Fisher Insert Interior Restoration?

[arkansasashley]

We bought an old farmhouse last year that's requiring a complete remodel as it was seriously neglected and abused. I was really excited to see that a Fisher insert was installed in the master bedroom. Unfortunately it was just as neglected and abused as the rest of the house.

I plan on restoring the insert using the basic techniques I've read online and in this forum. But...the roof had some leaks and one of the main ones was around the chimney and it caused some serious rust issues with the Fisher. It looks like I'm going to possibly have to pull it all the way out to fully restore it.

My main question here is what about the inside???? The rust is really bad on the interior of the stove. What is the best way to deal with that?

Secondary question: The irregular rock fireplace keeps the top part of the faceplate from laying flat. What is the best fix for this?

 

[coaly]

Just scrape off anything loose on the inside. This is more for removing soot or creosote formation as a insulating barrier for better conduction to the firebox steel plate.

In the outside, the entire rear half has an outer box over the inner firebox with an airspace between the two boxes. You can see the slot under ash shelf that is open across bottom, up the back, and discharges hot air from the slot across top.

Remove the upper faceplate to expose top of Insert. Make sure there is a stainless steel liner connected to top of Insert that extends all the way to top of chimney. This will allow you to see any damage or rust on the top of Insert as well.

If no liner is connected, the Insert needs to be removed for cleaning behind it, flue cleaned, and insulated liner installed. Post pics of the top of Insert when faceplate is removed.