In a message dated 2/26/02 8:49:49 AM, ben@KBMC.NET writes:

<< Back in January, we were discussing extra gas cans, and someone had a cool
Mercedes can that fits the stock spare tire.  Whoever it was planned to look
into sourcing them.  I've forgotten who it was, and can't seem to find it in
the archives.
Anyway, I'm still interested, did you ever find them? >>

Should be moi! I use the Mercedes gas can which fits inside 14 or 15 inch 
wheels. Remember the original Beetle/Ghia/Bus/Thing can only fits inside 15 
inch wheels. While the can fits very well in the standard Vanagon spare, I 
find it fits even better inside the Audi 5000 T spacesaver spare. In fact 
there is room for a canvas belt of spare parts (fuel filter, fuel pump, fuel 
injection hose, radiator cap, CV joint bolts, boot and grease, spare belts, 
and old 8-track tapes). I bought mine from a Mercedes aftermarket importer. 
They often are to be found in the trunk of MBZ specialty yards. But they are 
also available new from Europe via:

IberParts
C/Regueiro 8, 11⁄4 D
CEP:36211
Vigo, Pontevedra, España 
+34 986 21 33 13
+34 986 21 33 13 fax
vigoparts@eldorado.es 

I had contacted them by email and they responded with a 12 hour information 
transit time. The part number you are looking for is : 87 7 58 0038. In early 
2000, they quoted a price of USD 62 plus shipping. 

Good hunting,

Frank Grunthaner