Hi Joe,
Take your money and buy one that doesn't need restoration --- cheaper and
much less aggravation.
That's my 2 cents (CAD) worth...

Cheers,
Doug

>I have an 81 Vanagon that is in desperate need of restoration. By
restoration, I mean that I know I'm going to be >putting some money into
this thing. It needs engine work, for though it will sometimes start, it
will not always >run (hasn't moved in a long time). It needs lots of
interior work. The back seat is shredded and that awful >hardened brown
fiber is getting into everything. The front seats need to be replaced. The
dash board, instrument >panel, stereo, and basically anything forward of
the steering wheel is gonna need some work. The electrical system >also
appears to have been put together by an epileptic octopus. I have found so
many wires that start at one point >and then end without being attached to
anything.
>
>I'm willing and able to sink the money into it, but I want it done right.
I would like to have it restored to >showroom quality, but I don't know
where I should look for someone to do that kind of work. I live in the
>Louisville, Kentucky area and though the van doesn't run, I would
probably be willing to tow it just about anywhere >to get it fixed.