I had this same idea, but it ws for my air cooled Vanagon.  The idea was
that one could take two off-road type spares with them for trekking, but
I must admit, it was mainly trying to get somewhat of a vintage look that
was the catalyst for this idea.    Now, I have the same questions as you
since I bought an 87 and no longer have the air cooled. I think the
safest bet, would be a reciever hitch in the front, and fabricate a
holder that pops-into this.  Then one can few water temps with and
without the carrier easily.

With the air-cooled, I was simply going to mount a 70's bus front tire
mount to the van, if the area would support it.

John R
87 Westfalia Weekender (West-to-Eastfalia)

>>>  The other day I saw an old bus (60-70�s) with a spare tire mounted
to the front of the bus.  It got me wondering if any of our vendors ever
tried to fabricate a similar mount for the vanagon.  T