engin block heater

[roelbest]

Am I correct in assuming these were fitted aftermarket? I have just stripped my unrestored ' 72 Roadrunner 440 and found a electric plug going into the block in the place of a waterplug. It says: KAT'S engine heater, Five star MFG.CO.
This is an export car that went to Germany in ' 72 new.
Thanks

[roelbest]

Anybody got an idea??

[rr6pak]

I would say, Yes. My dealership has told me that they were a dealer add on. I grew up in the upper midwest where it can get mighty cold. There, the dealership automatically put them on because of the frigid weather they can have in the winter. Soon as the dealer recieved a new car or truck they would install the block heater in. I can remember at the grocery store, restaraunts, etc having electrical outlets to plug your vehicle in. You had to be sure you parked up to the building or have a long extension cord.

Speaking of which, I have a freind who is from Peurto Rico. He saw the plug for the block heater one day. He asked me if it was an electric car because of the plug hanging out of the grill I had to explain to him what it was for.

[roelbest]

I tell you, I had also a funny thought when I bought the car way back and saw this electric plug hanging out of the grill. We don't have that here in the UK.
Anyway, thanks for the info, the plug is not going back into the block