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never used the propane on my 77 westy. I am gonna run all new lines, but what about the valves and reg? Do they need to be updated to meet modern codes, and if they dont do they need to be replaced to be safe or are they sealed and safe for the forseeable future?
also, how does one properly fill the stock 77 westy tank? I tried to get it filled once a while back, and the attendant just shook his head and laughed.

Find a more knowledgeable propane source, or take it upon yourself to 'educate' them if you really have no other choice, I guess. (Didn't we just do this one over at the Samba?)

The 'permanently-mounted' tanks did not have to be 'upgraded' to the idiot-proof fill valves, but the (mostly upright) tanks that are portable do have to get re-fitted, or replaced. Obviously you don't want an idiot filling your tank, but the 'old' system, used properly, worked/works just fine.

Any commercial/industrial propane service center that deals with forklifts should have a sniffer that can spot leaks, so you don't have to use a Bic lighter! Those centers or RV parts dealers (watch their prices) should have any replacement valves, fittings, etc. you might need. OTOH you may only need to clean things up a bit (soap, brass-bristled brush, spray paint, WD40[but not on the filler threads]), and it would work fine as is. That sniffer check-out can give you some confidence, however, just to be sure.

Happy campin'.

wel I just got my hands on a vanagon tank with good working valves, and im simply gonna throw it onto my bay up inside the frame rails, or at least a little higher somehow, way too dangly for my likeing