip-mount-template
and the link for the reproduction mounts: https://www.shapeways.com/product/RP8TX5DES/

[Alaskaberrys]

Edit: Just realized I quoted a long dead post! Oops.

[greebly]

The reason they do not fit your A pillar post is because the mounts being sold by the Bus Depot are for the pillar next to the sliding door the A post mounts are not identical, they are mirror images. The OEM part numbers are

Passenger side top, driver side bottom, marked #1: VW # 251 857 615

Passenger side bottom, driver side top, marked #2: VW # 251 857 616

the curvature is different from the D pillar mounts which Bus Depot is selling part number 25586719501C

Refer to MSINABOTTLE's post in this thread. https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/posting.php?mode=quote&p=4591661

[ALstew]

I just wanted to bump this thread because I purchase the template and spacers from shapeways. After you drill the holes you don't need rivnuts? You just drill the holes and install the spacers and bolt the handle in?

[greebly]

No rivnuts needed, follow the instructions here, use a 7/16" drill bit to make the final holes and do not wallow the hole out. Start with smaller bits and work up to the 7/16. Put some electrical tape on your bit
as a guide to not drill too deep.
https://imgur.com/a/kHp3TL4

[Timwhy]

[markswagen]

i have added additional handles to the sliding doors, it makes them much easier to close when sitting in the back.

[dhaavers]

I've enjoyed the added handles to both the DS front & slider door as pictured...both in my top 10 favorite mods...

- Dave
_________________
86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Zeitgeist 13]

I have a Passat handle up in the ceiling near the dome light, and a handle on the slider. Both are great additions.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[crazyvwvanman]

I mounted the handle on the slider but much farther back and turned horizontal just below the window.
This lets the slider be pulled shut while you are on the bed/bench and doesn't rely as much on the velocity of the door to completely close it. So it is easier and quieter, important at night or in close quarters. The handle needs to be mounted angled up so it doesn't rub when the door is opened. Once she tried it on one van my wife wants it on all of them.

Mark

[4mymalamute]

[cmayna]

[crazyvwvanman]

I'll take a photo of my sliding door mounted handle today.

Mark