Hey everyone, I really appreciate everyone kicking in their ideas and trying to help.
THAT is AWESOME..
Now...as far as the hearth being dangerous for a fireplace....(reaching 1000 deg.)
Maybe I wasn't clear.
Under the fireplace, is masonry all the way down.
In FRONT of the fireplace, the hearth is probably a total of 3/4 of an inch as it stands now.
so, I've had fires in the fireplace, the hearth out front never got that hot (you could surely touch it with a hand or walk on it.)
So, I think it is safe for a fireplace the way it is.
UPDATE:
I just spent the last hour with a friend/customer of mine (I work at a masonry supply store) He stopped by while I was in the process of typing what is above.
We talked about cutting the legs, he thought it would be safe, but might not be cool with the inspector..
He looked it over and pulled out his jackhammer and chiseled out the top soldier's course of brick, cut the angle iron that was under it (he showed me that there is another angle iron above the damper that actually supports the chimney, the bottom one only supported the facade out in front of the fireplace during construction) and removed the damper door. He said the chimney looks in good shape, I just need now to get some pipe, and have a piece of sheet metal cut with a hole in it to replace the damper door. Then I have to extend the hearth to meet the manual requirements. Now I have room to put the stove partially in the fireplace and still should have enough clearance above it with the brick that is there.
Things are looking up. He has all the proper licenses, so he is a "LEGAL" installer. (apparently being a MASON is not sufficient, you need to have a licensed Constr. Supervisor do it, Or you can legally do it yourself, but if you hire someone they have to have the license).
Anyway, Thanks again, I'm sure you guys (and or gals) will be able to help me in the future, cuz I am a newbie at wood burning.
Well at least something went right on this CHILLY monday.