Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: HankB on June 06, 2013, 07:48:56 PM

Title: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: HankB on June 06, 2013, 07:48:56 PM
I started cleaning up my Sequoia today. I pulled the doors off of it so I could clean them up. I used Dawn and water and a scrub brush. I can see that there is already some kind of stain on the wood because some of it comes up when washed. I did try a little oven cleaner on some particularly stubborn spots and it seems to help w/out doing any damage. The top surface is dirtier and/or faded.

I'm curious about what others have done. Should I sand everything down? That could be a lot of work.

Once it's cleaned up, what stains/finishes have others used?

I have need of some repair as well. It looks like the edge of one door was bitten off by a rabid dog. (or a hungry picnicer. ;) ) I wonder if I should just leave it be.

Some of the hinge and door pull screw holes are boogered up. I need to repair them. I did a quick google search and it seems that a popular method is to drill a hole and fit a plug. Then I'd need to stain the plug to match.

For reference hsre is how the cart looked when I started

(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KE3Ynq0X_cU/UYrtkm9cGdI/AAAAAAAAQuY/Xq4dmKcl8MU/s800/DSC_6524-PP.JPG)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RaF8Qxw-ksI/UYrtmq1LNTI/AAAAAAAAQxQ/zhQmzyxKShk/s800/DSC_6536-PP.JPG)

Here's the left door from the picture above after cleaning with oven cleaner (a fer seconds) on the greasy spots. That seemed to leave it with some dark areas so I think I'll hit it again with some Dawn.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TSGg-WkbU-c/UbEUgVsMhSI/AAAAAAAARg0/wqdzGCNAyfA/s800/IMG_20130606_173919_954.jpg)

Here's a door that cleaned up pretty well with just Dawn

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pbsPTM9g4kc/UbEUgWu3gbI/AAAAAAAARg0/HmxHNFhhcEc/s800/IMG_20130606_173854_435.jpg)

You can find more information in the master thread (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/my-sequoia-rebuild-master-thread/new/#new) and other sub-threads.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: reillyranch on June 06, 2013, 07:59:01 PM
That cleaned up nice with just the Dawn soap.  Are you thinking of restaining it or just sealing it?
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: HankB on June 07, 2013, 01:54:30 PM
That cleaned up nice with just the Dawn soap.  Are you thinking of restaining it or just sealing it?
I don't really know what my options are. I suppose after I get everything cleaned up, I'll have a better idea. I think that staining it is going to be in order.

I hit the lid with some oven cleaner today. My intent was to clean off the goop that was adhering to the inside. I usually give the vent cover a shot too to try to get the stuff under it. I noticed it took the paint off the vent cover so I hit the entire outside of the lid with it. The paint was there to cover some rather obvious chips but looked pretty crappy. After a cleaning, the color really pops!

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KzVSA7VBuI8/UYrtlLmT-iI/AAAAAAAAQyQ/pB9SJviXGzU/s800/DSC_6528-PP.JPG)

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QcreDucrtbk/UbJV44yUfxI/AAAAAAAARhs/vtDABGLVO_Q/s800/DSC_6716-PP.JPG)

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hwmmVSG19Ks/UbJV43bKABI/AAAAAAAARho/nbxYeI3FH3w/s800/DSC_6720-PP.JPG)

IMO even with the chips, it looks better w/out the paint.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Eastex on June 07, 2013, 01:59:32 PM
I'm with you, it looks much better now.  Give me a few wrinkles any day over one of those cat faced plastic surgery disasters.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1911Ron on June 07, 2013, 02:00:02 PM
I think it looks better chips and all!
Title: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Bbqmiller on June 07, 2013, 05:46:41 PM
Nice job - looks good!
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Craig on June 07, 2013, 06:06:10 PM
A redhead always looks prettier with freckles. The cleanup definitely makes it pop.  Nice looking Sequoia. I love the black spade H hinges and handle hardware on there. Those can easily still be found today at HD or Lowes if need be. Nice score indeed.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Duke on June 07, 2013, 07:46:43 PM
It looks like it's coming along nicely Hank! Here's the thread on the one I did.

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/red-imperial-sequoia-project-2710/msg25531/?topicseen#msg25531
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: HankB on June 08, 2013, 04:17:36 AM
It looks like it's coming along nicely Hank! Here's the thread on the one I did.

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/red-imperial-sequoia-project-2710/msg25531/?topicseen#msg25531
I took another look at that thread. You probably didn't see my questions at the end so I'll repeat them here.

...
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.
I have some questions about the patches you did.

Was there rust underneath and did you do anything to stop further rust?

High temp JB Weld? I was thinking about Blue Magic 18003 QuikSteel High Temperature Metal Repair  (http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Magic-18003-QuikSteel-Temperature/dp/B0084AA2LK/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1368064250&sr=1-2&keywords=high+temperature+putty) as it boasts a higher temperature range. Do you think I could fill gouges in the bowl and chips in the lid? It would probably require painting as well.

Did you mask off the repairs and paint?

After cooking on it, did the repairs hold up?

thanks!

I'll also ask about the finish. Just to be clear, you did not stain but instead sanded and rubbed with Tung oil? How much sanding did it take?

I found that the back of the doors nearest the bowl had started to deteriorate from the heat (delignification) indicating that the cooker saw a lot of use. It was most noticeable on the upper cross piece which was closest to the bowl.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Duke on June 08, 2013, 10:37:39 AM
I used a rust stopping paint.

Yes you can fill patches with jb weld.

I did not  do any masking because I think it blends better.

I never cooked on it, but they have held up on my others.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: harris92 on June 08, 2013, 11:34:17 AM
I bought the Sequoia Duke restored.  He did an awesome job!

(http://i1283.photobucket.com/albums/a553/slieberman92/IMG_2727_zpscc079f3f.jpg) (http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/slieberman92/media/IMG_2727_zpscc079f3f.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Duke on June 08, 2013, 01:10:07 PM
Oh does that look sweet!   :D
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Jeff on June 16, 2013, 05:15:53 AM
Yeah Hank, you were right about that color really popping once you got that junkie overspray paint job off!
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: G$ on June 16, 2013, 07:06:54 AM
I missed this thread.  Popping in to give a "thank you"!
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 07:13:52 AM


Yeah, even with the chips, that thing just sings !!!!!

Good job on this so far........ ;D


I'm concerned about the woodwork on mine, as it's pretty weathered, or looks weatherworn & needs to have doors built from scratch......will hope that I can get them to match...... 8)


Were you able to square the cabinet OK, or is that still to come?
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Craig on June 16, 2013, 07:15:44 AM


Yeah, even with the chips, that thing just sings !!!!!

Good job on this so far........ ;D


I'm concerned about the woodwork on mine, as it's pretty weathered, or looks weatherworn & needs to have doors built from scratch......will hope that I can get them to match...... 8)


Were you able to square the cabinet OK, or is that still to come?

Did I miss something? Buckie, you've got a Sequoia in your stash?  :D
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 07:22:19 AM


Not sure where you might have been that day.....

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/bad-habits-semi-grails/msg31950/#msg31950
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Craig on June 16, 2013, 07:24:30 AM


Not sure where you might have been that day.....

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/bad-habits-semi-grails/msg31950/#msg31950 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/bad-habits-semi-grails/msg31950/#msg31950)

WOW!! Nice! WTH was I for fun time??  :o
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 07:25:46 AM


 Not sure, man.....you're usually right there with the date info, etc.......
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 07:34:06 AM



But, back now to Hank's.....

Look at the door that's done w/ quick shot of oven cleaner, then dish soap.....

I'd have never thought of doing those things in that order & removing grease stains & having the wood come out like that !!!!

Looks pretty much ready for stain, varnish, or oil .................
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Craig on June 16, 2013, 07:34:09 AM


 Not sure, man.....you're usually right there with the date info, etc.......

I'm sorry Buckie... No excuses... I get the Red Forman DUMBASS award on that one!  :-[
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Craig on June 16, 2013, 07:36:32 AM



But, back now to Hank's.....

Look at the door that's done w/ quick shot of oven cleaner, then dish soap.....

I'd have never thought of doing those things in that order & removing grease stains & having the wood come out like that !!!!

Looks pretty much ready for stain, varnish, or oil .................

Agreed! This red looks nice. The wood cleaned up nicely! Looks vibrant again!
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: Duke on June 16, 2013, 07:58:58 AM
To spray or not to spray that is the question?

Some lids are really beat up and need something otherwise they just look abused. A few chips are fine to leave, but several golfball sized is really bordering on ugly even if it's a cooker. I have tried just about every method. I remember years ago people used to balk at porcelain chips any size. I only heard complaints if it wasn't perfect and then got advice on how to touch it up. Go look at the old tvwb threads. So I started touching them up. They look good from far, but you can still see a difference. The way I see it chips in the wrong places still need to be touched up. If you have guests over they aren't going to want to eat food cooked on something that looks like the weber version of a wife beater. So just consider which ones you should leave and which ones need touching up if any. If a lid is really bad you can also watch for a better similar one and trade it out.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 08:16:24 AM


I'm going to try a couple different things on some beater & semi-beater Reds I have......hi-heat patch, buff down, paint, buff down, clear buff in.....don't know if it will work, but it's nothing lost but the elusive "time"...............& a few bucks material...... 8)

I still got my brother's voice ringing in my ears......"Dissimilar metals will expand & contract at different rates....so it probably won't hold...."
Meaning the patch material will act differently than the original surface......we'll see.......
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: HankB on June 16, 2013, 08:38:47 AM
...
Were you able to square the cabinet OK, or is that still to come?
Still to come. I'm focusing on cleanup first. I took the doors off and scrubbed them and the cart will be next. I'm, also working on the bowl and lid.
Title: Re: Refinishing a Sequoia cart
Post by: 1buckie on June 16, 2013, 09:22:02 AM


 Good Deal.......I'll be following along.....the guy  I got mine from put some little squaring / focusing clips down inside &  it really shored it up....I can lift the thing, minus kettle, in & out of the truck & it doesn't wobble at all......let me know when you get to that part & I can send in pics............