I'd like to develop a good working relationship with a VW mechanic:
someone to whom I can trust jobs that I can't or shouldn't do (I live
in an apartment complex where working on a vehicle is severely frowned
upon), but who doesn't get his nose out of joint if I do a lot of work
myself.

Has anyone worked out that kind of relationship?

I'd like to take my Vanagon to San Diego Westy, if that's the sort of
place that tolerates owner repairs.

Mark