Jason,

When you say Hudson Valley, you're picking a very large area.  Up north
of Hudson NY there was a VW shop, can't remember the name. If you can
tow to Danbury, CT or Woodbury CT, I know of two very good shops.
However, I think you're not totally realistic on the price.  I had to
have  the engine pulled on my 1985 GL to do the head gaskets.  It cost
me 1200 labor (including the reseal though).  Remember, there's a lot of
parts that have to be pulled from the old engine,  put on the new one
and then getting it all to work right again.

Please pmail me if you need further references in NY or Lower New
England to get the van fixed.