Q.: your question
A.: answer

Q.:1/ Coolant tank (behind license plate) is empty. Van does not overheat.
I understand that this is the place to check/add coolant?

A.: Check is the expansion tank level is above the minimum mark, this is
very important. The expansion tank (located on the left / rear side when
you open the engine hatch) will suck what ever it needs to be full from the
refill tank behind the licence plate. Fill this one until it's full and add
some to the refill tank.

 Q.: 2/ Coolant gauge does not move, even after 1.5 hours of driving. Where
do I start looking?

A.: How do you know if the van doesn't overheat if the coolant gauge is
stuck? Change / check the coolant sender first, it is located on the front
of the thermostat housing (located on the left/front side of the engine
hatch) see link:
http://www3.sympatico.ca/huotx/engine/termo_bleeder.jpg
You see my finger, on the right of the yellow plug there is a flexible
tube, that goes from the upper bleeding ring too the front lower part of
the housing, just bellow that you tube you will see the gauge connector /
sender. To access that sender it is easier to go under the van. You could
also unplug this one (connector) to see if it's properly attached.

Q.: 3/ Front table is missing. I'd like to get my brother, a welder, to
fabricate me a suitable substitute pipe/frame. What are the dimensions of
the fron L-shaped leg? ie how high, how wide?

A.:The height id 2 feet, about 1 feet wide (length of the smaller part of
the "L" letter). Diameter is 1 3/8.

Q.: 4/ Pastel White paint is faded badly, with some rust spots. I am
thinking about a paint job, and changing the color. What's a good color
choice to go with the brown interior ?

A.: Changing the color implicate that you remove most of the interior so
all the interior metal part (the one you see) can be painted!!! Don't think
it's a very good idea.

Ps.: Get the Bentley mechanical repair book

Regards and good luck, Ben
http://www3.sympatico.ca/huotx/engine1.htm