I picked up a 6.9 GM diesel engine on a pallet, it slid right in the
side of my Van.
The springs were bottomed out and the  200 mile trip ride back home was
interesting.

The 6.9 couldn't have weighed much more than 700 -800 lbs.

1200 lbs?
Safe?
What's Safe?
Insane?
Absolutely.

Tell your friend to rent a pick up truck, or a 3/4 or 1 ton "real" Van
to move these calendars.
You'll break your poor VW's back.

RC