Need some help with a New Buck Gas Fired Propane insert

I purchased my house 2 years ago. The basement has a fireplace with a New Buck propane insert model 61TV. I'm attaching some pictures of the stove and the connection for the propane tank. I'm wondering if I can just purchase a tank and fill it so that I don't have to sign any contracts. Couple of questions:

1) With the photo of the outdoor connection, that doesn't look like a normal propane connection. Does that have to be replaced?
2) The stove itself has a very ugly liner around it as you can see. Can I buy a replacement that actually has some style instead of the flat metal surrounding?

I don't have to sign any contracts with my LP place and pay no rental on the tank. Call them and find out who and what. I would also get rid of that stove it looks bad or at least pull it out and check everything and maybe a paintjob to spice it up. Is that gas line copper?? if not then replace with copper. The end of your line needs to be attached to a regulator and that attaches to the tank thats why it looks different.

That is a standard flared connection. Cant tell if its 5/8 or 1/2" soft copper tubing there. That would be attached to a two stage regulator. Depending on the reg, it may come with 1/2" female threads. You would then purchase a 1/2" male by ?" flare. From the reg to the tank it can be done in different ways. By the questions you are asking it sounds like a Qualified TQd gas-fitter is in order for you to have it done safely. At this time he can check out and test your existing piping, your appliance and venting to make sure its in proper working order. If that propane line has been left open like that it is more than likely that bugs have made a home in there as they love the smell of mercapton (sp) which is the ingredient that gives propane its smell. It also may have been collecting moisture which could of also migrated to your gas valve and caused internal corrosion on the aluminum body that they are made of which can affect tight shut off etc... for its safe operation. I hope you are ya picken up what Iam layin down...? ;-) Good luck
N of 60.

Looks like you could hook it up to a LP tank no probs, just need a regulator. You could use it like that for now, but I would make plans and save up to replace the whole setup. Is that old surround panel duct taped to the wall?

OK so I'm in the midst of finishing my basement, and I want to bring this issue back up. When I bought the house 2 or so years ago, the insert was serviced, and it seemed to be running fine, so I don't really want to replace it unless I have to. I've since removed the old copper line and put in 1/2" black steel. What I'd like to know is, isn't there a way to run the line directly through the back of the fireplace so that I don't have to have the pipe showing in the room? Even if I do replace the insert, wouldn't a new one allow me to hide the pipe?

Also, the surrounding on the insert is removeable. I'm assuming I can find something that will look better. Does the insert need to be totally sealed around the opening of the fire place?

Also if anyone is interested, here's the manual.

http://www.buckstove.com/buckfiles/manuals/Buck Stove Model 61TV Manual (Rev 07-2001).pdf

I wonder if the code in NY requires me to have a shut off valve inside the house?

does current code require double flare? maybe a liner for new install? permit & inspection + install by certified pro?
I'd buy some CO detectors & paint the jewel. + install a damper in the exhaust flue so when it aint running it aint drafting. i'm guessing its a natural draft stove which has an air gap on back where it connects to the fluepipe

Just wanted to post an update about this. I got the stove hooked up yesterday. New line was run, and it's working great. The stove has sat for about 3 years with no use, and I notice when it's on and the blower is on, that there's a very musty smell. I'm assuming that's from sitting for so long, but do you think this will go away with an extended run time? I'm going to post more pictures also as soon as I'm done cleaning the area back up.

Here are some updated photos. I'm assuming this is a b-vent system correct? Since there's only one output going up the chimney? Just wondering as I'll probably be replacing this in the next year or two, but for now, it does the job.