Every model year has a aleast one van with this side table.
The Westfalia Weekenders, Wolfsburgs, Blue, White and Red Stars, Carats and Multivans all have the same side table and latch.
I have own at least one of each and never had an issue with it not opening.
When retrofitting this side table into a van, the trick in placement of the side table supports is crutial for the latch and the stop to line up properly.
I use pure silicone spray on parts like this.

dylan

________________________________
From: David Beierl <dbeierl@ATTGLOBAL.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Saturday, September 12, 2009 7:01:34 AM
Subject: Folding table "push-push" latch

Specific to '89 but I suspect universal application...

The latch holding the folding table into its cavity in the wall needs
periodic oiling.� If you examine the latch mechanism mounted on the
underside of the table, there's a spring-loaded ring.� If you press
that toward the table, a little pointed thing emerges from a slit in
the post, with either two points showing or one point just barely
showing.� In both conditions you must be able to easily rotate it
clockwise with your fingernail, or you're in danger of it hanging up
and refusing to disengage from the wall.

Yours,
David