FYI, today I was at Home Depot and picked up a small fluorescent light
fixture for around $10. It runs on either eight AA batteries or an
optional AC adapter. I noticed that the DC-in plug took 12 volts, and
figured I could retrofit it to work with 12v auto wiring. A few minutes
to take it apart and solder leads to the plug outlet and I now have a
nice $10 light that I can install in the Vanagon. I haven't hooked it
up yet, so I can't comment on the light output. If it's good enough I
may replace the stock light over the kitchen with another one of these.

Brian W.