Agree with jrb451 - if you want the stove to work correctly you will have to make sure your chimney is functional and safe.

Thank you both! Yes, the chimney would need some serious work to get up to code so definitely a few thousand at least which is why I was looking for something low or no emissions so I didn't have to go down that road. Maybe small electric logs or any other options I'm not aware of?

oh my goodness that is so beautiful. love it. they make 'ventless' gas inserts that may work depending on your specs.

we have had a ventless gas heater in our basement for 20 years. it came with an old one and we upgraded to a newer model. no issues with CO buildup but our old house isn't super weathertight, so I'm sure there's lots of air being exchanged.

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/ventless-fireplace/

Thank you so much!

Looks beautiful!

What a great result! you did it extremely cool!

WOW. AMAZING pieces!!! Thank god you have brains and didn't throw them away just to replace them with garbage like most people would do.

As far as avoiding a repair.... If its been neglected, you might have to repair it regardless. If you can get on the roof, look down the chimney with a flashlight (don't drop it) to see its condition. I did hear about some companies that will just do a new chimney liner. Or if your a good DIYer maybe you can take it on yourself. It'll be real cheap. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02P1PGqsUhU

We needed our chimney lined before we put gas in our fireplaces. They can drop a metal liner in, the cost is partly what kind of truck they need. Our chimney was very tall and the house surrounded by stone retaining walls that limited the access of cherry-picker trucks.

Get some estimates. The gas insert people will know what you need and can recommend chimney people. It might cost a few hundreds bucks to send a camera up your chimney, but if your mortar is failing, you need to know anyway.