I'm picking up a new 2003 OBW wagon tonight (traded our 2001), and was
thinking about ordering the optional tailgate lift grab handle, and
the add-on engine heater. Has anyone here had experience installing
either item? How difficult is it? It looks like the block heater just
screws in somewhere; does it require removing a freeze plug or
something, or is there a ready-made port for it?

With the grab bar, how scary is it to drill into the sheet metal to
attach it? I'm fairly comfortable doing work on my car, but drilling
into a brand-new car gives me pause.

Any advice is welcomed...

Thanks!

brian w.

The heater screws in to a hole in the bottom of the block after you unscrew
the plug that is in there now. Then you will need to put in new coolant
because most if not all will be drained out.
Never done a grab bar but have done the rear wing on sedans and they come
with a drilling template. You don't want to use a punch and risk a dent and
you don't want the bit skating around so start with a real small bit. TG

"Brian Wasson" <briwasson (AT) aol (DOT) com> wrote

I just found a PDF of the installation directions for the block heater
on the Subaruparts.com Web site, if anyone is interested. Looks pretty
easy: http://www.subaruparts.com/catalog/?section=341

Brian

On 31 Jul 2003 08:55:31 -0700, briwasson (AT) aol (DOT) com (Brian Wasson) wrote:

Thanks for the pointer.

I can confirm that the block heaters work rather well. I had one on my
'95 Legacy and have one on my '97 OBW. My OBW sits outside, so when
the temperature is expected to go below 0F I connect the block heater.
Even at -30F, the engine turns over in the morning like its summer.

Just remember to disconnect the power cord before you drive off :-)

--
Vic Roberts

I thought I made a web page on the rear handle and wing. Didn't. The best
thing to do is put nail polish on the handle bolts. Then place the wet paint
and that shows you were to drill, exactly. The handle and wing labels went on
perfectly. Then I had to re-drill the holes. Expecially the wing. The wing
was the worst even though everything matched. The handle just needed a bit
more wider. The handle and wing covered the errors. After drilling use nail
polish inside to seal the holes. Old trick.

Yes the best thing I put on was the handle.
www.subaruparts.com or www.subaru-parts.com Two different stores. Check
shipping. The wing color was perfect. Can't tell it's add on. Keeps my rear
window clean.



In article <3F2CC2C1.7060201 (AT) qnet (DOT) com>, canoeman (AT) qnet (DOT) com says...