I guess I'll just post my question again and see if there are any other 
folks out there (parting out a Westy, perhaps?) who can help:

I am in need of a new switch for the A/C on my '86 Vanagon Camper. This is 
the switch that controls on/off, fan blower speed, and temperature. At 
first, my VW dealer told me that he thought this would run around $25. When 
I came back to pick up my van that afternoon, he told me that this 
particular A/C needed a special switch that COSTS $450!!! At first, I 
thought he was joking, but he assured me that this was not a joke. I called 
my local VW recycler and they said they couldn't help. Surely, someone among 
you must have a solution that costs less than $450. (I've called Camelback. 
They also quoted me a price of $450.)

The switch is located on the dash, to the right of the fresh air vent and to 
the left of the steering column. It has two parts: an inner circular one 
that toggles through 4 settings and an outer one that that is a 
potentiometer (?) (moves smoothly, with no "stops"). The inner one controls 
A/C on/off and fan speed, while the outer one controls temperature. Behind 
the switch is a black piece of plastic with the following in white 
(clockwise from lower left around the switch assembly): MAX COOL, A/C. OFF, 
HI. Just to the right of this (on the same plastic piece) is (from top to 
bottom): a fan icon, a vertical line, and the word TEMP.

The part # that I got from my VW dealer is 411 963 107-C

Thanks for your help!