hi..
the plastic pull things are usually broken,
but the actual hook is there in plain site ..
just be ready for the spare to drop down hard when you unhook it.
if you have a small bottle jack ..
you could put that under there for a controlled release of the clam shell if
you want.

usually muscle power is enough though.
finally ..
it'll be out of there !
----- Original Message -----
From: "David M" <covrambles@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2011 4:21 PM
Subject: How to get that (bleep) spare tire out (continued)

> Finally got time to wrestle (very apt word) with this problem. After
> liberat applications of bolt-buster and wrist-crunching hammer blows and
> 1/2 hour of back twisting contortions with a lug nut tool of unknown
> source (not VW but a perfect fit), I got the bolt off. Bolt says DERA 88
> on the head if that means anything. I breathed a sign of relief and
> visions of bikini-clad babes on a tropical beach wafted before me. Then I
> pulled the plastic pull-tab thingie to release the mechanism and... snap.
> This pathetic piece of inadequate German engineering snapped in two. What
> a sorry excuse for a mechanism this is!. Now I am in need of even more
> urgent help as to how to release the spare tire. I now dare not even risk
> driving the van to a tire shop. I'm hoping there is some arcane trick to
> operating the release. H-E-L-P!