Well, as much as I hate to say this, I've decided to sell the LWB to the shop owner where it's at there in Amarillo, for the princely sum of $500. Going to cut my losses and chalk it up to experience. I think he's going to fix it and possible resell it, or part it out, don't think it's going to the crusher or salvage yard.

There are some potential Montys for sale near me here in So Cal, which are already smogged and registered, so I'll put that $500 towards a potential purchase. Here are a couple of samples I found on Craig's List. The SWB has a satin black paint job, about 40K on the motor (2.6 with MT), 170K overall, tires are 32x11.50 MTs, etc. The LWB has about 40K on the motor (V6 with AT), 234K overall, new paint, newer shocks and tires, roof rack, DVD player, driving lights, etc:
http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/2436790902.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/2457244294.html

Thanks for all the feedback, advice, opinions, and most of all, offers of help, especially from the AZ crew!