Thanks to all who replied. Looks like he's got it sorted. Neil nailed it:
the #8 wire. I've encouraged Mike to join the list.

John Meeks

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: <seattleshapiro@comcast.net>
Date: Mon, May 16, 2011 at 11:46 PM
Subject: Re: 82 vanagon
To: John Meeks <vanagon@gmail.com>

TY JOHN   WAS THE 8 WIRE TO FUSE BOX  ALSO WAS A POPPED FUSE IN THE PANEL
CALLED  UNUSED ASSESSORY FUSE...WEIRD  BUT SHE IS RUNNING GREAT YET AGAIN.
THANK YOU  FROM SEATTLE
MIKE

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Meeks" <vanagon@gmail.com>
To: "Michael Shapiro" <seattleshapiro@comcast.net>
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2011 6:55:53 PM
Subject: Re: 82 vanagon

Michael,

A bad ignition switch can cause the symptoms you have.

I forwarded your email to the Vanagon mailing (gerry.vanagon.com) and got
the following replies:
******************
My 1987 carat did this.
4 tow truck rides  and 2 mechanics later- the distributor was replaced and
all was well.

Arlene
******************
My '80 Westy has been doing this and similar things since I've owned it.
 The best I've been able to do is take the plastic covers off the area under
the dash where all the wires are and just wiggle the wires.    Eventually
some relay clicks and all is well.  I've never been dedicated or smart
enough to track it all down.  I think there might be another issue when it
dies but the panel lights stay on.  I suspect it's one of the wires that
comes from the switch on the ignition.  I'm going to be paying close
attention to what you find out, because I drive around with the feeling like
the sword of Damocles hanging over my head.  I've never actually gotten
stranded, but the car has died in some rather inconvenient places and it is
a real danger.

If you sign up for the mailing list, you can get all your questions
answered.

John Meeks
'91 Vanagon MV
Northern Michigan

Vanagon Rescue Squad
www.vanagonauts.com

On Mon, May 16, 2011 at 12:47 AM, Michael Shapiro <
seattleshapiro@comcast.net> wrote:

> hello all  i have a bit of a question
> i was driving  a 82 vanagon  and it shut down....i mean everything..lights
> ..motor  whole thing.  i ccoasted to the side and checked the battery
> connections ..seem fine
>
> where do i go from here?
>
> backround:
> i currently own a 59 split -69-74-78 bay - and now this 82 vanagon that i
> just bought yesterday.   seemed to have no issues  has a new battery
>  alyhough i did put in a new stereo today   could a stereo wire shut down a
> vanagon?  after i installed radio i drove for about 1 hour prior to having
> this problem.
> i also thought it could be a dead battery for whatever reason...so i tried
> jumping it with another car and even when i hooked up cables to battery
> ...nothing.  i am wondering if there is like a main fuse or something.
> mike
> seattleshapiro@comcast.net
>