Making sure the water cooling system is functioning is important, of course. The white plastic reservoir you see below is busted. I've posted on TheSamba for suggestions: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7662735#7662735
Also I've posted a general thread about the bus here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7662587&highlight=#7662587
and here:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Westfalia/comments/2xfnjm/gift_from_sick_friend1973_vw_busneed_your_advice/