75 super beetle suddenly dead

Ok was prepping for paint yesterday took the fenders off and the bumpers < thanks Al>
and when I finished I went to drive into my carport and it stalled after a few feet
Now when I turn the key it does nothing... The dash lights come on. But no sound from the starter, no crank... nothing

I noticed a few things 1> there was a black tube/maybe wire that ran from my trunk under the screw plate behind radio around the car. followed my passenger side to the bumper. then connected i think to something on the rear bumper then ran to the rear driver tire. then the hose/wire was loose
here is a picture
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x118/mcdlnwright/1289434632-picsay.jpg
Notice the black tube By the unknown Plastic canister
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x118/mcdlnwright/IMAG0016.jpg

Ok heres the other thing when I removed the passenger rear fender this fell off it looks to be a tube as well
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x118/mcdlnwright/1293843819-picsay.jpg
it was held on with two of the fender bolts but for the life of me I have no idea what it is...

But now I have a bug that wont respond at all