About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!

[Foster Dahlet]

The Weber Kettle Club pics aren't working for me.  I never get an activation link sent to me when I sign up.  So, I am including this link to my before pics. 

I have owned this performer since 2002, which I received brand new as a birthday gift.  After receiving inspiration on this site, I decided to bite the bullet and restore mine.  I have done fixes before...replaced burner, added larger washers to rusting bale hole, new ash sweep, and fixed a cross tube with a threaded rod (that one was 7 years ago).  But the frame is weak again, slightly leaning with rusting at the joints, and the bowl and lid are looking aged.  So I am taking it apart and will restore it.  I'll post the "after" pics when I am done.  But here is the link to the before.  Let me know if the link works for you.  Any advice is welcome.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMqe7QijnGR9ypUNbRH3F_QXcLhFEyHQGFNPNi56H4VR2CDwBgVMOveK6zecpVGrw?key=T0d1XzZVbW00bXFLMG4xQ1Q1bmE0UVJXRjc0SnJn

[pbe gummi bear]

Welcome to WKC. Your grill has great bones. It will look great once cleaned up. Let us know is there is anything specific we can help you with.

[captjoe06]

She looks to be in better shape than a lot of SS Performers I've seen.  Looking forward to the process.  I too could never get the WKC photo sharing thing to work.  Online I'll upload the pics to Flickr and use the image URL or grab the image URLs from pics I've uploaded to my blog.  (Right click on uploaded image>copy image url>insert image url here)

Here's one I put back together that came to me in pieces-

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/green-ei-gas-assist-ss-performer-great-bowlstainlesssweeps-notsogreat-legs/

[WNC]

Welcome!
Looks like it'll come back to new looking real fast
I've found the best way to get pics up here is to download the WKC app and then you can just insert them right from your phone


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Foster Dahlet]

She looks to be in better shape than a lot of SS Performers I've seen.  Looking forward to the process.  I too could never get the WKC photo sharing thing to work.  Online I'll upload the pics to Flickr and use the image URL or grab the image URLs from pics I've uploaded to my blog.  (Right click on uploaded image>copy image url>insert image url here)

Here's one I put back together that came to me in pieces-

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/green-ei-gas-assist-ss-performer-great-bowlstainlesssweeps-notsogreat-legs/

That thread is very helpful, thank you, especially the vertical frame tubes.  That is a problem area on my grill.  Your finished product looks great.  Thank you for sharing.

[captjoe06]

Happy to help,  there are other far more knowledgeable members here so if you have need any help don't hesitate to reach out

Sent from my LGLS991 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Foster Dahlet]

Welcome!
Looks like it'll come back to new looking real fast
I've found the best way to get pics up here is to download the WKC app and then you can just insert them right from your phone


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

Thank you, for the confidence in the restoration.  I hope it all goes smoothly.  As for the app, I cannot get it, because I am one of about five people in the world who has a Windows phone.  I love the phone, but the app selection is not as abundant.  Oh, well.

[haeffb]

Is TapaTalk an option on Windows Phone?

[Foster Dahlet]

Is TapaTalk an option on Windows Phone?

It is not on the Windows App Store.  I think they used to have one, but it was really buggy and then they killed the app.

[CharliefromLI]

Regarding photos: if you have iPhone or iPad the WKC app makes photo posting a breeze.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[SteveZ]

Welcome to the WKC from St. Louis. I'm doing a restore on a 93 Red Performer right now. Still have a part or two to find, but I Took it apart and primed/painted the frame last week. Will start assembly this week. Any questions or concerns I would be happy to discuss. The bone look good!

Cheers
Steve

[Foster Dahlet]

Welcome to the WKC from St. Louis. I'm doing a restore on a 93 Red Performer right now. Still have a part or two to find, but I Took it apart and primed/painted the frame last week. Will start assembly this week. Any questions or concerns I would be happy to discuss. The bone look good!

Cheers
Steve

Thank you Steve!  I am looking forward to seeing your results.  Do you happen to know where I can find a handle for the ash catcher bowl?  My ring and bowl are fine, but the handle is not so great (at least, the part that is inside the bowl is not so great).

[SteveZ]

I usually use a fine grinding wheel on those to knock off the rust then prime and paint to protect the metal from rust. They take a lot of abuse inside the pot. Sorry at this point I don't have an extra if yours is toast.

[Foster Dahlet]

I usually use a fine grinding wheel on those to knock off the rust then prime and paint to protect the metal from rust. They take a lot of abuse inside the pot. Sorry at this point I don't have an extra if yours is toast.

That is my plan, but I am thinking it may be beyond repair. 

[Foster Dahlet]

OK.  I am deep into this now...spent parts of the last 3 days scraping the bowl and lid.  I found 5 holes.  All are small and 2 are easily plugged with small screws.  3 are a little more complex because of the location.  2 small holes are right under the welds of the handle for the lid...one on each side.  The other one is behind one of the straps that holds the charcoal grate.  Putting a washer & nut there would likely alter the strap. 

Suggestions on holes under handle and behind strap, please.

Also, there is a grey discoloration on the lid.  Scraping and scrubbing have made no difference.  I assume that this is simply heat related and will not change.  Correct?

Pictures are in this link.  Camera is not that great, but will show what is needed.

https://goo.gl/photos/U6TPrmXWWCx8ggyZ7