1981 vermont casting wood/coal stove would like to burn only wood

[jsb]

I have a 1981 vermont casting vigilant 1a coal stove that I have stored in my garage for many many years. I am thinking of using it as just a wood stove and was wondering if anyone has done that? If I were to use it as a wood burner only ( as an fireplace insert at a summer cottage) could I safely remove all the coal fire stuff and thereby have a bigger firebox? What could I expect as far as burn type, heat output, and burn time. I know there are a lot of varibles but if someone has done it before, I'd like to hear from you. I would like to try this as I have lots of wood and no coal.
Thanks in advance.

 

[webbie]

A 1981 model IS a wood stove - at that point they hadn't built any coal-only or multi-fuel models. So if you remove the coal parts and replace an air horn (I think that's it), then you effectively have a "plain ole Vigilant", which should burn just fine.

You will find lots of discussions on the wood Vigilant in this forum - and that's what you'll have when you are done.

 

[dafattkidd]

My father in law has been burning wood and coal in a 1979 VC Resolute for 35 years. He burns wood in the shoulder season and coal in the winter. He's been talking about replacing it for a few years, because parts are coming harder to come by and getting more expensive. He repainted it two winters ago, it looks brand new. Beautiful unit.