Sliding Doors

[Jeremy Nix]

So my bus is in the shop right now, getting tuned up and ready for our first camping trip of the Summer. Of course, since they don't see my bus everyday, they opened the sliding door, and it fell off, he told us he could fix that for $200-$300. I don't think i ever want to spend $3o0 to fix a sliding door problem. Has any of you on this site ever done any work on your sliding doors? I'm curious to know how involved it could get. Up till now, all I have done is just forbid anyone but myself to touch that door. I know just how to handle it and keep it attached. I hardly ever have problems. It's actually pretty funny the first couple of times... just the expression on someone's face as they watch the door fly off because they tried to open it themselves. I think maybe I'll take it apart, and dive in, see what I can figure out. Any advice is appreciated. 

 

 

[whc03grady]

This is a very good overview of how the door works. It's not exactly a how-to for fixing your door after it falls off, but a good understanding of which of your parts are worn or missing might be in order.

[Jeremy Nix]

Wow, that's great info. I go to the Ratwell website every once in a while, but the past few times, all of his pictures were not available. Thanks for sending this, it's going to come in handy.

[Kirk]

Fix what for $300? Body damage? Other than that, there aint nothing on that door you cant fix with four beers and a couple hand tools.

[Jeremy Nix]

That's sort of what I was thinking too.  

Kirk said:

Fix what for $300? Body damage? Other than that, there aint nothing on that door you cant fix with four beers and a couple hand tools.

[Scott]

Kirk is bang on here.

 

Unless there are structural issues with the guide along the bottom (thus requiring some welding), most sliding door issues can be done at home.

 

If you need some thoughts on how to fix it Jeremy, maybe post some pics, and let us throw in some thoughts on how to repair it.

 

I had to repair my sliding door last year, and it was pretty easy.

 

[Jeremy Nix]

Cool! I'll do that...  thanks for the response!

[Peter]

Here is another one with excessive detail and anal retentive precision.

 

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=446358

[Jeremy Nix]

WOW! This is great reference material. Thanks for the link!  I'll let you guys know how it goes. :)