85 Coonara Wood Heater. Repair Or Replace?

[kylarama]

So with Victoria well and truly into winter. Our 33 year old free standing Coonara wood heater is getting its annual workout.

A full clean out and assessment last week, it looks like the old dear needs a bit of work.

Cast Iron Plate liners cracked and badly buckled.
Cast iron bases cracked.
Diffuser badly buckled and almost rusted through.
Diffuser brackets almost completely rusted away.
Door glass needs resealing.
New rope seals to ashtray/vent and door.

Searching online and the above parts appear to still be available. At a total sum of around $800+

A brand new freestanding Coonara brand is around $2100 + install.  From what I've read. The new ones are far more efficient, cleaner burning and less ash.

I'm happy enough with the current heater, but is it worth investing the extra in a new, over patching up a 33 year old unit?


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[KeithB]

Isn't it marvelous that you can still buy parts after 33 years.
I think the new ones are lined with fire bricks and should last even longer.