I'm just writing to report that my head gasket job has been completed.
Thanks to all who offered advise.  Total cost was about $1000.   Many of the
things that the list suggested to replace weren't replaced because my
mechanic said everything looked to be in REALLY good shape.  At some point I
guess ya just have to trust the professional judgement of the person you've
hired to do the job!  It seems to run really well.

Doug Demarest
Minneapolis, MN
86 Vanagon "Kombi"