Vermont Castings Vigilant rebuild?

[Bone1099]

I am rebuilding a Vermont Castings Vigilant I. Not the first cast stove i have rebuilt. Is the first vermont castings. single piece backplate was wrecked made a new two piece backplate from 5/8" plate. Searching for some kind of guide or manual for Vermont rebuilding and advice or tips from someone who has done this stove before or just knows about them. Also searching for products for rebuilding such as better brands of paint, cement, and other products used for this job. plus what is the purpose or benefit to stove polish is this an alternative to paint or just a treatment for paint. any input would be greatly apreciated. also does anyone have a 2 piece backplate kit for a VC Vigilant

 

[lma58]

When you rebuild from a 1 piece back to a 2 piece back, the sides and the damper are also different. VC sells a rebuild kit, but it is VERY expensive. It includes the sides, damper, tie rods, and a few other parts that are also slightly different than the originals. Did I understand correctly that you made your own 2 piece back from plate steel? Very cool if you did. I use Stove Bright paint and Rutland stove cement on stoves I've rebuilt. I've done a few of these Vigilant rebuilds over the last few years.