Check out:
http://www.volkscafe.com/vanagonparts.jsp?pa=ip&ip=764380099
If you need a larger tire carrier.

Chris

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:01:42 EST, JordanVw@aol.com <JordanVw@aol.com> wrote:
> In a message dated 3/31/05 8:52:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, jrunberg@mac.com
> writes:
>
>
> > 1) how do I get the rod out?
> > 2) my carrier looks welded, not bolted, on. Am I wrong? Hinges seem to have
> > a c-clip on them.
> >
> >
>
> the springsteel rod that goes around your carrier's perimiter and acts as the
> hinge pin just is there to keep the tire from bouncing around..which it
> doesnt do anyway.
> i removed mine and used bolts/nuts as the hinge pins.  its not welded in, its
> just held in by tension.  use a face shield when removing it.. its under
> tension.
>
> why dont you just run a steel spare?  you can run alloys and steels
> together..it doesnt matter.   99% of cars and trucks these days that run alloys have
> steel spares.
>
> chris
>