My van is drivable again after  patiently waiting for me to get the sliding
door latch fixed.

I stripped one of those big screws trying to get the latch out, but my
father in law thankfully knew about Elliot's Hardware's fastener section.
 They had a perfect match except with a 5mm allen head, which in my opinion
is a perfecter match.

I did the open it, up bend the spring on the closer side to increase the
tension, degrease (the grease was the consistency of ear wax and about as
sticky), and sprayed a bunch of white lithium grease all over in there.

Closes like a champ--very satisfying to have that work every time after so
many bounces.  I also adjusted the top front connection a bit and now the
little latch that holds the door in the open position also works.  Bonus
fix.

In other news, I posted my automatic transmission (I converted my 85 Westy
to manual) on The Samba, and I thought I would let the list know in case
anyone's in need of one:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1630356

Sad to hear about Daryl, I just learned today reading list backlog.  I've
got one of his in my van now.  Working with him on getting that done was
one of the highlights of my project--what an awesome person to work with.
 He will be sorely missed.

Stay safe and healthy everyone!

mike