Yes - they can be removed, but you will need to use bolts to hold the hinges
for the spare tire carrier "pan".  Remove the C clips that hold the rods
where they pass through the hinges and you will see how they come apart.

This is precisely how I have my 27.5" spare mounted.  I have the goofy
"bars" in a box in the garage now...  :-)

Brent Christensen

>From: 80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
>Reply-To: 80 Westy Pokey <pokey@VANAGON.ORG>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Those bars over the spare tire carrier
>Date: Wed, 22 May 2002 20:19:59 -0400
>
>I have a 15" spare that is too big for the stock carrier,
>partly due to the bars that hold it in place from the top.
>Is there any way to remove these without cutting them?
>
>Thanks,
>Chris

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

_________________________________________________________________
Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com