We let our son drive our 84' Westy when he started to drive - he loved it and took very good care of it. It did get a few extra dings and dents (but hey, it was always the other guys fault).

All in all, I think he respected the van because he knew how much we loved it.  He now has his own 89' Wolfsy (actually, I'm lending it to him) and he seems eager to take care of it the way we took care of the 84'.

Go for it!!!