A final report, from my humble perspective, for those interested in cleaning
later model vans with the permanent headlamp lens/reflector assembly.
I opted with a white vinegar/light dishsoap/distilled water method
(described below). I do understand the rational of those who used alcohol,
and I'm you have achieved good results. I also see the dishwashing machine
approach as an alternative (although I would avoid abrasive detergents
here). I decided to start with the light duty solution.

1. Have on hand about four gallons distilled water, white vinegar, and a
non-lotion dishsoap, such as Ajax.

2. After removing the lenses and placing the bulbs aside, to help remove any
water deposits, I poured a moderate amount of the white vinegar at full
strength (8% acetic acid) into each lens, and swish to gain complete
coverage. I left the lenses face down with the vinegar in them for a few
minutes.

3.  I then rinsed the inside of each lens with normal tap water.  At this
point my wife came over to ask me what the hey I was doing. Once she saw the
Hella logo, she knew it was vanagon in nature, and therefore would involve
strange procedures and incantations.

4.  I prepared a very light solution of dishsoap (about two drops per quart)
and distilled water.  I then swished this solution around the inside of each
lens.

5. Using the distilled water, I rinsed the inside of the lenses until there
was no foam.  Then, to be sure, I rinsed again.

6. Next, the longest phase- drying.  It is absolutely imperative that you
get all moisture out of the lenses. After a brief drip dry,  I got out the
hairdryer and blew out each lens on hot for about 15 minutes each.  I then
let the assemblies sit with a fan blowing towards the blub openings for
about two hours.  To be sure, I did another 15 minutes each with the hot jet
blast.

7. My results where good, but not perfect.  One lens had some minor spotting
on the inside of the reflector.  I assume this was due to the distilled
water picking up some unwashed impurity that was insider that lens.  With a
latex gloved hand and some lens paper, I was able to fish-hook my finger on
the spot and easily remove the problem.  Had this been on the high-beam with
the smaller opening I might have tried a rewash and then a stronger method
if the problem continued.

8. Upon a re-install the beast's eyes now look brochure-shiny, and I can
notice the beam improvement at dusk.

Darrell Johnson
'90 Vanagon Carat
Mission Viejo, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: Tom L. Neal [mailto:jneal@netcom.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 1999 7:01 AM
To: Johnson, Darrell
Subject: Re: Cleaning inside of Headlamps?

Some people use alcohol and water.  Some mild detergent.  Let me know
what works.  I need to do this.

Cheers, Tom Neal

On Wed, 22 Sep 1999, Johnson, Darrell wrote:

> On my '90 Carat the interior of the headlight lenses are rather "foggy."
> Perhaps this is due to the orginal owner getting fingerprints on the bulb
> during a change (as the owners manual warns against.)  After removing the
> bulbs and connectors, I am wanting to wash the lenses out.  Any advice on
> this?  (Things like this make me wish for the old sealed beams).
>
> Darrell Johnson
> '90 Vanagon Carat
> Mission Viejo, CA
>