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!
![laugh](http://soda-machines.com/discussions/Smileys/smc/laugh.gif)
they weren't controlled by any type of thermostat, so they consumed about 10-wattts of electricity "weather" it was cold or not.
![tounge](http://soda-machines.com/discussions/Smileys/smc/tounge.gif)
They ran on line voltage (120 volts) so those wires poking out may be electrified...watch out!
![wow](http://soda-machines.com/discussions/Smileys/smc/wow.gif)
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.