Converting prefab fireplace from gas back to wood

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Hays

New Member
Sep 10, 2021
5
Oregon
We have a prefab (3 walled metal) fireplace intended to burn wood. We thought we wanted a gas insert but determined it would generate too much heat even at the lowest setting. I want to return the fireplace to wood burning. Unfortunately I had already had a gas line installed into the fire box. How can I make it as safe as it was originally?
The gas line is rubber clad flexible stainless steel. I will have the plumber remove it and cap it outside the fireplace.
The plumber drilled a 1 1/8” hole in the second and third walls. He removed the inner most (inside) heavier weight wall. It is intact with no holes.
I can patch the second wall. What do I need to do to repair the outside (third) wall?
Any other issues?
 
It sounds like the fireplace has been seriously modified. It may no longer be possible to make safe with all that has been taken out. Can you post a picture or two of the fireplace?
 
We have a prefab (3 walled metal) fireplace intended to burn wood. We thought we wanted a gas insert but determined it would generate too much heat even at the lowest setting. I want to return the fireplace to wood burning. Unfortunately I had already had a gas line installed into the fire box. How can I make it as safe as it was originally?
The gas line is rubber clad flexible stainless steel. I will have the plumber remove it and cap it outside the fireplace.
The plumber drilled a 1 1/8” hole in the second and third walls. He removed the inner most (inside) heavier weight wall. It is intact with no holes.
I can patch the second wall. What do I need to do to repair the outside (third) wall?
Any other issues?
Some pictures might help. As well as the make and model of fireplace
 
Here are some pictures. The first four are of the panel that was removed. It appears to me that is can be reinstalled just as it was originally. The next two pictures show the hole that goes through the second and third panels. Other than the hole the outer two panels have not been changed, bent or damaged in anyway. The other pictures show the inner panel on the side that has not been modified. I’ve looked everywhere twice and can’t find any markings on the fireplace.

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Were there any refractory panels in the fireplace originally?
 
Here are some pictures. The first four are of the panel that was removed. It appears to me that is can be reinstalled just as it was originally. The next two pictures show the hole that goes through the second and third panels. Other than the hole the outer two panels have not been changed, bent or damaged in anyway. The other pictures show the inner panel on the side that has not been modified. I’ve looked everywhere twice and can’t find any markings on the fireplace.

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Can you locate the id tag for the fireplace? It should be inside the front lip somewhere
 
Were there any refractory panels in the fireplace originally?
There are only two metal panels: one has been removed to allow the hole to be drilled and one is in its original position. I don't believe there were any other panels. The fireplace is just as it has been since the 1970s and has been used to burn wood. Unfortunately no name tag.
 
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There are only two metal panels: one has been removed to allow the hole to be drilled and one is in its original position. I don't believe there were any other panels. The fireplace is just as it has been since the 1970s and has been used to burn wood. Unfortunately no name tag.
I notice the plumber drilled his hole in the same location as the knock outs on the inner panels. Why are there knock outs? We think now a gas log set is the way to go. Does that change the equation?
 
I notice the plumber drilled his hole in the same location as the knock outs on the inner panels. Why are there knock outs? We think now a gas log set is the way to go. Does that change the equation?
Without knowing what fireplace it is we really can't provide allot of guidance