The heater resister was used on early machines in an attempt to keep the coinmech from accumulating condensation in humid locations & from icing in freezing temperatures, when they are working, they are a great source of burnt fingers!
they weren't controlled by any type of thermostat, so they consumed about 10-wattts of electricity "weather" it was cold or not.
They ran on line voltage (120 volts) so those wires poking out may be electrified...watch out!
look at the bottom of the door & see if there is a wire connecting running between the door & the compressor decks wiring harness, (probably not at this point in time) but if so, disconnect & remove it at the source. (after unplugging the machine of course)
you don't need it, so you don't need to worry about replacing it.
