How to tell if it is a 26"??

[Winz]

I am searching for a used 26.75 to use for catering.  I see CL ads that say "large size weber grill", etc.  These ads usually come with a picture, but I cannot tell if the grill is a 22 or a 26, and frequently the author of the ad does not include this information.  Are there unique characteristics that distinguish a 26 from a 22 such that you can tell it is a 26 by a picture only?

For example, I called on this one today:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/for/3865236466.html

The ad says "extra large", which got my hopes up.  But after calling and having it measured, it turned out to be a 22.

[Bman]

Expert, I am not!  But a few pointers I've learned while waiting for the same thing to pop up on CL
A 26 is a fairly rare bird since they're (typically) not sold locally off the shelf.  When sellers refer to their grill as the "large" one, they pretty much mean the 22 in comparison to the 18 or the Joe.  I went once to grab a 26 (no photo) where the seller assured me it was the 26 only to find out it was the 22.   

The newer ones are all OTG and no 'silvers' in the bunch.  I'll ask the seller if it has a pie pan or a bucket under the bottom kettle and that usually eliminates half of them.  The 26 has 8" wheels compared to 6" wheels of the others.  The triangle has more bars.  The lid handle has a heat shield.

That's what I look for during my searches. 

Here's a 26 next to a 22
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A 22
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A 26
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Note the wheel change Craig referred to.
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The older flat top Craig referred to.
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[Craig]

Well lets see.....

Modern 26.75" grills (2008-present) Have a lid bale, a heat shield on the lid handle (removable heat shields from 2008-09)  8" whitewall wheels for '08-'09, or 8" wheels with  light grey full hubcap covers from 2010-present and a lid thermometer. Also can tell by the wire triangle frame having 4 triangle spokes as opposed to 3.

Older 26.75"s (1969 or so- late 1990s)  Have a "flat top" lid.. They look like a giant 18.5" kettle in profile. They came in Black, Copper Mist (Brown) or Red. They also have 4 triangle spokes and the old style 8" wheels with either the cross hatch pattern rubber treads or the 8" version of the regular OTS/OTG wheels depending on age.

Hope this helps.

[Craig]

Bmans pictures show it way better than I can describe it.



Heres an example of a 26.75 before 1969. Regular shape lid and metal wheels. The Westerner.. 



As they were in 1968 Notice the THREE wire triangles....Weber flip-flopped on these off and on between '58-70... 





Here's how they looked by 1973 FOUR wire triangles had returned by then.

[Craig]

A 26
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.
Note the wheel change Craig referred to.

I prefer these wheels over the new style. I order hoarded a couple to have for when I do get a new 26 someday. That's not weird of me is it? 

[mikeinctown]

The 4 wire triangle then would be the dead giveaway. I'll have to remember this.

My only "26" was listed as a 26" weber in a frame. Turned out to be a blue SS performer. lol

[G$]

I prefer these wheels over the new style. I order hoarded a couple to have for when I do get a new 26 someday. That's not weird of me is it? 

Does not make you weird at all. I strongly prefer those wheels as well.

[Winz]

Very good information, thank you all for your responses.  Looks like the 4 wire triangle is the best indicator.  Larger wheels are also a giveaway.  This will help greatly as I continue to look for that elusive used 26"

[DaGoomba]

Bmans pictures show it way better than I can describe it.



Heres an example of a 26.75 before 1969. Regular shape lid and metal wheels. The Westerner.. 



As they were in 1968 Notice the THREE wire triangles....Weber flip-flopped on these off and on between '58-70... 





Here's how they looked by 1973 FOUR wire triangles had returned by then.

Curious has anyone seen a surviving "Westerner" these days? I heard they are rare. Thanks

[Craig]

From what I've recall, someone out there had a Westerner and wouldn't part with it, but one of the other members would have to verify that. Same person also had a silver Ball-B-Que.