Well, Yankee might be a bit harsh, so I'll call my self a redneck. There!!

Our family will be moving from Central Arkansas to Cedar Falls, Iowa in the
next several weeks and I'm trying to get at least the Vanagon ready for
cold it's not accustomed to.  I've got Castrol 5w50 synthetic in the
crankcase  and coming up on an oil change.  Will it get thin enough to
start and lubricate below zero?  If not, what SHOULD I have in there that
Castrol sells?  I've recently replaced the Redline MTL in the tranny.  Any
votes on the best group 41 battery there
is.  Interstate  Continental   DieHard?  Does the glycerin keep the rubber
gaskets from freezing to the body metal?

Thanks in advance

Max