Sounds like what you are looking for are known as "Appelton Soptlights"   Model 112 I believe.
I'm not sure if anyone makes these anymore, but you can find them on eBay occasionally.

I believe that unity manufacturing still makes a verison of these, as they are commonly fitted to police and emergency vehicles.

Take a look at :
http://www.unityusa.com/

It loks like you can get them there for around $200. They even have rectangular ones if you want to match your late model Vanagon's square headlights..

Todd
'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
> Hi all,
>
> I've looked everywhere I can think of for a place to buy old-style spotlights.
> The kind that go through either the roof or the "A-pillar" just in front of the
> door.  The kind with the handle that sticks through to inside the van and you
> can twist the grip or turn the whole handle to aim the beam.  I found these
> really useful on previous vehicles.  For checking out campsites, for lighting up
> other vehicles, even for extra  lighting driving off road.. I still see em on
> emergency vehicles, power company trucks, cop cars, etc..but I can't find them
> for sale anywhere..I like the fact that you can aim the beam and then let go of
> it, unlike the hand held lights that are all I see to see available.
>   Anybody point me to a source (other than ebay) for new ones?
>
>    Thanks,  Don Hanson