Advice

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Much like a blank canvas is your VCVan.  It starts as a vision of what you want it to be when completed.  My advice is to get a plan.  Something that allows you to drive it while you fix it.  Do not bite off more than you can get done right away.  Otherwise it will sit parked and not be on the road, which is where she wants to be.  A finished vision is the ultimate goal but drive and enjoy in the meantime.  You will not regret it.  The smile on your face that others see will speak volumes to the other 98%.

Unless you have extensive resources to do a lot of work all at once, I advise you to fix the gear that keeps the van from running.  It's gotta roll so check/fix/lube the front wheel bearing and make sure there's oil in the rear axle.  If she runs, make sure she doesn't overheat.  If she runs and doesn't run hot then get some real good tires on her, all the way around.  Now you're ready to roll.  Interior and exterior paint and pretty can come later.  Drive her, she wants it.

If you're not tuned into engines, then take her to someone who is and ask them a simple question; How healthy is the engine and transmission?  Pay for an engine compression test or leakdown test to give you a good idea of overall engine health.  Replace fuel, oil and oil filters of course.  Plan on cleaning out the fuel tank, replacing the radiator and get ready for electrical issues.  Find out what is wrong and how much each item will affect your ability to drive her.  Then get a plan to fix each item according to which will be most likely to keep you off the road.  Don't let her sit. 

Have a running list of what is next to fix.  The goal is to prioritize repair items that will keep you off the road.  If you have a clear plan, you will be more likely to keep your vision.  If you first take on something that keeps you off the road, you risk having her sit for way too long.  Less VCVan drive time is less smile time, for you and all others that wonder why you're smiling.

Join the others of us that drive our beloved VCVans daily.  It's a mindset that can be all too easily lost with the static noise of daily life.  A daily driver VCVan is the goal.  Treated well, these ole gals are the most reliable rides you could ever hope to own.  They are extremely forgiving and will talk to you when they need attention as long as you learn how to listen.

The wiring system in our beloved VCVans will likely be a source of problems.  The fusebox will likely be rusted at the contacts that hold the old style glass fuses, the rear tail light sockets and connectors will fail, the 1st gen engine connector is almost always an issue, the ground system is weak and the alternator is undersized.  Complete wiring harness replacement is expensive and can be a big issue is you are not handy with wiring.  My advice is to prioritize your projects and plan on getting big into the wiring. 

We strive to provide instructions on how to know better your VCVan.  Many others are here to help you.  We've been down almost every single avenue of problem that these ole gals can throw at you.  Usually it'll end up being something a previous owner did poorly or something that just needs some attention after 50 years.  Fix it correctly and it will last another 50 years.