>Where would I look to see if my Vanagon was originally a Cali. car?

Most cars I've seen, have stickers under the hood. Non-CA cars say
"this vehicle conforms to federal emissions laws EXCEPT CALIFORNIA
(emphasis mine). CA cars probably say "including California" or some
such.

Surest way, is probably to take it to a dealer, or a CA smog testing
station.

Steve Maher   smaher@gi.com   '80 V6anagon
                              '71 VW Transporter FS