It's a lock problem. I was able to get in to the latch innards from
the top and 'move' the lock piece & was able to open/close the
door.  Cannot lock or unlock the door.
Not a real good picture in the Bentley.

Had to take the door lock out (Bentley 57.2 item #4), it was dry,
wouldn't move. I used penetrating oil, worked it and more oil until
it moved. Then compressed air to remove the excess oil & worked it
some more. Repeated and it works well in my hand, put it back together.
Locked & unlocked the door many times today with no problems.
Photos
http://s1270.photobucket.com/albums/jj608/becidarob/Vanagon%20door%20lock%201984/
The photos are not in the order I intended.

Rob
becida@comcast.net

At  1/13/2012 06:48 PM,Rob wrote:
>Went to get in my '84 Vanagon this morning (24 degrees F), the key
>turn felt odd and then the door would not open. The outside finger
>latch just moves as if nothing is hooked up, same for the inside.
>I'm working on taking it apart, which is easier to do when the door
>will open... I suspect it will be easier to continue in the morning
>when it's a bit warmer and not so dark out.
>Suggestions, advice or educated guesses on what went wrong are welcome.