You have to remove the grill first.  There are plastic "screws", 5 I think
along the top of the grill. Turn them ccw 1/4 of turn to release. You should
be able to pull the top of the grill out.  Lift the grill upward to release
from the bottom.  The headlight carrier now has to be unscrewed to remove it
from the van (high and low beams come out together) to get to the bulbs at
the rear.  The white "wedge clips" that you refer to hold the lamp unit to
the carrier and are as brittle as glass.  These don't need to be touched for
bulb replacement.  I've broken plenty of these too. I have two smashed sets
of old headlights that I scavenge from.  Not sure where they can be had new,
but they appear identical to the same part in my Jetta headlights; I'll bet
the dealer would be happy to gouge you for them!
Gary

----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick & Stephanie Harris" <harrisvanagon@hotmail.com>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, May 02, 2001 2:44 AM
Subject: Headlight bulb replacing... how??

> Greetings!!
>
> Okay, I'm stumped.  How does a person replace the bulbs in a 87 Vanagon GL
> w/composite headlights??  I noticed the plastic wedge clips, but they are
> really brittle and I've managed to break two trying to figure it out (like
> an idiot).  So, how do I do it?  And, if that is the way to change them by
> pulling them off the little white clips and they break, where do I get
more?
>   I'm I close on this, or has my brain stopped?  Please, let me know!  I
> need to change these lights ASAP!!!
>
>
> Thanks everyone!!!
>
> Patrick Harris
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