Thanks to everyone who responded for the help. It has been very
useful!
    I'm leaning toward converting the '86 for the reasons many of you gave
(but secretly because of the exceptional brown color).
    HOWEVER I want to bring up one other consideration brought about by a
post about The California Air Resources Board (CARB) from Jim: My ideal
conversion is a TDI. I can't afford it now, but I'd like to have the
option of putting one in someday. TDI engine prices will come down slowly,
and SWMBO is Swiss, so I might be able to pick an engine up over there
cheaply (hand luggage or under the plane?) this winter when we will be
working there. Hence wouldn't it be only possible to persuade CARB to
accept a TDI in a Diesel original rather than in the '86?
    Along these lines, are the larger front brakes and better suspension
parts from 86-91 Vanagons an easy, straightforward bolt-in replacement on
the diesels? I don't mind no AC or PS, the cooling system I could play
with and the transmision I can pray with, but the brakes on the '86 are
barely big enough. Smaller yet does concern me.
       Thanks again for the help.
                                              Sam Payne