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Installing OBW tailgate bar/block heater?

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.

Reply to
Brian Wasson
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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

Reply to
TG

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:

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Brian

Reply to
Brian Wasson

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

Reply to
Victor 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.

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Two different stores. Check shipping. The wing color was perfect. Can't tell it's add on. Keeps my rear window clean.

Reply to
Mike B.

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