In a message dated 4/3/2002 6:30:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
LISTSERV@GERRY.VANAGON.COM writes:

> When I asked the original manufacturer about this once, they replied that
> the spring/pin were installed in the manufacturing process before the unit
> was fully assembled, such that re-installing them onto an already-assembled
> unit would be difficult or impossible. I cannot confirm (and have not 
> looked
> too carefully myself), just relaying what the manufacturer told me.
> 
> If they could be proven wrong, I'd be interested myself.  I detest having 
> to
> sell a whole new inlet to everyone whose cover or spring is broken!
> 
       I have taken these pins out and replaced them many times.  Not a 
problem. Make a drift of a stiff piece of wire the same diameter to get it 
started out the grab it with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull it out. 
You can make your own spring.  You can make your own pin.  You can make your 
own flap.  I have done all three.  Use a thick piece of flat black plastic.  
You do not need to make a hole all the way from one end to the other for the 
pin.  Just about 1/2" to 1" is enough, then use two pins, installing one from 
each end.  Use the original pin if you still have it or any good stiff wire 
of the right diameter.  For the spring, look for replacement spring 
assortments in FLAPS or Hardware stores.  You will eventually find one 
similar and with a bit of time and small needle nose pliers you will succeed 
in bending one to the proper configuration.  I even did one without a spring 
and used a small strip of Velcro to keep the flap closed.  Works just dandy !

Cheers��

Frank Condelli
Almonte, Ontario, Canada
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/BusFusion/bfhome.htm">BusFusion</A> a VW Camper camping event, Almonte, ON, May 30, 31, June 1, 2, 2002
'87 Westy & Lionel Trains
Member: <A HREF="http://www.vanagon.com/">Vanagon List</A>, <A HREF="http://www.bcn.net/~limbo/">LiMBO</A>, <A HREF="http://www.westfalia.qc.ca/CIW_English.asp">IWCCC</A> & Capital City VW Club 
Vanagon/Vanagon Westfalia Service in the Ottawa Valley
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/stebro.htm">STEBRO/Vanagon Stainless Steel Mufflers</A> �
<A HREF="http://members.aol.com/Fkc43/busindex.html">Frank Condelli & Associates</A> or http://frankcondelli.com