Did you have to use any solvent or water, or just do it dry?  I found that
paper towels don't leave lint behind but are not as soft as cloth.  Probably
is best to do it dry so one does not leave marks of dried up stuff.  That
high gloss chrome is very sensetive to scratch as I remember.  Can it be
done while it is installed?  I think yes.  Great idea.  It can double the
brightness.
Zoltan
----- Original Message -----
From: "developtrust" <developtrust@HOME.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, November 22, 2001 1:20 PM
Subject: Cleaning headlights

> Here's a tip I got from my mechanic. He is the main mechanic at the local
VW
> dealership and a real genius who tries to save me money. He did this on
his
> own vanagon.
>
> He told me to take the headlights off and take out the bulb. Then take a
> coat hanger and wrap a clean piece of cloth around the end and crimp it.
> Bend the Q-tip end about 2 inches from the cloth Q-tip you made and work
it
> inside the headlight to clean the lens. You might make a handle at the
other
> end of the Q-tip to make it easy to manipulate.
>
> I was surprised to find that a thin film of almost invisible stuff came of
> very easily.  Just look at what you are doing and try to be thorough. Then
> put the headlights back in the van.
>
> I also bought those extra vision Sylvania lights on sale now. Both should
> make quite a difference.
>
> My mechanic says it makes a big difference in visibility and costs nothing
> to do.
>
> William