<<My burgundy '87 Westy is showing its age with general fading all over
  and a dull look to it. Particularly faded are the pop-top, front, and
  the sliding door areas. I have been thinking about putting a fresh
  coat of paint (same color) to rejuvenate its look. My concern is what
  it will do to its resale value. Another concern is the cost of a good
  paint-job. I am thinking of spending about 1K. What do you think? And
  what have you done to your Vanagons?>>

  Being new to this list, let me make this suggestion on a $1000.00 painting of your Van.

  Don't do it.
  It will take away from the value of your vehicle.

   Last year I had my 90 GL painted and it was 5 times the price of the job your considering, but the Van does not appear to have been refinished either.
  It looks as new.
  You should think about what type of  job your going to get prior to spending the $1000.00 foolishly.

  I happeed to see the bill for the materials, and the were well above and beyond the figure you mentioned