Date:         Fri, 23 Nov 2001 06:55:26 -0800
Reply-To:     developtrust <developtrust@HOME.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         developtrust <developtrust@HOME.COM>
Subject:      Re: cleaned headlights-- a HUGE difference
Comments: To: "Pablo E. Bonilla Fernández"
          <pbonilla@ArtInSoft.com>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

I really do not know. I suspect repainting if you do not like the sand blast treatment. But if you re paint go with "powder coating" It is a baked on process (about $100 or less.). Much more durable and better looking and easier to clean. 

Did you try sandpaper then that wet sandpaper they use for finishing body work to get ready for paint? But if yours are painted then sandpaper won't work will it. Mine are raw metal (see photo on my web page.) I'm just scrubbing and using sandpaper on mine. I like the old roughened look anyway.

William
Vanagon site http://members.home.net/holisticdream/vanagon1989.htm 
Holistic Health Center site http://members.home.net/wholehealthfound/welcome.html 
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Pablo E. Bonilla Fernández 
  To: developtrust 
  Sent: Friday, November 23, 2001 6:42 AM
  Subject: RE: cleaned headlights-- a HUGE difference


  William,

  thanks for the response. I believe the original VW alloys are painted. Does this means that we have to repaint them after we sand blast them?

  I also cleaned mine with a wheel cleaner, but there are still some black spots I can't take out.

  Thanks again.
    -----Original Message-----
    From: developtrust [mailto:developtrust@home.com]
    Sent: Viernes, 23 de Noviembre de 2001 08:45 a.m.
    To: Pablo E. Bonilla Fernández
    Subject: Re: cleaned headlights-- a HUGE difference


    I just bought a wheel cleaner from an auto parts store. I am told that the best way to clean alloy wheels is to take the tires of and have them sand blasted (about $25.) But for me I am not that fussy. Just the wheel cleaner a good brush and elbow grease.

    William
    Vanagon site http://members.home.net/holisticdream/vanagon1989.htm 
    Holistic Health Center site http://members.home.net/wholehealthfound/welcome.html 
      ----- Original Message ----- 
      From: Pablo E. Bonilla Fernández 
      To: developtrust 
      Sent: Friday, November 23, 2001 6:21 AM
      Subject: RE: cleaned headlights-- a HUGE difference


      William,

      I see in the log in your site that you cleaned your alloy wheels recently. Can you tell me how you did that? I have tried to clean mine but I think I need a special kind of cleaner because I am not still happy with the results.

      Thanks in advance.
        -----Original Message-----
        From: developtrust [mailto:developtrust@HOME.COM]
        Sent: Jueves, 22 de Noviembre de 2001 11:27 p.m.
        To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
        Subject: cleaned headlights-- a HUGE difference


        Tonight I took my first ride at night after cleaning my headlights with my home made coat hanger Q-tip to see the difference. The difference was HUGE.

        I am sure the new Sylvania 9004XV bulbs had a lot to do with it but the amount of light compared to before was a quantum leap in visibility.

        Looking at the lights at night I could also see that my cleaning was not as thorough as I thought-- but they were VERY clear and bright and clean looking where I did clean successfully. I will have to get inside with a new home made coat hanger wire Q-tip tomorrow and do a more thorough cleaning. I could see a few still visible areas of film even though I was 95% effective with my first cleaning. I might as well do it as long as the enthusiasm is still with me.

        I recommend everyone clean the inside of your headlights. You will be glad you did. 

        http://members.home.net/holisticdream/vanagon1989.htm

        William

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