Had the same issue.
The bolt holding the spare is an M12 with a 1.5mm pitch (if I remember correctly)
I was rotating the tyres one day, and took the bolt out for the spare and put it aside.
When I went to get it back - there was no Bolt..........just our dog staring at me with a puzzled look.................

Found the bolt 3 weeks later when mowing the lawn - but not after I had unsuccessfully tried evry damn shop in Sydney!!

David Del Ben
84 Vanagon

-----Original Message-----
From:   Steve Grayer [SMTP:sgrayer@ABWATLEY.COM]
Sent:   Thursday, August 31, 2000 5:14 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        What size is the..

Hey
What's the size of the bolt holding the spare??
I'm gettin a bit nervous driving my 'new" vanagon
around with the spring latch oldin the spare.

Any spare tire tips or advice??

I'm also lookin for an '86 or newer Westy without and engine and/or
tranny.

I'm in theNew York City area

Thx

c'ya
Steve
'86 GL