Original VC Intrepid
- Thread starter Idomeneus
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Idomenus, the only real deal-breaker with those original Intrepids would be damage to the front and/or doors. The hinge bosses sometimes get snapped off, and there are no replacements available new. But if those hinges ARE good then GRAB THIS STOVE
Great little heater, very simple to run and maintain. If you find you DO need something, let me know. I have few old ones around.
Great little heater, very simple to run and maintain. If you find you DO need something, let me know. I have few old ones around.Idomenus, the only real deal-breaker with those original Intrepids would be damage to the front and/or doors. The hinge bosses sometimes get snapped off, and there are no replacements available new. But if those hinges ARE good then GRAB THIS STOVE
Great! Thank you. I hope to see it Saturday morning and I will update.
Old puffer
Member
bmwloco
Member
Sigh. I had an original Intrepid I picked up in Columbia, SC - no kidding, for all of $100. It was my garage heat. When we sold our last house, I told the real estate agent we wanted to keep the stove. Uh oh... but she cut me a check for $500 
It was brand new. The second time I've scored a great old Vermont casting wood stove (Resolute at 550F now and climbing with Envi logs and 2 Stirling Engine Fans spinning furiously in advance of the cold front roaring through now).
Both were purchased by individuals who have lived in "cold weather country" and moved to South Carolina. They sat for decades, with owners manuals and accessories... just sitting, never fired.
It was brand new. The second time I've scored a great old Vermont casting wood stove (Resolute at 550F now and climbing with Envi logs and 2 Stirling Engine Fans spinning furiously in advance of the cold front roaring through now).
Both were purchased by individuals who have lived in "cold weather country" and moved to South Carolina. They sat for decades, with owners manuals and accessories... just sitting, never fired.
UPDATE!
I bought a partially redone Intrepid. Attaching photos. Any comments on condition or visible things I need? Bought a gasket kit. Should I use original handles or is there something better? What do you use to take off top door?
I bought a partially redone Intrepid. Attaching photos. Any comments on condition or visible things I need? Bought a gasket kit. Should I use original handles or is there something better? What do you use to take off top door?
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Old puffer
Member
Did you know that this has a coal kit in it? You scored! I think the shaker handle is on the right side. You may want to replace the left fire brick on the coal kit but, it will still run.
I have the original hook lifter for the top, but I always use welders gloves anyhow.
I have the original hook lifter for the top, but I always use welders gloves anyhow.
So, Do I need to change things around for wood? I am not intending to burn coal. I used to and am done with that.
Old puffer
Member
From what I has seen in old manuals, it makes it duel fuel. If someone else knows for a second opinion, please chime in!.
When I get home tonight, I'll take some pics of the inside of my 1302. You will see the difference then. It is nice that it is there but, the way the intrepid is designed, you have to open the doors to get out the ash. Wood smoke is one thing, coal gas is another.
When I get home tonight, I'll take some pics of the inside of my 1302. You will see the difference then. It is nice that it is there but, the way the intrepid is designed, you have to open the doors to get out the ash. Wood smoke is one thing, coal gas is another.
Thanks! I am correct in thinking that there should be two more firebricks in the back...once vertical and one horizontal? Should I keep the brick on the sides or take them out? I don't seem them in the diagram.
Some photos of a working stove interior would be super helpful just to double check what I have. Thank you
Old puffer
Member
Ok, I am uploading this from a phone so it may be formatted odd. Even though it is December, I have not fired it this seanon. That may change withe the ice we have now.
The top view has the handle for the griddle lid, my cooking trivet and a cast lead melting kettle. I use the kettle to pour a shot glas of white gas in. I light it out side the stove and place it inside and close the doors so the draft takes. Once the fire burns out of the kettle, the pipe is warm and I start her up.
Check out the insides. There are removable baffles where your side fire bricks are. Yes, there are two fire bricks in the back end. My vent points up, make sure that has gasket too.
The top view has the handle for the griddle lid, my cooking trivet and a cast lead melting kettle. I use the kettle to pour a shot glas of white gas in. I light it out side the stove and place it inside and close the doors so the draft takes. Once the fire burns out of the kettle, the pipe is warm and I start her up.
Check out the insides. There are removable baffles where your side fire bricks are. Yes, there are two fire bricks in the back end. My vent points up, make sure that has gasket too.
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Thank you soooo much. The photos are very helpful. Looking the diagram I am trying to figure out if there are three bricks, two up and one flat or just the two up bricks. I don't know how to get that second brick in that tight space.
My thermostat on the back doesn't stay open unless I unscrew the housing so the arm catches on the metal. The chain is pretty beat so it might need replacing. How the heck to you get that housing to come off? My moves and is loose but it won't come off. Do I need to bend the arm to get it off?
Old puffer
Member
Go here for directions to get the upper and lower fire backs out for brick access.
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1009446/Vermont-Castings-Defiant.html?page=15#manual
I have never had to remove the thermostat but, it should come off with that one screw. Here's another view.
http://www.cozycabinstoveandfireplaceparts.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=1302
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1009446/Vermont-Castings-Defiant.html?page=15#manual
I have never had to remove the thermostat but, it should come off with that one screw. Here's another view.
http://www.cozycabinstoveandfireplaceparts.com/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=1302
Oldstove83
Member
Just picked this up for $80 and did some work to get it back but am not sure about fire bricks I installed in the sides?
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Oldstove83
Member
Oldstove83
Member
Just finishing up mine but need to know if it takes firebricks on the sides like I installed?
Oldstove83
Member
Oldstove83
Member
Got lucky they went in with a little work. Took three firebricks in rear on bottom,
One in front and then dropped on in from the top rear. Do you know if sand or brick go in bottom? I also added side firebricks?
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