I decided to search for a larger spare tire carrier from an '86-up, and
ended up finding one at Action Auto Wreckers waaay out off of E. Colfax in
Aurora, Colorado.

First off, the tire carrier appears to simply have a longer front bracket
welded on where it hooks to the front of the body.  That was the only
difference I could see.  In any case, at $5.00, it works perfectly.

The Vanagon I got it from is a downright TRAGEDY.  It's an '87 Sunroof GL.
It looks like they drove it up and parked it there, it was in perfect
condition as far as body and interior--Grey and black two-tone exterior with
no rust whatsoever, perfect Grey tweed interior.

Two guys with a completely rusted out Syncro were already hard at work
trying to get parts when I got out there, so there's no telling what's left,
but man was it a beauty.  I think they were mainly interested in the
interior panels and the rear sofabed, though, although while I was there
they couldn't figure out how to remove either.

Thanks for all of the suggestions.  Now somebody in Colorado go out and save
what's left of that Sunroof Vanagon!

Joe T.

>From: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
>Reply-To: Christopher Gronski <gronski@GMAIL.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Spare Tire Holder
>Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 16:36:49 -0400
>
>This is what I did instead to hold my Micheline 215/65-15s on 15" SA Rheins
>
>http://www.van-cafe.com/vanagonparts.jsp?pa=ip&ip=764380099
>
>Chris
>
>On 5/31/06, joe trussell <vanagongl@hotmail.com> wrote:
>>My new spare 14" vanagon alloy with 205/70/14 tire does not fit in my
>>spare
>>tire carrier.
>>
>>After researching the archives, I've found that apparently the older
>>Vanagons (1985 here) have a smaller carrier, not as deep.  Different part
>>number, even.  And, apparently the rad hoses are different on later models
>>to create more space for a larger spare?
>>
>>Does anybody know of a way to fit the sucker in there without rubbing or
>>hitting anything important?  If I cut the top bars, will the tire bounce
>>around too much, pinch a hose, or rub the steering gear?
>>
>>I appreciate any suggestions!
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Joe
>>
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