In a message dated 7/19/02 5:36:46 PM, rfeussner@GMX.DE writes:

>I don�t know what defines the US-headlights as "sealed beam", does it mean
>they�re sealed so you can�t reach into them? Otherwise, our european
>headlights get foggy/cloudy because of deposits like burned dust etc.
>
>Remove the bulb and rinse the lamps with cleaner, alcohol, whatever, and
>let them dry. They look like new afterwards.

>Raimund
>
>P.S.: What makes sealed beam lamps "sealed"? Are the vanagon�s U.S.
>headlights sealed beams?

The US Vanagons don't use sealed beams. Sealed beams are just that. The bulb 
is a intergral portion of the headlight fixture (glass and all). When it goes 
bad, you replace the whole thing.

The reason that sealed beams are less expensive, is simply that there are 
only a couple of types of sealed beams (round, rectangular). Long ago the 
auto manufacturers convinced the powers that be that having custom head light 
fixtures with separate bulbs would be less expensive to consumers. 

Of course, things aren't that simple. If a BULB goes out, yes, then replacing 
a bulb is less expensive than a whole headlight. But if a custom head light 
fixture is damaged it is MUCH more expensive to replace. On the other paw, 
with custom fixtures you can make lovely artistic front ends for vehicles 
(doesn't say they do, but they can.)