Volkswagen made a steel and plastic version of these clamshell latches. These days the plastic latches have just about reached the end of their lives. For a custom GoWesty version, we decided to go with a hybrid approach; stainless steel to carry the loads from the clamshell, and a modern flexible PETG plastic to flex the latch back into place. If the original plastic latch for your clamshell-style spare tire carrier is broken or worn out, replace it with our remade stainless steel latch assembly. This new assembly features a stainless steel latch and a strong cable latch pull for added durability. This latch will hold a heavy tire or heavy load in your GVW-VANO-SPARE-B-GONE. We have included a plastic retainer to hold the spring in place and a simple nut and bolt for easier installation.