In a word: Wow. Thanks so much to everyone! I hope to learn half of what
you folks forgot about Vanagons/Westys. 
 
So far we�ve replaced the rear hatch struts, dug around to check out the
fluids/lines (but need to do more, so much more), and finished roofing
the garage. Thankfully the Westy clears it with a little room to spare
and looks all tucked in.  Next up: a beeline to Redline and a few more
hours of just plain admiring it. Well, that, and working through the
advice list. You all solidified my take on the Vanagon as a vehicle to
tend to, only to reap some large rewards. Very, very cool. 
 
Thanks so, so much!
 
-Julia