Heatalitor? Other? low mantel and real rock surround

[snowbard_vt]

I’m assuming this is a heatator or similar design. Fireplace is surrounded by real stone, I’m thinking the stone was added after fireplace was built. In the picture is a fan I found behind one of the rocks with an opening on the right corner behind the fireplace. I’ve struggled to figure out how the fireplace was built. Mantel is relatively low, only 45-46 inches off the base.

Suggested to put a fireplacex xtrodinair 33 in it as an insert. They wanted to put to 30 degreee offsets to get around shelf. I was thinking better to cut out steel to get a straight vent (chimney is apx 16 feet). Though, seems difficult to deal with the fireplace surround with the rock surround.

I’m assuming the clay liner is supported by the metal fireplace, so better not cut out the whole thing?

So wondering what options on this fireplace, as all dimensions seem so work against me. Would prefer to stay with wood over gas. Thoughts?

 

[Ludlow]

I dont believe that the steel box supports the flue. That's what I heard anyway. Its probable you could even remove the entire box and put an insert in the masonry. Can anyone verify?

 

[Hogwildz]

Just cut out what you need to of the steel to pass the liner through. I did the same here.
There is two layers of steel though, and inner shell & and outer shell. You'll have to cut through both.
Be prepared to get dirty, but it is kinda fun.

 

[snowbard_vt]

Thanks! Glad to hear it likely doesn't support the clay liner (I have two Chimney's the same design). One of the two is getting a bit rusty (its older of the two). I've actually seen a few of these at other houses in the area, a friend of mine is looking to put in an insert as well. It does look like cement bricks (or something) behind the rocks which is strange as well - perhaps the rock surround was an add on and the brick type look was the original. Somebody put a lot of work to get a ton of rocks in the house lined up without much mortar/cement.