Regarding relocation of the power window switches:

Yes, it has been done. GoWesty sells a nice expensive kit (of course) to this end. Pictures on their website. Someone on the list used the kit a couple years ago, I think, and was pleased with the results. The GoWesty kit includes unlighted switches, which I don't like. Other kits are available elsewhere for cheaper (go to www.a1electric.com). You can also use switches salvaged from other cars or new switches; many dual-pole momentary on rocker switches will work, and you can modify the existing wiring in your van to accommodate the switches.

There are two arguments that I've seen in favor of relocating the switches to the center dash:

1. You're reducing the number of switches and simplifying the wiring, which means fewer fail-points.
2. In the dash, the switches are less exposed to the elements, meaning they'll be less likely to get crudded up and fail.

Beyond that, it's probably just a personal preference issue. Initially I thought putting the switches on the dash would be inconvenient, but it's not, really. My 88 BMW E30 has the switches on the center console, and it's not unintuitive to find them there rather than on the door. In the van I've tested the positioning, and it's not any less ergonomic to put the switches on the dash.

Regarding cleaning the Vanagon switches:

Yep, can be done, if you're patient and have a reasonable amount of manual dexterity. As Larry mentions, reassembly is the tricky part. Avoiding having to do this is a reason I would choose to relocate the switches.

Jarrett Kupcinski