Another New Owner 1987 4x4 LE Van

[AKVanLady]

This is the best forum, ever!

We just bought our first Van, a 1987 5 speed 4x4 LE, FKA "Curby" although we don't use that name anymore.
I thought the color was bronze, but I guess it could be champagne? Does anyone know the original colors of the 1987 Van?

We paid $1500 to the previous owner and immediately had it towed to have the brakes completely rebuilt for another $1300. Somehow this still seems like a good deal, for Alaska.

Anyway, it needs work.

The first priorities for us are:

1.The tailgate does not latch, leaving the door light and clock on all the time. We have to unhook the battery at night. Not a big deal, but also somewhat annoying. The rear window wiper motor doesn't seem to work either. Should we be looking for the guts or a completely new tailgate? Any advice on this?

2.Curiously, none of the doors lock from the outside, nor can they be locked with the usual lock-and-close method, but all lock from the inside... if, for example, you want to lock yourself in the van. Which I don't typically do. (Does anyone know how to fix this issue?)

3.There is an intermittent, High-pitched whine from the engine area that starts after driving a mile or so... ? This one is disconcerting.

4. I must step on the clutchand gas when starting the engine - is this normal?

I've used the search function for each of the above but haven't really come up with anything relevant... if you know of a post, please forward it on!
I'm really excited about working on the van, but I'm a mechanic school dropout (literally) so I anticipate a learning curve.

Thanks in advance for your help, I look forward to learning and posting more!