<snip> I am considering the purchase of a 1987 Westy, A/C auto. <snip>

<snip> Am I crazy to be buying this thing with the expectation that it
will take me, the wife, and two kids on a 8,000-mile plus tour of the
east coast and Canada? <snip>

Kind of like asking, "How long is a piece of string".

I would not hesitate such a trip in my '84 GL.  In fact, I put 10,000 +
per year on it in road trips in addition to it being my daily driver.

I'm presently considering an '85 Westy that I would drive from Maine to
western Canada .. down to California and back.  Of course, not yet
knowing that vehicle, I'd R&R everything that takes oil and grease,
inspect all that I can ... and drive it around here for a while first.

Good luck,

Mike
'84 GL "Mongo"