1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM

[Schuey]

So as we all know in Australia, bargains are gone withing 10 seconds online.

I saw this advert for an old Frankenstein looking WSM and the add had been up on Gumtree for over 24 hours. I messaged the guy anyway (no phone number attached to add) and as expected, nothing for hours. I actually forgot about it and around 6 hours later I get a message back "yes it's still available".

Now it looked weird with an extra riser and the asking price was $280, plus he lived in the middle of nowhere. I made a time to go see him anyway.

As I pulled up to his driveway, they guy came out and I could see he had it out ready to go. I was going to try and get it for as cheap as possible, as we do.

He wasted no time, put his hand out, said G'day Dean, I'm Gary and I think I was asking too much, the price is $100. I looked at the thing biting my lip, trying not to do cartwheels down his driveway. I said I take a stab at it for $100.

I've so far only given it a once over light clean. Obviously being 38 years old, it has a few minor issues but overall it is in really good condition with all original parts. The lower leg bolts were fully seized up to being subjected to constant heat over the years, so had to be a little aggressive in getting them off. Not enamel was harmed in this process

I'll see how much more I can get done today, light sanding of the "The One , The Only" handle and a re oiling is in order. I'll go and buy some stainless bolts and nusts and heatproof fibre washers today as well.

The build up of crap in the bowl was 4mm at the thickest part.

I am a happy man

The advert


Back the way it should be, time to dismantle and clean.


Original Water pan




Original charcoal ring


What looks like to be the original grates, I think I made get some new ones though.


Let's get this party started


Surprised at how good a condition the lid is in


It's the little things that make us happy and seeing that text made me happy


Normal build up, considering its age




A good build up of grime but I bet we have all seen worse.


Oh man, the bowl looked and felt like an old cement mixer.


The bowl is in the worst condition of the whole unit but considering it cops all of the heat, I'm not surprised


The hard work begins


The lowest leg bolts had to come off. No enamel was harmed, I was carefull but being a photographer, I can't take normal images


I'm happy with how the first initial basic clean went. Still plenty of work to go

[LiquidOcelot]

Lol i love the grinding picture. Full on mad scientist. Awesome score.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[vwengguy]

That's a cool story and a Great write up!!
We want more photos of the finished project! Congrats on your find!
I have the idea that this one is going to be a keeper.


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[Schuey]

Lol i love the grinding picture. Full on mad scientist. Awesome score.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

Cheers mate, so stoked with this find.

[Schuey]

That's a cool story and a Great write up!!
We want more photos of the finished project
! Congrats on your find!
I have the idea that this one is going to be a keeper.

Cheers, yeah I keep updating as I do more.

This one is definitely staying with "the family"


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[JEBIV]

Awesome score, neat story, you do have that happy mad scientist  look on you

[Pezdogs]

Great score

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[Schuey]

Awesome score, neat story, you do have that happy mad scientist  look on you

HaHa cheers, it was the look I was going for

[Schuey]

Great score

Sent from my SM-N950F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

Cheers mate, pretty stoked with it

[Schuey]

Little update....

I've given the entire WSM another clean. Removed all grime build up of each part. Straightened vents and cleaned them up, scrubbed rack supports and sanded handle ready for new oil.

I started on the legs before the sun went down yesterday, they are coming up alright. There are a few stubborn spots but that is to be expected on an older unit.

[Mr.CPHo]

Excellent restoration so far, can't wait to see the finished product. 

Interesting that charcoal ring only has one row of holes.


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[Lowbrass]

Beautiful restoration of my birth year WSM!  You've done a fantastic job bringing this smoker back to life!


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[Schuey]

Excellent restoration so far, can't wait to see the finished product. 

Interesting that charcoal ring only has one row of holes.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club

Cheers mate, should be done in a day or two, if all goes to plan.

Yeah the ring apparently is original.

[Schuey]

Beautiful restoration of my birth year WSM!  You've done a fantastic job bringing this smoker back to life!


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Cheers, thank you. Rescue, Restore, Respect 

[Red_5_Wrangler]

Amazing!