Replacing The Top - Vermont Castings Defiant 1945 Service Manual

REPLACING THE TOP

1. Remove the stovetop griddle and the flue collar.
2. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the countersunk bolt going through the top at "A" in
Fig. 5 below.
3. Use the 7/6" box wrench, and the ratchet with the 7/16" socket to remove a hex nut and the
washer from the two threaded studs passing through clevises at "B" in Fig. 5 below.
4. Use the rubber mallet or a hammer with a block of wood (to cushion the impact), to gently
tap against the underside of the stove top all around the perimeter inside the firebox. This
will break the cement seal between the stovetop and the rest of the stove body. When the top
moves independently of the stove body, carefully lift it off and set it aside. Be especially
careful if the panel is enameled. It is heavy so it may take two people to lift off the top.
5. Carefully clean all the cemented ends on the stove sides, front and back with a hammer
and a chisel. These surfaces must be as clean as possible for a proper refitting of the top.
Take care not to damage porcelain surfaces as cured furnace cement will remove the
porcelain finish it is adhered to during any cleaning process.
6. Dry fit the top to make sure there is no rocking caused by uneven cleaning of the stove
body parts. The top should fit snugly with no excessive rocking. If uneven, re-clean or
gently file any high spots. Installing the top with an uneven top surface could cause cracking
of the new top.
7. To assemble the top, apply cement to the perimeter grooves on the underside of the
stovetop in the same locations as the old top. It may take two people to lift the top and flip it
over. Carefully lift the top, flip it right-side up, and place it on the stove body. When settling
down, align the threaded stud on each end with the mating clevises at B as shown in
exploded view. Put washers and hex nuts on the studs; tighten hand-tight. Install a
countersunk bolt at A as shown in the exploded view and tighten all the three pieces of
hardware. Do not attempt to make up for an uneven top fit by over tightening the hardware.
8. Carefully clean any excess stove cement from the outside surfaces with a damp cloth.
This is especially important for any porcelain surfaces.
9. Install new griddle and flue collar gaskets and re-install the griddle and flue collar.
10. Smoke test the top if possible to check for sealing