A few months ago, Dave and I bought a vintage orange version of this fireplace, in nearly mint condition, from someone off Craigslist for — ready? — $100. I’m on Apartment Therapy’s emailing list, and today I got an “oldie but goodie” link to this article on a home in California that I would like to move into immediately. I’d forgotten about their stunning fireplace display and I completely love it — in fact, this is exactly how we envisioned that we would treat our installation. Eventually. Our idea is that our fireplace would go in our basement — you know, the one that currently has some drainage issues, is missing all of its drywall and carpeting, has been sprayed to within an inch of its life with termite killer, and reeks of mildew. Yeah, that one. I got an estimate that it would cost $2,000 to outfit our basement with the proper fireplace ventilation. So this one is aways off. Picture a cozy winter weekend, a tiled nook with our orange fireplace, some brand spankin’ new faux-wood floors, maybe a white shag rug or two. Picture it. PICTURE IT.
In the meantime, I’ll just visit my orange fireplace in the garage on occasion and chat over coffee. Hey, you’ve got to have a vision.
More photos of the fabulous home. That is not ours. But should be:
Make sure you read the original article and check out more photos at AT.
Great color for the vintage Preway fireplace. Did you know that you can still buy these — Check out my post — there are so many cool designs: http://retrorenovation.com/2007/10/03/retro-fireplaces-from-malm-i-cant-believe-they-still-make-these/
Holy crap — they still make them?! Cool!
Hi All,
I have been fortunete to find four of these over the past few years ( Orange, yellow and white ), But the I was amazed at a local flea market I found a smaller size orange one. The base has a pedastal bottom unlike the larger with the legs. Here’s my tip, If you can not hook them up to burn wood. Buy the Gel Fuel and ceramic logs…It really does look amazing.
Hi, Mary -
We too have a preway (orange) and are trying to get a permit to install it in our home. I’m wondering if by change there is a model number on yours. Ours doesn’t have one, and we can’t get a permit without it. We’re also looking for a copy of an owner’s manual, just in case you have one. I can’t wait to hear back from you, or from anyone else out there who might be able to help!
Ann
Ann, crazy! We had a fireplace cleaner/installer check ours out and he didn’t even mention needing a permit. I wonder if it depends on where you live or where it’s going to be placed — where are you located?
Okay, I confess I called ours a “Preway” but the reality is, ours is a similar style that was made at the same time. Almost impossible to tell apart, but not officially a Preway. We do, in fact, have the operating instructions for ours, though, so if I can find them (doubtless they’re out in the garage with the dismantled fireplace for now) I can at least copy it and send you a copy — they should be awfully similar.
Oh my God! Can’t believe I found you! Ours doesn’t say “Preway” on it either. On one of the back legs, there are 2 numbers:
312327512 and 155 842892
I assume one of these is a model number. I would be absolutely happy to pay for a copy of the operating instructions, either by mail or e-mail. I’m crossing my fingers that yours has a matching number on it, but regardless, if you can find the manuel, you will have made my entire month! Thanks so much! Amazing, this internet thing, isn’t it… We’re in Santa Barbara, CA
Ann
[...] back, a woman named Ann commented on my “fireplace dreams” post about her difficulties getting someone to install her vintage modern fireplace. Like me, hers [...]
convert it to a ventless gel fireplace…
http://www.realflame.com/converttogel.html