No, this is the nylon plastic latch that the tongue of the spare tire tray rests on, after you remove the bolt. And before it falls on your foot :(.
Jerry

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mike 
  To: azsun99 ; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 6:54 PM
  Subject: Re: R&R plastic latch on spare tire tray?

  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

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