Title: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 13, 2026, 10:32:26 PM
Post by: Tommie on April 13, 2026, 10:32:26 PM
Back story:
Picked up/saved this ranch last year from a garden centre near me that had a Weber YouTube cooking channel.
It was originally given to the garden centre by my friend who had it from new in the 80s; it was given to him by a work client from Texas after they went out for a meal in London and got talking about grilling. Long story short, The client made a comment along the lines of "you brits don't know how to grill," which started a huge debate over dinner. A few weeks later a pallet turned up at my friends house with a note saying "Enjoy!" He continued to grill on it for the next 30 years until he decided to gift it to the garden centre (well, he swapped it for an SSP and a few other bits!)
Sadly the owner of the garden centre passed away and his wife called my friend who originally gave it to them, and said if he wants it back it's going FOC or it's off to the scrap man. He's in his 70s and downsized, so he said it would make him happy knowing I had it. When I picked it up it was in a pretty sorry used state so I took it home with plans to restore it but due to the size and owning many kettles its stayed in my garage until now.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/dc0c78bd16617a674d1c7eb44e4681e2.jpg)
So far I've cleaned the lid, wire brushed off the grate, repainted some wheel inserts, repainted the handle straps and cleaned the ash bowl. I went there last night and took it apart to finally bring it home in bits. I'll post pics on my slow progress in here but it will be grilled on this summer!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/d21c773959bf1054b0ef87336b0a1b37.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/42b3b89c834bc7c738c2dda012934e78.jpg)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/83857c2c575ba479d650193b3227c63d.jpg)
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Picked up/saved this ranch last year from a garden centre near me that had a Weber YouTube cooking channel.
It was originally given to the garden centre by my friend who had it from new in the 80s; it was given to him by a work client from Texas after they went out for a meal in London and got talking about grilling. Long story short, The client made a comment along the lines of "you brits don't know how to grill," which started a huge debate over dinner. A few weeks later a pallet turned up at my friends house with a note saying "Enjoy!" He continued to grill on it for the next 30 years until he decided to gift it to the garden centre (well, he swapped it for an SSP and a few other bits!)
Sadly the owner of the garden centre passed away and his wife called my friend who originally gave it to them, and said if he wants it back it's going FOC or it's off to the scrap man. He's in his 70s and downsized, so he said it would make him happy knowing I had it. When I picked it up it was in a pretty sorry used state so I took it home with plans to restore it but due to the size and owning many kettles its stayed in my garage until now.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/dc0c78bd16617a674d1c7eb44e4681e2.jpg)
So far I've cleaned the lid, wire brushed off the grate, repainted some wheel inserts, repainted the handle straps and cleaned the ash bowl. I went there last night and took it apart to finally bring it home in bits. I'll post pics on my slow progress in here but it will be grilled on this summer!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/d21c773959bf1054b0ef87336b0a1b37.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/42b3b89c834bc7c738c2dda012934e78.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/ed87801b099191a53d15056bcc3b1637.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/197dca72f8b72428fd53c510ad06bc0f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/b31ba0a8bb4b9301ca3d7dbd071ca6e9.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/4761a45a3dbdf0988e88a500cb02243a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/83857c2c575ba479d650193b3227c63d.jpg)
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 13, 2026, 10:33:31 PM
Post by: Tommie on April 13, 2026, 10:33:31 PM
Does anyone know if these are the correct handles for this period? Thanks
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/99e24999b32028e36aa0d4fe53c7530b.jpg)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260414/99e24999b32028e36aa0d4fe53c7530b.jpg)
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: larry4406 on April 14, 2026, 04:54:42 AM
Post by: larry4406 on April 14, 2026, 04:54:42 AM
Cleaned up nicely!
Those things are huge!
Those things are huge!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: ASpitzer on April 14, 2026, 05:13:52 AM
Post by: ASpitzer on April 14, 2026, 05:13:52 AM
Looking good! These grills clean up very nicely and yours looks like it is coming along and will be ready to grill on in short order. Enjoy!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bamakettles on April 14, 2026, 05:28:43 AM
Post by: bamakettles on April 14, 2026, 05:28:43 AM
Coming along nicely! I believe those are period correct handles, although some nice Zavod handles would compliment. (you know these very well) I replaced all nuts, bolts and washers with SS on mine which I recommend. Amazon sells some nice kits that have allen wrench type heads that complement the grill. I don't see a charcoal grate.... might present an expense for you. Can't wait to see you grilling on this beauty!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 14, 2026, 07:42:30 AM
Post by: Tommie on April 14, 2026, 07:42:30 AM
Thanks all! I am no way finished with it, I haven't cleaned inside yet and I plan to get the frame re powder coated. The castor wheels are shot too so they're en route.
[mention]bamakettles [/mention] the charcoal grates there, just hidden in the pic. And yeah, while I quite like keeping some OEM I think his ranch handle set is tempting me!
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[mention]bamakettles [/mention] the charcoal grates there, just hidden in the pic. And yeah, while I quite like keeping some OEM I think his ranch handle set is tempting me!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 14, 2026, 07:44:37 AM
Post by: Tommie on April 14, 2026, 07:44:37 AM
And yeah, all nuts n bolts will be replaced with stainless!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bgilbert44 on April 28, 2026, 11:16:12 AM
Post by: bgilbert44 on April 28, 2026, 11:16:12 AM
Very nice score, Tommie! Just a heads up, the date code for the Ranch is located on the bottom vents on the bowl. You should be able to determine the exact year from there. The Ranch was re-designed to it's modern configuration around 1992 IIRC, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's from 1992-99.
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 28, 2026, 01:35:52 PM
Post by: Tommie on April 28, 2026, 01:35:52 PM
Quote from: bgilbert44 on April 28, 2026, 11:16:12 AMVery nice score, Tommie! Just a heads up, the date code for the Ranch is located on the bottom vents on the bowl. You should be able to determine the exact year from there. The Ranch was re-designed to it's modern configuration around 1992 IIRC, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's from 1992-99.Cheers for the info, I'll look into the date when I'm next down at the garage!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Cabernet on April 28, 2026, 02:20:42 PM
Post by: Cabernet on April 28, 2026, 02:20:42 PM
Tommie, how do the Weber wheel "caps" come off ? Do they just pull off?
Cheers
Frank
Cheers
Frank
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on April 28, 2026, 08:49:18 PM
Post by: Tommie on April 28, 2026, 08:49:18 PM
I normally use a plastic lever to pry the plastic cap off, revealing the star lock push fit washer thingy which holds the wheel to the triangle. I sometimes get lucky with removing this part, but often they get damaged so carry a few spares
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: MacEggs on April 30, 2026, 03:07:32 PM
Post by: MacEggs on April 30, 2026, 03:07:32 PM
Great clean-up / restoration so far!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 06, 2026, 11:50:31 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 06, 2026, 11:50:31 AM
[mention]MacEggs [/mention] thanks!
Exciting times, the frame came back today, just a quick peek and finish looks great, then it made its way swiftly to the shed.
Managed to grab the bowl from the garage (both bowl and lid wouldn't fit safely in my small van at once with all my tools!)I'll try to assemble
Tomorrow night. Quick question- does anyone use any kind of quick release for the wheels? I'm thinking this will fit nicely inside my shed unassembled, I'm using wing nuts where I can to be able to take it apart easily!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260506/b4d18558646846287726d9fa59ba837f.jpg)
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Exciting times, the frame came back today, just a quick peek and finish looks great, then it made its way swiftly to the shed.
Managed to grab the bowl from the garage (both bowl and lid wouldn't fit safely in my small van at once with all my tools!)I'll try to assemble
Tomorrow night. Quick question- does anyone use any kind of quick release for the wheels? I'm thinking this will fit nicely inside my shed unassembled, I'm using wing nuts where I can to be able to take it apart easily!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260506/b4d18558646846287726d9fa59ba837f.jpg)
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bamakettles on May 07, 2026, 05:15:41 AM
Post by: bamakettles on May 07, 2026, 05:15:41 AM
That frame looks brand new, I know you're excited about it!
As far as the axles and wheels, I replaced all of that on mine. The stock axles and wheels just didn't seem up to the task - axle was rusted and bent at both wheels and the wheels themselves were pretty shot. I replaced the axle with a SS bar - had to drill out the holes in the frame and lid bail support. The wheels are cast iron with rubber tires held on by SS shaft collars which are easily removable. Probably overkill, but I don't worry about the rear of the grill when moving it around. The front casters are stock and I always lift the front when moving around due to their fragility. They're fine for sitting, but not for rolling around much. Lifting the front puts all weight on the back and the setup back there is plenty strong for that.
Hope this helps!
As far as the axles and wheels, I replaced all of that on mine. The stock axles and wheels just didn't seem up to the task - axle was rusted and bent at both wheels and the wheels themselves were pretty shot. I replaced the axle with a SS bar - had to drill out the holes in the frame and lid bail support. The wheels are cast iron with rubber tires held on by SS shaft collars which are easily removable. Probably overkill, but I don't worry about the rear of the grill when moving it around. The front casters are stock and I always lift the front when moving around due to their fragility. They're fine for sitting, but not for rolling around much. Lifting the front puts all weight on the back and the setup back there is plenty strong for that.
Hope this helps!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 07, 2026, 08:17:02 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 07, 2026, 08:17:02 AM
Very helpful thanks Greg. Those wheels are pretty slick!
I'll probably do the same with the SS bar, for now I've just sanded mine down and galv sprayed it, same with the lid bale which was v rusty.
Ordered some collars, oughta do the trick for the wheels the!
Lid, grates and ash bowl back at home, will get on assembly tonight
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I'll probably do the same with the SS bar, for now I've just sanded mine down and galv sprayed it, same with the lid bale which was v rusty.
Ordered some collars, oughta do the trick for the wheels the!
Lid, grates and ash bowl back at home, will get on assembly tonight
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 07, 2026, 12:50:26 PM
Post by: Tommie on May 07, 2026, 12:50:26 PM
Well that's all I've got time for tonight. Safe to say the cats out the bag!
Replaced all the fixings with SS. Wheels are just cable tied on till the collars come.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/414ceed3562ab235b6c695dc44e9c54b.jpg)
Nice satin finish, really good job by the powdercoaters
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Also died the rollers black
Before/after
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/072618ef7489e90a12ae6def4af781bc.jpg)
More to come tomorrow night!
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Replaced all the fixings with SS. Wheels are just cable tied on till the collars come.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/414ceed3562ab235b6c695dc44e9c54b.jpg)
Nice satin finish, really good job by the powdercoaters
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/70ad78f33724dff005391f7669fdd189.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/7a6fca9f7dd4ae387ca94880189abded.jpg)
Also died the rollers black
Before/after
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/8f56b25df366adb764c3db9d196b40dd.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260507/072618ef7489e90a12ae6def4af781bc.jpg)
More to come tomorrow night!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: ASpitzer on May 07, 2026, 12:59:26 PM
Post by: ASpitzer on May 07, 2026, 12:59:26 PM
Looking really nice! Can't wait to see it with the kettle mounted on it.
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 08, 2026, 11:49:33 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 08, 2026, 11:49:33 AM
That's all folks! I'd eat my dinner off that!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: ASpitzer on May 08, 2026, 01:05:51 PM
Post by: ASpitzer on May 08, 2026, 01:05:51 PM
That turned out super! Love the wood handles. Time to plan a party and fire that beast up and put a bunch of food on it.
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 08, 2026, 02:10:08 PM
Post by: Tommie on May 08, 2026, 02:10:08 PM
Quote from: ASpitzer on May 08, 2026, 01:05:51 PMThat turned out super! Love the wood handles. Time to plan a party and fire that beast up and put a bunch of food on it.Thanks! Real happy with it! Wife's birthday tomorrow so cooking for 17 on it!
Those handles aren't the final piece, just borrowed them off my GA, Brian's sent me these but they haven't arrived just yet
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bamakettles on May 09, 2026, 05:25:58 AM
Post by: bamakettles on May 09, 2026, 05:25:58 AM
Looks amazing Tommie! I know you must be happy with it - looks brand new. I'm looking forward to seeing your cooks on it!!!
Cheers and Happy Birthday to your wife!
Cheers and Happy Birthday to your wife!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 09, 2026, 06:13:48 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 09, 2026, 06:13:48 AM
Quote from: bamakettles on May 09, 2026, 05:25:58 AMLooks amazing Tommie! I know you must be happy with it - looks brand new. I'm looking forward to seeing your cooks on it!!!Thanks mate! Yeah real happy, I'm going to temporarily house the beast under the pergola which means moving brownie and 26 out the way for now, took lots of deciding to commit
Cheers and Happy Birthday to your wife!
Wife says thank you!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: ASpitzer on May 09, 2026, 04:25:38 PM
Post by: ASpitzer on May 09, 2026, 04:25:38 PM
Hope the birthday cook went well. Happy birthday wishes to your wife.
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 10, 2026, 07:58:26 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 10, 2026, 07:58:26 AM
Quote from: ASpitzer on May 09, 2026, 04:25:38 PMHope the birthday cook went well. Happy birthday wishes to your wife.Thanks man, everyone was very happy, the ranch sure was a topic of interest, funnily enough my wife didn't even mention it, as if it was always there!
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 10, 2026, 11:41:46 PM
Post by: Tommie on May 10, 2026, 11:41:46 PM
Quote from: bgilbert44 on April 28, 2026, 11:16:12 AMVery nice score, Tommie! Just a heads up, the date code for the Ranch is located on the bottom vents on the bowl. You should be able to determine the exact year from there. The Ranch was re-designed to it's modern configuration around 1992 IIRC, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's from 1992-99.
Spot on by the way, 1995. I obviously heard wrong before so thanks for the info
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bamakettles on May 11, 2026, 05:37:54 AM
Post by: bamakettles on May 11, 2026, 05:37:54 AM
Ah, one year older than my '96.... looks amazing. Glad the cookout went well! Looked like a grate time with some grate food. Nice job!
Cheers
Cheers
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 11, 2026, 01:08:00 PM
Post by: Tommie on May 11, 2026, 01:08:00 PM
Goodies turned up from Brian Saturday and I had no idea my Neigbour had taken them in for me until today, so missed out on them for the first cook, doh! Never mind, very pleased with the haul. Black ones are for my 26
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Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: ASpitzer on May 11, 2026, 01:59:09 PM
Post by: ASpitzer on May 11, 2026, 01:59:09 PM
Those look great on there.
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Babekyu on May 12, 2026, 03:13:18 AM
Post by: Babekyu on May 12, 2026, 03:13:18 AM
Beautiful restoration!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: bamakettles on May 12, 2026, 05:46:07 AM
Post by: bamakettles on May 12, 2026, 05:46:07 AM
Really nice handle upgrades.... I'm sure you're proud of the end result!
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Cabernet on May 12, 2026, 08:11:10 AM
Post by: Cabernet on May 12, 2026, 08:11:10 AM
outstanding job Tommie
Title: Re: Weber ranch resto
Post by: Tommie on May 12, 2026, 10:44:15 AM
Post by: Tommie on May 12, 2026, 10:44:15 AM
Thank you guys for the kind feedback 
v happy to have this baby at home (and surprisingly fitting in well!)
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v happy to have this baby at home (and surprisingly fitting in well!) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk