If you replace the waterboxer's plastic engine cover with a metal cover
(from an 80-83 1/2 air cooled), at least you have a fair chance of retaining
any fire in the engine compartment.  The standard plastic cover just melts
and allows the engine fire to spread and consume the entire van.

A portable fire extinguisher will also work wonders, but be extremely
careful in using it.  A shot with the extinguisher through the license plate
door may be safe, but better to let the van burn rather than suffer 3rd
degree burns.

Budd Premack
86 Syncro, 88 Wolfsburg
Land of Sky-Blue Waters
Minneapolis, MN