Rescue Operation: Red Imperial Sequoia

[Duke]

Here's the bowl with the straps removed. You can see the complete damage. After round two of cleaning I will put new grate straps on.





I will post pictures again after the straps are on.

[mike.stavlund]

Duke, you are my hero.  Can't wait to see you complete this restoration.

[Craig]

I didn't know you could get straps separately. Or are they coming from a donor kettle ? Either way, I can't wait to see more. Looking good Duke!

[Duke]

Thanks, I drilled the old ones out and canabalized an old free black for straps. It's coming along but I was really not able to deal with it today. It's also extremely windy outside. It's in the final stages though.

[Duke]

Here are the latest bowl pictures.

These are some the patches I did with JB weld.


The inside where I used metal tape for backing to hold the JBweld. I just leave these inside when the job is done for extra strength. The you can see the large washers I also JB welded in place. You can also see the rivets I used to secure the straps.


Here it is after the paint.


The color match and patches aren't perfect, but you can't see them when the bowl is set in the cart. It's strong enough to last another fifty years though.

Next I have the doors and hardware to finish. I am looking at the end of this week or early next to to have it complete. So stay tuned.

[Heyjude]

You are the master! 

[Hogsy]

Very impressive Duke
Looking forward to seeing the rest of it

[Big B]

Looking AWESOME 

[glrasmussen]

Looks great Duke! Is that high heat metal tape on the inside of the bowl? Won't be long until it is a cooker.

[Idahawk]

Very impressive work sir .

[Duke]

Thanks! GL, yes the tape is for high heat duct work. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[reillyranch]

I feel like falling down and repeating "not worthy, not worthy".  Some of you guys are so good at refurbishing the old guards.  It like watching an episode of Rick's Restoration on TLC.  Great work.

[jacoblee]

Very nice

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[Duke]

Thanks guys! There's nothing like saving the original bowl. I just finished painting the hinges and handles, so early in the morning before I leave I am going to sand and patch the doors where the previous owner drove screws in. By the way, I also nailed the doors off again like I did the top deck. It's looki'n sweet.

[glrasmussen]

Can hardly wait...Dang you good at this!

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