Are you referring to the latch pull handle?  If so, mine is broken, also.  The latch itself is steel.  IIRC, ithey're held together by a roll-pin, or some such method.

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: azsun99 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 9:37 PM
  Subject: R&R plastic latch on spare tire tray?

  This is on a '90. I have the new latch, but can't readily see how to R&R it.
  Anyone done this, who can offer some tips?
  Thanks,
  Jerry in AZ