Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => WSM: Weber Smokey Mountain => Topic started by: LightningBoldtz on July 09, 2016, 02:24:36 PM

Title: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on July 09, 2016, 02:24:36 PM
So a few weeks back I posted this awesome deal
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/sunday-afternoon-100-miles-2-5-hours-and-80-bucks-later/

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7105/27887999036_ddbd026caa_c.jpg)

Ever since I have been slowly modifying it.

It didn't come with a charcoal grate so I decided to fab on with a charcoal grate from an 18 kettle that I had and some expanded steel.

Weber version of this is $32 shipped, I spent about $6 in hardware.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8658/27586008653_2c6803cb3a_c.jpg)

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7281/28097776462_fce6ff66a9_c.jpg)

Also threw on these wheels, although I am going to mod this more and to put the wheels out further because this it is a little top heavy, more on that when I am finished.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8573/28123732061_091a755210_c.jpg)

I have smoked on this once and the door leaked like crazy so I added some nomex gasket, not a purdy job but is should seal a lot better.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8760/27586005093_8e2d038868_c.jpg)

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8849/27586004033_048103fb18_c.jpg)

Finally I completed it with a thermo.

(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8757/28123728191_78350e2abb_c.jpg)

This has been a fun project and the fact that I paid $40 makes it easy to justify the mods.

One other mod, I was thinking of adding these handles to the mid section but I bought some different ones.

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7549/28201483495_41455cf9fd_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: Big Dawg on July 09, 2016, 03:18:22 PM
Looks like the little Bullet found a great home.





BD
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: swamprb on July 09, 2016, 10:59:47 PM
These should fit the grate bolts without any drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Garage-Door-Lift-Handle-5020A11/202088362

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/Weber/100_1419.jpg)
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on July 10, 2016, 03:08:54 AM
Quote from: swamprb on July 09, 2016, 10:59:47 PM
These should fit the grate bolts without any drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Garage-Door-Lift-Handle-5020A11/202088362

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/Ugly%20Drum%20Smoker/Weber/100_1419.jpg)

Cool I like that idea even better, thanks
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on July 10, 2016, 02:54:36 PM
Thanks for the tip @swamprb I bought a set today, couldn't be happier.  now to the legs and building a slightly wider base so this is less top heavy.
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: SmokenJoe on July 10, 2016, 10:07:14 PM
@LightningBoldtz   As I recall, one of the members retro-fit his earlier WSM with a pair of current "wider" legs (incl the heat shield).  Lost my files in a PC Crash so you'll have to do a  search. :(
SJ
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: crowderjd on July 11, 2016, 10:44:49 AM
I love it...two questions that might help me with a project I need to finish...what gauge expanded steel is that, and what kind of washers etc did you use to attach the expanded steel to the grate?  Thanks!
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: LightningBoldtz on July 11, 2016, 06:01:02 PM
I believe it is 9 gauge 3/4 inch flat expanded steel from Grainger. About 16 bux for a 2 x 2 sheet.

Washers are zinc coated 1 1/2 inch with a 3/8 inch hole.

I am not sure if this is necessary but I soaked the bolts, washers, and nuts in vinegar and lemon juice to dissolve the zinc coating off them.  It worked great. 
Title: Re: Pimping my $40 WSM
Post by: crowderjd on July 12, 2016, 03:30:05 AM
Thanks!!