My first SS Performer

[LightningBoldtz]

OK, well I posted in the Trading Post that I was in the hunt for a blue SS Performer.

I was first in line and picked it up. 

I have to say it is in very nice condition for the age (2002) with only a small amount of flaws.

The tank was empty and looks to get reconditioned so I haven't started it up.

There are a few minor flaws
Some porcelain issues on the bowl - should i address this or just deal with it by not banking coal on the side?




The vent on the lid is VERY loose and moves, should I drill this out and tighten it?  If so what parts do I need?

[1buckie]

reasonably large blowouts there.....not the end of the world, but you may want to sand down to metal & spray clear to preserve the stuff from rust.....

I'm convinced those pop-outs aren't just from banking, but excessively high heat (maybe combined with banking?)

with the vent rivet, I've turned upside down, set on a soft cloth & tapped the inside of the rivet some to flare it out a bit....seemed to work fine......

Good Show on the pick up !!!

[LightningBoldtz]

what's the preferred way to clean up the blow outs?

[1buckie]

 That way I did above might not be the preferred, but worked OK...long time back, no pics....but I think they're still fine at other people's places.....

That's just one way.....others will have different approaches....wipe with cooking oil,  etc.....see what comes up here as painting is more involved......

[DirectDrive]

Nice score !
Preserve the species !

On the daisy wheel, I would drill out the rusty rivet.
I just repaired a bent daisy wheel that required removal.

On the replacement kits....
The slotted pan heads that Weber provides in the vent replacement kits have two problems :

1) They're plated steel just like the rivets and will rust
2) They're too big to nest in the recess and look like crap

The solution for me was to use a stainless steel, button-head machine screw (Allen drive).
The size was 1/4-20 x 1/2" , they nest nicely in the daisy wheel's recess and will elliminate the rust issue.
I used the cheapo Weber-supplied lock nuts and cut washers.

I'm about to repair a nasty chip on the lid of a WSM with high heat JB Weld for filler covered by high temp paint.
I'll let the others comment on your porcelain damage, although I would be using the half-moon charcoal baskets from here on out to try to keep excessive heat off of the bowl.


Good luck with the SSP restoration !

[1buckie]

^^^ More good ideas !!!!

[pbe gummi bear]

LB, I would just leave the blown out parts as is but use a rust preventer on them- oil, rust converter, etc. I tried to paint my redhead which has the same damage and the paint flaked off in short order.

[LightningBoldtz]

So, I had the tank filled up and now I am trying to use the gas assist and it flames a little then it goes out.  I am thinking I have a hosed regulator now.  Looking on Weber's site to find the cost of that.

I have to say, the overall frame is in really good shape.

[DirectDrive]

Here's the SS "button head" machine screw on my daisy wheel repair.





I think it looks pretty good.
Same OD as the rivet head.

[1buckie]

Yeah, that does look sharp.....I like the 'machined' look..........

[Ted B]

Congrats on the pick up Jeff. Did you check the orifice for the propane where it enters the burner tube?  It maybe gummed over. Also check the burner tube itself for debris. As far as regulators go Menard's has one for around $10.

[1buckie]

Good ideas Ted & maybe the equalizing thing that happens with tanks sometimes.....
I have minor trouble with a fresh tank taken to higher altitudes, need to bleed it thru & then it's OK.............

[LightningBoldtz]

Here's the SS "button head" machine screw on my daisy wheel repair.





I think it looks pretty good.
Same OD as the rivet head.

That looks very nice, what sized drill bit did you use to drill it out?  Also did you use a lock washer on the underside to keep it from coming loose?

[pbe gummi bear]

Here's the SS "button head" machine screw on my daisy wheel repair.





I think it looks pretty good.
Same OD as the rivet head.

That looks very nice, what sized drill bit did you use to drill it out?  Also did you use a lock washer on the underside to keep it from coming loose?

LB, a lock washer may be a little much for the porcelain and thin steel, a wave washer may be a more suitable.

[Winz]

I had a performer with the same surgery.  This was the fastener - worked pretty well



Winz