In a message dated 8/9/00 11:33:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
brent@vanagon.com writes:

<< I was told over the phone that they were an original VW dealer
 accessory, but looking at the general quality of them, I have my doubts >>

actually, they are..  look in your owners manual.. in the acessories insert.
theres a pic of it. (in the early eighties owners manuals)

chris