Hmm.  That lock is pretty beefy, I wonder if it isn't the rod to the rear
latch that's broken or disconnected.  First try opening from the inside
while putting your shoulder into the door.  If you can move the front edge
out a little then it's unlatched, and you'll have to remove the door panel
and check that rod to the rear.

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Moyal
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 7:48 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Arrrgh! Sliding door won't open!!!

After a successful AAZ turbodiesel conversion & tons of problemsolving, I
have to admit I'm baffled by my '83 Westy's sliding door. I went to unlock
it last week, something sent "snap" and the door wouldn't open. The inside
lock button functions ok, the outside handle rotates, but nothing I do
actuates the latch. I have the panel and the lock cover off, and I'm pretty
sure the problem lies in the front lock/latch mechanism, but unless I can
get the door open I can't pull the mechanism out. I even had the local
(small town) locksmith out to take a look -he just scratched his head and
said "duuuuh." No door, no camping- and the weather finally turned nice!
 This is my second post with this problem - please, if someone understands
these locks, tell me what to do next! Thanks a billion, David.