I have RA08 185/14 on mine and a Yokohama Y356 as a brand new spare and fits
fine.  I bet the salvage yard has that plastic piece.
Michael in San Antonio
91GL Weekender AT 2.1L 'Gringo'

On Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 7:25 PM, David M <covrambles@yahoo.com> wrote:

> I finally got it out! A pair of pliers to the remnants of the plastic pull
> tab. After about six failed attempts, the whole tray came crashing down (boy
> am I glad my hand was not underneath) and the remnant of the pathetic
> plastic pull tab flew into the air as it split into 3 more pieces.
> The spare tire (215/70-14) which was brand new with 0 miles when stowed has
> four deep gouges in the sideall that faced upwards. It was completely devoid
> of pressure. I filled it to 40psi to see if it leaks but I doubt I'd ever
> dare use it again (well I never have used it). It was a great tire too
> (Sears Response XL). Obviously a 215/70-14 cannot fit into the spare-tire
> bay without severe damage to the tire. Whether a 205/70-14 would fit, I
> don't know. I suspect it was designed for 185R14 so those of us with allow
> wheels are out of luck. Its amazing what mechanisms become visible one you
> look up through the empty spare wheel bay.
> TWO QUESTIONS:
> (1) Can the pull-tab mechanism be repaired?
> (2) What size tire will fit in spare tire tray without damage?
>
> -David (1987 Wolfsburg)
>