With a light bulb, I was the one jump starting folks in both Alaska and Northern Minnesota in my 78 type 2.  The engine is well insulated in VW vans and a little heat goes a long way at negative 30F.

Here it comes......
      From: Jamie Fitterer <fittdog8848@HOTMAIL.COM>
 To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
 Sent: Thursday, November 6, 2014 2:43 PM
 Subject: Block heaters for Air Cooled
   
Anyone know of a block heater for the air cooled van?  This would be used in cold climates for winter starting.