Hi Bruce,

        I think it was available for a time.  Or perhaps I’m confusing it with a fuel storage tank that was designed to go in that spot. 

Actually now that I’m thinking more deeply I think the fuel tank actually fit inside the spare in the clamshell.  I can see using the space for tools, belts and spare fuel pump and such but no fuel in that spot for me!
I like the look of the spare on the back and I think the front spare storage is great though I wish it fit a matching wheel to my new set up. 

But I’ll stick to the set up with the GW steel wheel in the original spot as I access the back a lot and am too lazy to keep swinging the spare out of the way. 

But a sturdy round container for inside the front spare is now on my watch list.

I wonder how hot that area gets?

Eric Caron 
85 GL Auto 

> On Apr 1, 2021, at 10:00 PM, B

> ruce Todd <beeceetee@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> Maybe someone creative could build a tough round plastic insert with lid -
> you could have quite the water proof storage / tool chest below deck in the
> old clam shell - dedicated to all the stuff brought on the trip just in
> case - but still taking up much needed room regardless.
> 
> Still spare sparring here.
> 
> Bruce
> 
> 
> 
> On Thursday, April 1, 2021, Gene P <olgreywoof@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> You’re not missing anything Richard.  It’s a choice.  I like Ceviche with
>> shrimp, others want steak.  Nobody’s wrong.  One person’s contraption is
>> another person’s ingenious device.  One person’s hassle is another person’s
>> project.  Ain’t freedom grand?
>> 
>> From: Richard Koerner
>> Sent: Thursday, April 1, 2021 2:32 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Tire Holder?
>> 
>> I will submit a contrasting opinion.  I mean, what is wrong with a
>> standard Vanagon 14" steel wheel and tire put up into clamshell?  It's a
>> spare....just to get you to next town.  OK, I might understand it if you
>> guys are using big burly tires where the difference in rubber OD causes a
>> problem when getting to the next nearest tire shop.  For the many others of
>> us, say using GoWesty 16" alloys and tires which nearly match the original
>> OD and on a 2WD, this is not an issue.
>> Meanwhile, the trouble and expense of mounting a rear tire carrier?  Or
>> some contraption to accommodate big tires in clamshell?  After all,
>> rotating 4 tires is surely easier than trying to figure out the logistics
>> of rotating 5 tires.
>> What am I missing here?
>>