I used to work in an auto body shop, and we'd use 0000 steel wool for
cleaning/polishing the glass prior to delivery.  It'll cut right through
hard water spots, overspray, etc...  w/o scratching the glass.  Just give it
a good rubdown.  You'll feel it is hard to rub as it cuts away the
contaminants, then it glides easily as the glass becomes smooth.  Just be
carefull around mouldings & trim as it'll leave very fine scratches and make
the finish look foggy or just un-shiny.  Finally, wash as usual (windex) to
remove dust/residue.

Cheers,
JD

----- Original Message -----
From: "Harald Rust" <harald_nancy_vw@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2003 12:38 PM
Subject: Clear Vision!

> From http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/vw-camping/
> Hope this isn't too boring, but in
> Western Washington's rainy winters,
> keeping a windshield clean is a challenge.
> Ever washed your windshield at the
> gas station while filling up?
> Oftentimes the windshield washer buckets
> at gas stations are so greasy from oil
> that the windshield ends up more slimy
> than before washing it.
> Driving down I-5 on a rainy evening,
> the windshield wiper is just smearing
> the grease from one side to the other,
> distracting your vision.
> It's especially hazardous at night,
> since the lights reflect on the grime.
> Then you pull a lever for the windshield
> washer, and the methanol antifreeze
> in the washer fluid only makes it worse.
> For ultimate fahrvergn�gen, it helps to
> keep the windshield clear.
> So when I clean the vanagon windshield
> at the gas station, I always use a
> liberal amount of 20/10 Windshield Cleaner
> concentrate on the squeegee. Works pretty well.
> The little green bottle fits perfectly
> in the driver's door tray and is always handy.
> That will get rid of the grease.
> In the windshield washer reservoir
> in the vanagon, you have to use antifreeze
> protection washer fluid; otherwise it will
> freeze and break the windshield washer system.
> To improve the grease cutting power,
> you can stop at your VW dealer, and get some
> Autobahn Clear Choice Windshield Washer Booster
> and add a couple of ounces each time you
> fill up the reservoir.
> If the grease and slime buildup is really
> tough, there's only one thing you can do,
> and that is to polish the windshield.
> You can use Auto Glass Stripper, a polish.
> It removes silicone buildup, and stains
> that other cleaners can't.
> Also removes wax buildup and hard water spots,
> and will remove products like Rain Shield and RainX.
> The difference can be amazing.
> What do you think? Any better ideas?
> Harald
> '90 westy
>
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