Oh oh, I see a whole new thread forming...  :-)

I actually have found that using soft water (we have very hard water here in
SB) and a rubber squeegee does the trick for me.  I can dry the entire van
with a single towel after I squeegee off the excess water.  The flat
surfaces make it really easy. I use a soft rubber squeegee that is entirely
made from plastic, BTW.

I also use an electric orbital buffer to wax that van afterwards, and it
only takes about an hour to do the entire van (not including the pop top).
I use the buffer to apply the wax (I use McGuire's), let it dry a bit, then
rub it off with a towel (or two).

Then I use McGuire's "Black Magic" (I think that is what it is called) for
the bumpers and black parts.  It is the ONLY product out of dozens that I
have tried that actually keeps the parts nice and shiny black for more than
a single washing.  (It lasts a month or more in my experience).

I also use Chem-Dry carbonated cleaner for the upholstery if needed.  It
comes in a blue cannister and is available at Home Depot (or from your local
Chem Dry carpet cleaner - they'll even deliver it to you).  About $5 a can.
It works miracles.  I actually removed a red wine stain from our white
berber carpet (in the house)  - after that, I was sold!  :-)

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
Santa Barbara, CA

----- Original Message -----
From: "kenneth d lewis" <kdlewis@juno.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2000 3:33 PM
Subject: Washing and drying your van.

> Greetings and Salutations;
>
>         Washing, drying and waxing my truck is a major undertaking.
> I discovered a trick to reduce the work on one of the steps: use a gas
> powered leaf blower to get most of the water off the vehicle. Stop
> laughing, it works well at getting moisture out of nooks, cracks and
> seams.
>         I emphasize gas powered as opposed to electric. #|-o
> Drive Safely & Good Luck
> Ken Lewis    <Kernersville,NC>
> 86 VW crewcab;60 356B Coupe;85 GL(wife's)
> --------------------------------------------------
>
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