On those bars, one end goes into the front of the van and the other acts as
a hinge pin for the tire tray. If you look at the ends of them where they
go thru the tire tray, you will see a small clip. Pop off the clip and then
pull the bar out. Do this to both sides. The whole tire tray will come off.
After you do that, you can kinda swivel the rods to the side out of the
way.

Not sure if you know it, but removing the lower grille makes it easier to
get to the temp sensor so you can unplug the wires.

jeff

'85 westy
'83.5 vanagon
'87 vanagon wolfsburg