I just found it was handy having the ability to store some tools/jack,
small spare parts in the clamshell area rather than taking up needed space
taking a 12yr old girl and the GF on a 12 day trip. Why do they have to
pack so much unnecessary stuff! 3 pillows and 2 pillows, multiple
bags...... Keep it simple/minimal ladies ;-)

On Jan 6, 2018 6:48 PM, "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:

> Hey Stuart,
>
> I know the vid, and have read a fair bit on the vanagon chassis structure
> and the built in crash absorption ( you know what I mean ) design.
>
> I believe also that some 16” Syncros had a different front carrier where
> the spare tire usually is and that vw did make a rear mounted tire carrier.
> Those facts and the lack of warnings in the owner’s manual about having a
> spare in the front carrier at all times leads me to believe the spare up
> front is not a designed part of the crash structure.
>
> But I’m still keeping open mind, I’d like to hear about any vw produced
> data stating the spare is needed in place up front.
>
> Alistair
>
>
>
> > On Jan 6, 2018, at 4:37 PM, <stuartmacm@gmail.com> <stuartmacm@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >
> > I think the spare tire idea came from this crash test video. See 1:20:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO_AfCFQR2M  This video explains the
> front absorption zone structure and the reinforcing in the front and in the
> doors, and doesn't show a spare tire. The Vanagon is pretty safe, except
> for the lack of an air bag. Also see 1:20:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?
> v=Iwa9vdq8dvw
> >
> > Stuart
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Alistair Bell
> > Sent: Saturday, January 6, 2018 1:58 PM
> > To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> > Subject: Re: Clamshell toolbox
> >
> > I have to think that it doesn’t have any real effect on crash
> worthiness. It seems like poor design by vw to have a removable item being
> important to crash protection.
> >
> > Poor design is an understatement, the legal liability issue is obvious.
> >
> > Alistair
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Jan 6, 2018, at 1:53 PM, Ralph Meyermann <ralphmeyermann@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >>
> >> I figure a tool box filled with tools is better than no tire at all.
> Safer that a propane tank I'd think.
> >>
> >>> On Jan 6, 2018 3:26 PM, "Alistair Bell" <albell@shaw.ca> wrote:
> >>> You have any documentation backing this up? It’s interesting subject,
> perhaps the owners  manual has big warnings in it saying that spare must be
> in place all the time?
> >>>
> >>> Haven’t seen those warnings but maybe you have. Not being snarky, I
> truly would like to see the documentation.
> >>>
> >>> Alistair
> >>>
> >>>> On Jan 6, 2018, at 12:34 PM, Stacy Schneider <vwcrewman@GMAIL.COM>
> wrote:
> >>>>
> >>>> I would not drive a van without a spare tire up front. The tire is
> part of the crash worthiness of these vans.
> >>>> I want all the protection I can get. Even if you have a rear mounted
> tire you can always leave the stock wheel in place.
> >>>>
> >>>>                          Stacy
> >>>>
> >>>> Sent from my iPhone
> >>>>
> >>>>> On Jan 6, 2018, at 11:13 AM, Ralph Meyermann <
> ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >>>>>
> >>>>> No pics yet, I have some of my original adapted one. The refined
> >>>>> version should be lighter/cleaner looking and seal out the
> >>>>> elements better. Weight depends on how much tools/parts you cram
> >>>>> inside. Mine got kinda heavy for the 12day 3k mile West coast trip
> and back.
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>> On Jan 6, 2018 1:09 PM, "Chris S" <szpejankowski@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> I like the idea. Extra diesel fuel tank? My thought is that
> >>>>>> anything heavy in spare tire cavity will be difficult to close. Got
> pics?
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>> Chris
> >>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Wiadomość napisana przez Ralph Meyermann
> >>>>>>> <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM> w
> >>>>>> dniu 06.01.2018, o godz. 10:34:
> >>>>>>>
> >>>>>>> Howdy Volks.  After going with a rear spare tire carrier, I was
> >>>>>>> pondering what to do with that available space. I ended up
> >>>>>>> adapting my home made larger clamshell/tire carrier into a
> toolbox. I found it handy.
> >>>>>> Currently I
> >>>>>>> took it to my machine/Fab shop guys to make a refined
> design/prototype.
> >>>>>>> Roughly 27"x 27" the front of it has 45° angles on the sides and
> 7"
> >>>>>> tall.
> >>>>>>> The first quote was $211.  I went downs and verified a few
> >>>>>>> design aspects including a better sealing surface for the lid and
> how it fastens down.
> >>>>>> The
> >>>>>>> first one/prototype is currently being built. Looking at
> >>>>>>> $211-$250 final cost from machine shop, I don't know what
> >>>>>>> shipping or anything could be yet. Hopefully It'll be what I
> >>>>>>> envision and be able to have them
> >>>>>> available
> >>>>>>> for those with alternative spare tire carriers. Storage is worth
> >>>>>>> it's weight in gold, Westy or tin top.
> >>>>>>
> >
>