On Thu, 16 Jun 2005 01:16:18 +0000, Veggie wrote:

I just cleaned the heads on my VCR (cotton swab and 90% alcohol).
Picture has improved noticeably.

Stop using cotton swabs to clean the heads! The fibers tend to get
stuck in the heads and have the potential to make things worse.

Use a chamois swab instead. Don't rub up and down, either, or you WILL
break the head(s).

Like everyone else says (with respect to your part question): Remove it.