thank you
that means really a lot to me-- like i made the right initial equipment choice-deal breaker or maker-- you guys validate me here!!
I will stay in the '96-'97 area for following conversions. I am actually in the planning stages for the second van. It currently has a subaru in it and will be sold out of it in running condition. I just have to work out the logistics.

that's nice to know the rep is good in this vintage. It's pretty consistent, too. the subaru was very reliable in those years too. clean, reseal and re-employ. this next one should be just 3 to 4 months and I will do the whole resto enchilada, in-n-out. that will be a keeper. then I have friends that will sell me their back burner vans for #3 & #4. with all I have learned on this one--it would be a waste to stop now.
I have a light camping version with thw weekender package I am going to make from scratch, without the popup and big cabinets/appliances.
It will be called Vanagon LHS Endeavour. It will have a fold away table and thin profile jump seats, plus storage for compact camping equipment like a coleman stove and such. A black water bag on the roof turns the rear hatch into a shower stall-- swedish camping stuff.
4 days to go before dog! thanks again. todd