prefab fireplace failure.

[mopinko]

so, about 10 years ago we put a prefab fireplace in our basement. it has had a workout every winter, as it is the only heat down there. we have dutifully had it swept most every winter.
it is "brick" with a metal sheeting inside. not a solid box, but panels on 3 sides, vents on the sides.
so, the panels started warping long ago. we have asked these people about replacing them, and mostly got- 'eh, it's fireproof without them, don't worry about it.'
well, now the brick part of the box is failing. sweeps said it is no longer safe (although there is nothing flammable behind it) and needs to be replaced, all the way to the roof. $8k.
he says the chimney is a snap and lock construction that cannot be undone and redone. it is ul approved and once you monkey with it it isn't ul approved. yada, yada.
he did say that the damage is consistent with a chimney fire and that he would attest to that. we are talking to our insurance about it. but really, the whole thing is chapping my ass to the point of not being able to think of what to do.
imho, it is fine for the remainder of the winter. like i said, this open corner goes nowhere.

i do have a source at the moment for some cheap/poss free real firebrick that would make a dandy REAL fireplace. i just don't have the energy for a project at the moment. in the middle of another one, anyway.