Title: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 19, 2019, 03:25:54 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 19, 2019, 03:25:54 PM
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 :P
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
(https://i.ibb.co/H2fZMjk/WSM-47-C-Code-01.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Back the way it should be, time to dismantle and clean.
(https://i.ibb.co/L67p31r/WSM-47-C-Code-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6bCskF8)
Original Water pan
(https://i.ibb.co/tHyhZC8/WSM-47-C-Code-02.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NFw31YZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/xY5h7Lr/WSM-47-C-Code-03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3vh1CdP)
Original charcoal ring
(https://i.ibb.co/BP7sBfy/WSM-47-C-Code-04.jpg)
What looks like to be the original grates, I think I made get some new ones though.
(https://i.ibb.co/F5P1JZs/WSM-47-C-Code-05.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bsfVLwH)
Let's get this party started
(https://i.ibb.co/p3Dt90K/WSM-47-C-Code-08.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9qXFC84)
Surprised at how good a condition the lid is in
(https://i.ibb.co/wNHvWWV/WSM-47-C-Code-09.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fYRcppf)
It's the little things that make us happy and seeing that text made me happy
(https://i.ibb.co/gztvqPt/WSM-47-C-Code-11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TmPKjbP)
Normal build up, considering its age
(https://i.ibb.co/B2xqkdd/WSM-47-C-Code-12.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xq0JZPP)
(https://i.ibb.co/QXMmkhC/WSM-47-C-Code-13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HXqgCRx)
A good build up of grime but I bet we have all seen worse.
(https://i.ibb.co/g6bCT2F/WSM-47-C-Code-14.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vDC8PFv)
Oh man, the bowl looked and felt like an old cement mixer.
(https://i.ibb.co/fkmS3NK/WSM-47-C-Code-15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gSs70WX)
The bowl is in the worst condition of the whole unit but considering it cops all of the heat, I'm not surprised
(https://i.ibb.co/zhJyhDx/WSM-47-C-Code-16.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wNs9Njg)
The hard work begins
(https://i.ibb.co/JkrFJqn/WSM-47-C-Code-10.jpg)
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 ;)
(https://i.ibb.co/BzKWrNt/WSM-47-C-Code-07.jpg) (https://ibb.co/j6Z0WRT)
I'm happy with how the first initial basic clean went. Still plenty of work to go
(https://i.ibb.co/nkb5BGf/WSM-47-C-Code-17.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7yX6QfV)
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 :P
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
(https://i.ibb.co/H2fZMjk/WSM-47-C-Code-01.jpg) (https://imgbb.com/)
Back the way it should be, time to dismantle and clean.
(https://i.ibb.co/L67p31r/WSM-47-C-Code-06.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6bCskF8)
Original Water pan
(https://i.ibb.co/tHyhZC8/WSM-47-C-Code-02.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NFw31YZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/xY5h7Lr/WSM-47-C-Code-03.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3vh1CdP)
Original charcoal ring
(https://i.ibb.co/BP7sBfy/WSM-47-C-Code-04.jpg)
What looks like to be the original grates, I think I made get some new ones though.
(https://i.ibb.co/F5P1JZs/WSM-47-C-Code-05.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bsfVLwH)
Let's get this party started
(https://i.ibb.co/p3Dt90K/WSM-47-C-Code-08.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9qXFC84)
Surprised at how good a condition the lid is in
(https://i.ibb.co/wNHvWWV/WSM-47-C-Code-09.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fYRcppf)
It's the little things that make us happy and seeing that text made me happy
(https://i.ibb.co/gztvqPt/WSM-47-C-Code-11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TmPKjbP)
Normal build up, considering its age
(https://i.ibb.co/B2xqkdd/WSM-47-C-Code-12.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xq0JZPP)
(https://i.ibb.co/QXMmkhC/WSM-47-C-Code-13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HXqgCRx)
A good build up of grime but I bet we have all seen worse.
(https://i.ibb.co/g6bCT2F/WSM-47-C-Code-14.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vDC8PFv)
Oh man, the bowl looked and felt like an old cement mixer.
(https://i.ibb.co/fkmS3NK/WSM-47-C-Code-15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gSs70WX)
The bowl is in the worst condition of the whole unit but considering it cops all of the heat, I'm not surprised
(https://i.ibb.co/zhJyhDx/WSM-47-C-Code-16.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wNs9Njg)
The hard work begins
(https://i.ibb.co/JkrFJqn/WSM-47-C-Code-10.jpg)
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 ;)
(https://i.ibb.co/BzKWrNt/WSM-47-C-Code-07.jpg) (https://ibb.co/j6Z0WRT)
I'm happy with how the first initial basic clean went. Still plenty of work to go
(https://i.ibb.co/nkb5BGf/WSM-47-C-Code-17.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7yX6QfV)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: LiquidOcelot on April 19, 2019, 04:23:45 PM
Post by: LiquidOcelot on April 19, 2019, 04:23:45 PM
Lol i love the grinding picture. Full on mad scientist. Awesome score.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: vwengguy on April 19, 2019, 11:09:42 PM
Post by: vwengguy on April 19, 2019, 11:09:42 PM
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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Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 20, 2019, 12:01:56 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 20, 2019, 12:01:56 AM
Quote from: LiquidOcelot on April 19, 2019, 04:23:45 PM
Lol i love the grinding picture. Full on mad scientist. Awesome score.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Cheers mate, so stoked with this find.
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 20, 2019, 12:03:07 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 20, 2019, 12:03:07 AM
Quote from: vwengguy on April 19, 2019, 11:09:42 PM
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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Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: JEBIV on April 22, 2019, 03:36:39 AM
Post by: JEBIV on April 22, 2019, 03:36:39 AM
Awesome score, neat story, you do have that happy mad scientist look on you
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Pezdogs on April 22, 2019, 05:09:12 AM
Post by: Pezdogs on April 22, 2019, 05:09:12 AM
Great score
Sent from my SM-N950F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my SM-N950F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:24:09 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:24:09 PM
Quote from: JEBIV on April 22, 2019, 03:36:39 AM
Awesome score, neat story, you do have that happy mad scientist look on you
HaHa cheers, it was the look I was going for ;)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:24:35 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:24:35 PM
Quote from: Pezdogs on April 22, 2019, 05:09:12 AM
Great score
Sent from my SM-N950F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Cheers mate, pretty stoked with it :)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:27:44 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 12:27:44 PM
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.
(https://i.ibb.co/SxbTvh4/WSM-47-C-Code-18.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GJywPK4)
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.
(https://i.ibb.co/SxbTvh4/WSM-47-C-Code-18.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GJywPK4)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Mr.CPHo on April 22, 2019, 03:19:12 PM
Post by: Mr.CPHo on April 22, 2019, 03:19:12 PM
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 (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Interesting that charcoal ring only has one row of holes.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Lowbrass on April 22, 2019, 03:42:31 PM
Post by: Lowbrass on April 22, 2019, 03:42:31 PM
Beautiful restoration of my birth year WSM! You've done a fantastic job bringing this smoker back to life!
Sent from my iPad using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPad using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 11:37:16 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 11:37:16 PM
Quote from: Mr.CPHo on April 22, 2019, 03:19:12 PM
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 (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Cheers mate, should be done in a day or two, if all goes to plan.
Yeah the ring apparently is original.
(https://i.ibb.co/23d5GVW/WSM-Cookbook-1981-02.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JjHCD6m)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 11:38:59 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 22, 2019, 11:38:59 PM
Quote from: Lowbrass on April 22, 2019, 03:42:31 PM
Beautiful restoration of my birth year WSM! You've done a fantastic job bringing this smoker back to life!
Sent from my iPad using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Cheers, thank you. Rescue, Restore, Respect :)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Red_5_Wrangler on April 23, 2019, 09:38:03 AM
Post by: Red_5_Wrangler on April 23, 2019, 09:38:03 AM
Amazing!
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Jan M. on April 24, 2019, 12:10:26 AM
Post by: Jan M. on April 24, 2019, 12:10:26 AM
Wow very good cleaning job.
A C code WSM is just a dream to own !
Congrats
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A C code WSM is just a dream to own !
Congrats
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: TheKevman on April 24, 2019, 01:57:34 PM
Post by: TheKevman on April 24, 2019, 01:57:34 PM
That's beautiful. My birth year WSM. I'd pay good money for one of those to go with my birth Kettle! I look forward to seeing it when you've finished!
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:22:34 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:22:34 AM
Quote from: Red_5_Wrangler on April 23, 2019, 09:38:03 AM
Amazing!
Cheers, let's hope so in the end :)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:23:07 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:23:07 AM
Quote from: Jan M. on April 24, 2019, 12:10:26 AM
Wow very good cleaning job.
A C code WSM is just a dream to own !
Congrats
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Thank you, yeah I'm super pumped to finish this restoration.
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:23:45 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 12:23:45 AM
Quote from: TheKevman on April 24, 2019, 01:57:34 PM
That's beautiful. My birth year WSM. I'd pay good money for one of those to go with my birth Kettle! I look forward to seeing it when you've finished!
Now that would be special, a collection of birth year Webers.
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: jcnaz on April 25, 2019, 04:37:06 AM
Post by: jcnaz on April 25, 2019, 04:37:06 AM
That is some beautiful work right there!
What is/was the body extension?
What is/was the body extension?
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 05:20:31 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 25, 2019, 05:20:31 PM
Quote from: jcnaz on April 25, 2019, 04:37:06 AM
That is some beautiful work right there!
What is/was the body extension?
Cheers mate.
I know it was done at a butchers store, they used it to smoke their hams. So it looks like a small drum mid section with a home made glass window put in it.
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Golly on April 26, 2019, 01:45:46 PM
Post by: Golly on April 26, 2019, 01:45:46 PM
Love it 
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Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 26, 2019, 02:43:35 PM
Post by: Schuey on April 26, 2019, 02:43:35 PM
Quote from: Golly on April 26, 2019, 01:45:46 PM
Love it
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It needs a little brother now ;)
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Lemans on April 29, 2019, 04:27:37 AM
Post by: Lemans on April 29, 2019, 04:27:37 AM
Is that a gas line??
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Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Schuey on April 30, 2019, 12:43:15 AM
Post by: Schuey on April 30, 2019, 12:43:15 AM
Quote from: Lemans on April 29, 2019, 04:27:37 AM
Is that a gas line??
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Yeah they had converted it to gas, so there is a hole I have to plug up unfortunately.
Title: Re: 1981 C coded 47cm (18") WSM
Post by: Walchit on May 19, 2019, 05:21:08 AM
Post by: Walchit on May 19, 2019, 05:21:08 AM
Quote from: Schuey on April 26, 2019, 02:43:35 PMQuote from: Golly on April 26, 2019, 01:45:46 PM
Love it
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
It needs a little brother now ;)
I just found a little brother the other day!