Worth rebuilding a Resolute?

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Rearscreen

Minister of Fire
Dec 21, 2014
806
Vermont
Thinking of taking a Resolute that I have apart, regasket and fix bypass as it won't "click" into position then selling. Is it even worth doing? Great little stove for someone. Opinions?
 
If it is all there and solid, I guess it depends on how much you feel your time is worth.

I do lots of things for the experience / fun / something to try. If you want to give it a go, make it happen.

I don't know what it would sell for you in your area fully rebuilt, but I have a hard time believing you could lose money unless you have many parts to try and replace.

pen
 
Depends why the damper doesn't work. If you end up buying a fireback kit and right insert (common wear items) you'll be in for almost $500.00. If it just needs a new linkage, that's like $20.00. It's the parts that make or break it. BTW, is it a 2 door Res. or single drop-door?
 
Thinking of taking a Resolute that I have apart, regasket and fix bypass as it won't "click" into position then selling. Is it even worth doing? Great little stove for someone. Opinions?

It's worth doing; I did it. I used woodmanspartsplus.com as my site.

Your damper may not be clicking because your damper linkage is broken, which is common in these units. The damper linkage gets broken from use/overuse, or a warped fireback. Either way, once you open these things up, everything is right there in front you, yet is a tight fit. It's unforgiving, so leave yourself time to repair. Use gasket seal liberally. And if you have a doubt, replace the part. It's decades old.
 
It's a multi-door, and my time is worth a lot. However, I now live in Vermont so my time is basically worth nothing. Even volunteer work is hard to get. Are the multi door models better/worse?
 
OK so what's significant about the Res. III (2 door) is that it came with the 2 piece fireback. Older single door models would have come with the single piece fireback, which could have caused the problem, but in your case it won't need a fireback replacement just likely a damper linkage. Possibly just a damper linkage adjustment! Short money, and not too annoying to do.
 
I wouldn't assume the fireback isn't damaged. It only takes a slight warping for the damper linkage to not work properly, which applies to the 2 piece fireback as well as the 1 piece fireback. The absolute best way of diagnosing the problem with the damper linkage is opening the whole thing up, and giving it a good clean and inspection. It's nearly 40 years old; put that in perspective. We do more invasive things auto repairs and maintenance for cars 10 years old. Is it possible the damper linkage only requires an adjustment? Sure. But it's also possible that your 1979 Chevy Malibu only needs new sparks plugs to fix poor idling issues.
 
Well, I'm the kind of guy who just has to take things apart. Since the Resolute model was one of the stoves that I had in the past, with great memories, I feel an obligation to get it in better shape. Thanks all!
 
Everybody hates the know-it-all who just has to chime in with some stupid detail at the end of a post. I hate to be that guy, but in fact, the 2 piece fireback system in the Res. III has an entirely separate upper fireback which contains the damper assembly. You unbolt the whole mess and take it out to do whatever you want with it, while the lower stays put. No matter how the lower looks, the upper can do its thang (or not in this case) without any effect. Like the way my wife tells me I am on weekends. Just doin whatever regardless of how the house looks. So, sorry but I am a bit obsessive about these things and yes I am seeking treatment.
 
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Everybody hates the know-it-all who just has to chime in with some stupid detail at the end of a post. I hate to be that guy, but in fact, the 2 piece fireback system in the Res. III has an entirely separate upper fireback which contains the damper assembly. You unbolt the whole mess and take it out to do whatever you want with it, while the lower stays put. No matter how the lower looks, the upper can do its thang (or not in this case) without any effect. Like the way my wife tells me I am on weekends. Just doin whatever regardless of how the house looks. So, sorry but I am a bit obsessive about these things and yes I am seeking treatment.



It's true that the original firebacks of the 2's and 3's are functionally different, but currently vermont castings doesn't produce the 1 part firebacks particular to the 1's and 2's. What they now do is sell you the 2 piece fireback, because that perfectly fits the resolute 2's. (I have no personal experience or expertise with the 1's). So regardless of which part is damaged, or warped, or in need of repair, VC will sell you the full 2 piece fireback assembly. The linkage is the same between the two; simply bolt-on-and-adjust. It's inexpensive and can bend across time , so it's prudent to just buy a new one if you're replacing the fireback assembly. Just be liberal with the high temperature furnace cement, because this model isn't very airtight. Same goes with the gaskets; if your gaskets are shot, you'll have trouble maintaining high temps.

(edited 9-29)
 
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Sorry Tonyp but perhaps you misspoke. 1 piece fireback hasn't been made for like 20 years. Doesn't matter to me, but people who aren't familiar might get confused. Also, did you really mean "time can bend" ? How do you DO that?
 
You're right I misspoke, and edited the fireback mixup.

Regardless, I've personally done the repair, and have had the unit in pieces and rebuilt it. I think that's something to keep our sights on.
 
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