RE: Matilda
Joy, from what you have said the current problem is only brakes?  Any
reasonably competent auto mechanic should be able to deal with that, there
is nothing really VW/Vanagon specific about the brake system.  Maybe an
exception, where the master cylinder is hidden.  But getting the brakes
squared away would make it possible for Matilda to travel.  And BTW, I
think many of us understand your frustration on this issue but sorry to
hear you (and Matilda) have reached this point.