So my 1983 vigilant is going to the scrap yard in the spring 
She's been an amazing stove. However I can't remove the 2piece fire back without a complete tear down, and for 2x the money of the new part, I can get basically a new stove. Plus there are other issues... The log retainer in the front is down to just 1 stub.... The handle that locks both doors is long gone... I now use a steel rod propped against a bolt in the concrete floor to hold the doors shut...
So I'll be shopping for a newer stove...
Things I enjoy about this stove:
Top loading... That's just awesome!
I have finally, after 6years figured out how to work the damn thing to get maximum heat...
It's familiar.
Though I do wish I could get more heat out of it... The defiant looks good as an alternative but the side loading seems about as usefull as front loading. ESP since I only empty it out once a week or so... Them ashes and coals build up.... ESP when she's hot, and them pour out, gotta scoop them up and stuff them back in. I dunno I can really pack the vigilant right to the very top which is what I like...
If not another vigilant, I would still like another top loader...
The area I am heating is 2200 sq ft. Open floor space. Only when it gets down to e single digits or is windy does the vigilant have troubles keeping up...
So I am open to top loading suggestions and stuff
She's been an amazing stove. However I can't remove the 2piece fire back without a complete tear down, and for 2x the money of the new part, I can get basically a new stove. Plus there are other issues... The log retainer in the front is down to just 1 stub.... The handle that locks both doors is long gone... I now use a steel rod propped against a bolt in the concrete floor to hold the doors shut...
So I'll be shopping for a newer stove...
Things I enjoy about this stove:
Top loading... That's just awesome!
I have finally, after 6years figured out how to work the damn thing to get maximum heat...
It's familiar.
Though I do wish I could get more heat out of it... The defiant looks good as an alternative but the side loading seems about as usefull as front loading. ESP since I only empty it out once a week or so... Them ashes and coals build up.... ESP when she's hot, and them pour out, gotta scoop them up and stuff them back in. I dunno I can really pack the vigilant right to the very top which is what I like...
If not another vigilant, I would still like another top loader...
The area I am heating is 2200 sq ft. Open floor space. Only when it gets down to e single digits or is windy does the vigilant have troubles keeping up...
So I am open to top loading suggestions and stuff
