Hello!
I've just moved into a rental with a 1975 Vermont Castings Defiant. Been reading quite a bit on this forum about this stove and I learned some good things: 1. Clean the ash from the back chamber, and 2. This stove is overkill for Northern California.
I have a problem with the side load door. The handle has broken off of the shaft and the door is stuck shut. It looks like a set screw is broken and stuck in both the handle and the approximately 1/2" of shaft that protrudes from the door...
This Defiant probably dates from around 1985. I don't see a model number anywhere but it matches the original 1975 manual and descriptions I've found here. At this point I think I need a new part for the side door handle. So, a few questions:
1. Is this the right part? https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.st...aft-for-defiant-vigilant-stoves-p/5004244.htm
The vendor says the part works with model 1, etc. I have no idea what model I have. And the house definitely does not have a manual for this stove (though I think I downloaded the right one from here)
2. If so, can I remove the original ceramic handle and use it with this replacement part?
3. What is the best way to get the old shaft out of the door, and install the new one? The door will open, but it isn't opening easily. There is definitely creosote build up on the latch and inner parts.
Attaching some pictures for guidance.
This beast seems like a great old stove. I cleaned a lot of ash out of the back recently, and thanks to this forum I found the air vent at the lower left side and I have a good understanding of the thermostat lever and plate. Among other things. Hoping to get that side door working, as the front doors do seem to push smoke out a bit when I load wood.
Thanks for any and all advice!
I've just moved into a rental with a 1975 Vermont Castings Defiant. Been reading quite a bit on this forum about this stove and I learned some good things: 1. Clean the ash from the back chamber, and 2. This stove is overkill for Northern California.
I have a problem with the side load door. The handle has broken off of the shaft and the door is stuck shut. It looks like a set screw is broken and stuck in both the handle and the approximately 1/2" of shaft that protrudes from the door...
This Defiant probably dates from around 1985. I don't see a model number anywhere but it matches the original 1975 manual and descriptions I've found here. At this point I think I need a new part for the side door handle. So, a few questions:
1. Is this the right part? https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.st...aft-for-defiant-vigilant-stoves-p/5004244.htm
The vendor says the part works with model 1, etc. I have no idea what model I have. And the house definitely does not have a manual for this stove (though I think I downloaded the right one from here)
2. If so, can I remove the original ceramic handle and use it with this replacement part?
3. What is the best way to get the old shaft out of the door, and install the new one? The door will open, but it isn't opening easily. There is definitely creosote build up on the latch and inner parts.
Attaching some pictures for guidance.
This beast seems like a great old stove. I cleaned a lot of ash out of the back recently, and thanks to this forum I found the air vent at the lower left side and I have a good understanding of the thermostat lever and plate. Among other things. Hoping to get that side door working, as the front doors do seem to push smoke out a bit when I load wood.
Thanks for any and all advice!
