IIRC it has always been in a cold weather state. The only reason I think it's a hotter thermostat is the impression I got from the previous owner. I wouldn't put it past him to rummage through his garage and pick up a thermostat and say "we'll make this one work"

I always tell my son it's "fun" to work on the VX. ....I think he suspects the definition of fun is frustration