Changing the bulbs only requires removing the lampholder retaining screws.  You don't have to touch the adjusters at all.
  If you wish to take this opportunity to spray some lube on the adjusters, this is the best time to reach them, especially if you already need to remove the entire steel backplate from the body.  
  Unless the whole process knocks them way out of alignment, you don't need to disturb them (and risk breaking any).

HTH,

Mike B.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John C... 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 6:34 PM
  Subject: Re: Fragile headlight adjusters (was : Trying to install headlight relays...)

  I would gently warm them if'n it war me! ;o) 

  Under a light or such. 

  This will put a little flex back into them. (works for my elbow !!! :o) 

  Then a dab of grease worked into 

  the release points. 

  Gently working the tabs out. 

  Careful Careful... They are brittle ! 

  JC... 

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Mark A Kippert" <vanagon@KIPPERT.COM> 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 4:07:24 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain 
  Subject: Fragile headlight adjusters (was : Trying to install headlight relays...) 

  After I do the relays I had planned to upgrade the bulbs. My concern 
  there is will I be running the risk of damaging the fragile and NLA 
  headlight adjusters when I replace the bulbs? 

  Mark K 
  1986 GL/2WD/4SPD