for those wanting the little socket-thingie to remove their oil filters,
the one for the 83-91 water-cooled Vanagons is sold by Snap-on. it's made
by Hazet, and is number 2169, labeled as "74mm 14-point". i can't recall
exactly but i think i paid about $15 for it. it's for 3/8-inch ratchet
wrenches.  it may also be available at BMW and Mercedes dealers/suppliers
as their filters are the same size (some of them, anyway).

joel