... btdt , Jack. I empathise with your situation. how about a low tech, cost effective tool investment ? get one of those red, plastic 'tobagans' the kids use. if most of your torso fits in it ; dry is warm. it'll slide through the slush much easier than a weather appropriate, clothed body. a piece of carpet insulation doesn't hurt [ figuratively and literally] . provides a relatively clean, dry spot for the wrench and gloves. light weight and easy to store. can be re-purposed for even sillier ways to amuse the neighbors !               mike
 

      From: Rocket J Squirrel <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2016 9:57 AM
 Subject: Re: Warming the oil in cold weather? Other options.
   
Hi Dean,

Righty-o. The oil filter is made a bit more difficult to get to due to
the oil cooler kit's hoses which are in the way a bit, so I can only get
a grip on the can with one of them wraparound expand-o-matic strap
wrenches, and can only turn it in bitty little increments at a time
until it spins freely. Nevertheless, I will be a manly man and do what
needs being done.

I wish someone around here rented a nice warm well-lit garage space by
the hour.

Mmmm - hot buttered rum.

--
Jack Elliott