I have been guilty of lowering a van on the lift with the tire carrier
hanging down. What a pain to bent it back up and out to get that tab to
reach. At some time that is likey why yours no longer reaches. It did at one
time.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2012 1:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Spare tire doesn't latch

Wish it were.  Short of "stretching" the pan to oval shape, welding an
extension to the latch is all I've come up with.  Everything is stock, and
this rig has not been in any frontal accidents, and the latch works fine, it
just doesn't come close enough to the tab.

Thanks!

-----Original Message-----
From: Dennis Haynes [mailto:d23haynes57@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2012 8:44 PM
To: 'Stuart MacMillan'; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: Spare tire doesn't latch

That a sign the pan or the tab is bent. Pull, bend the tab down and
straighten it out.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2012 8:43 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Spare tire doesn't latch

Hi folks,

The hook only catches they pan by 1/8", and that's not enough to hold it
while the bolt is inserted.  Any ideas on a quick fix?

All I can think of is welding an extension on to the hook or the pan.  Am I
missing an easier solution?

Thanks,

Stuart

'85 Westy, top removed today for painting and new canvas!