>-- but I'm definitely replacing it
> tomorrow when I get the flat replaced. Just thought I'd mention it, in case
> there's some other dunderhead on the list like me, driving around with a 15+
> year old tire under the nose.

Hmmmmm,

 I have never even taken the og spare out of my 84 Westy, used the og jack
(use floor jack), but I do press on the spare every now & then to see if
it's got air.  Probably ought to check it, get a new spare (it is unused).

Now let's see, what kind of new tires do you volks recommend for vanagons?

Grin,

Tom