Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Kettle Forum => Topic started by: GC8 on September 30, 2013, 06:46:20 PM

Title: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: GC8 on September 30, 2013, 06:46:20 PM
Before I get to the score, I have to say something.  I've been a part of many forums spanning many subjects, but the welcoming I had here was unlike any other.  After posting a 'Welcome' thread, I had glrasmussen reach out to me via PM since he was local and he clued me in on the local scene.  He also answered many stupid questions I had and has volunteered to keep an eye out for any kettles he thought I might enjoy.  Next, I PM'd saxart about the SS Performer he was selling.  Unfortunately, I was a little late but instead of just telling me "too bad" he told me he'd also keep his eyes peeled for another Performer for me.  Little did I know that in the next few days he would send me a Craigslist ad for a Black SS Performer for only $75!  Many others would have scooped it up for themselves to make a profit on.  Needless to say, I was lucky enough to get ahold of the before mentioned performer and here are some pics:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zps2d759d79.jpg?t=1380594218)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zpsd5dcf916.jpg?t=1380594258)

Kind of hard to see in this pic, but it's a DD
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zps9c61b5ba.jpg?t=1380595277)

Came with some free Kingsford.  Only downfall is that the igniter doesn't work.  I might fix it down the road, but I'm okay lighting the coals the old fashioned way.  That's part of the experience for me anyway.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zpsc8d6ee58.jpg?t=1380595034)

A pleasant surprise for me when I got there.  It also came with a cover that you can probably see in the background of some of these pics:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zps34c76586.jpg?t=1380595089)

Is this white stuff a protective thing from the factory that just never got peeled off?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v316/WRX1986/null_zpsb5216f4a.jpg?t=1380595154)

Now, I need to do some research on the forums to find the best way to clean it all up.  Can't wait to get cookin' on it!
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Thin Blue Smoke on September 30, 2013, 06:51:09 PM
EXCELLENT!  This is Awesome!  You will love that performer. I have one like that and it is great. Yes, that white stuff is the packaging from the factory.   You will be on to the next find soon, I can tell.  Also, I don't usually use my gas ignition, I typically just use the chimney with a the starter cubes. YMMV
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: 1911Ron on September 30, 2013, 06:53:37 PM
Nice score and yes that looks like the protective cover.  This place has some great people, great job Saxart!
Title: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Chasing_smoke on September 30, 2013, 06:56:04 PM
Great score! Can't wait to see it cleaned up!
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Bman on September 30, 2013, 07:01:17 PM
Ha, my '98 (EZ) also had the white film on the back side.  Much harder getting off now than 15 years ago.  :)
I have 2 SS Performers and both are still using the stock igniter, but they didn't work when I got them.
Literally, cleaned up the contacts with sandpaper and they spark every time.  I can't imagine ~not~ using the gas assist.
Just last night, I used the gas assist to light 7 or 8 briquetts for my overnight mini-wsm smoke. 

Congrats on the score!
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: saxart on September 30, 2013, 07:05:56 PM
GC8-
Congrats on the purchase!   ;)

When you get some time, pull apart that gas-assist burner.  Chances are it just needs to be cleaned up.   The burner in mine had cobwebs, and the electrode on electric sparker needed to be hit with a wire-brush before it would throw a spark.   I'm betting if you make sure the tank is full and the burner is clean, you'll be good to go.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: blackdog043 on September 30, 2013, 07:08:42 PM
Nice score!!! I bet a little soap and water will take a lot of the dirt off, then go from there. I would hit the protective film with a hair dryer and see if it comes off any easier than just pulling it.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: mrbill on September 30, 2013, 07:12:41 PM
one thing to think about for getting the white film off is this-remove that section, turn it upside down and soak it w/some goo-gone for a bit. then start peeling, adding more goo-gone as needed. should help it come off clean and will also make it easier to scrape off the residual gunk.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: GC8 on September 30, 2013, 07:15:30 PM
Thanks for the advice everyone, I'll think of the best way to tackle that white film.  I didn't try to pull any of it off but I'm assuming you're right about it not coming off too easily.

Also, in regards to the ignition, you're probably right that it just needs a good cleaning.

I'll tackle that after I have fun tearing apart my washing machine.  Oh, and putting in new struts and springs in my car.  Oh, and putting the new radio in the gf's car.

::)
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: glrasmussen on September 30, 2013, 07:31:50 PM
Congrats GC8! Remember to remove the covering the first owner didn't. If you need help, I'm around the corner.
Title: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Ted B on September 30, 2013, 07:37:05 PM
Excellent score!  The journey to it is what makes this place so great. Well done wkc'ers well done!!:)
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Jeff on September 30, 2013, 07:40:36 PM
Great story.  Nice teamwork
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: pbe gummi bear on September 30, 2013, 08:07:45 PM
Greg is a standup guy! DD's are the best. Enjoy the new kettle :)
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Bman on September 30, 2013, 08:20:52 PM
One other thing --- make sure the in-line gas valve isn't in the off position.  It's located just to the left of the regulator and should be in-line with the gas line, not making a "T"
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: JayCee on September 30, 2013, 10:16:16 PM
Great score at that price. Also good form to glrasmussen. It's good to see this sort of comradery towards other entheusiasts.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: landgraftj on October 01, 2013, 03:09:48 AM
Quote from: pbe gummi bear on September 30, 2013, 08:07:45 PM
Greg is a standup guy! DD's are the best. Enjoy the new kettle :)

Double D's are very nice Lawrence, my favorite actually!  ;D

Nice teamwork guys and congrats on the  new grill.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: MINIgrillin on October 01, 2013, 03:57:34 AM
I have removed many a baked-on vinyl decal off cars and a heat gun is the way to go. Start in one corner and use heat just in front of the area your pulling on. Your going to want to pull and just in front of where its coming up apply heat.Direct the heat blast away from what your pulling on or it will get really soft and tear on your hand. Possibly could just heat the backside of the stainless. Then use and adhesive solvent(goo gone) to remove remaining adhesive. Wagner makes an awesome heatgun for $39 at home depot. Has a digital temp adjustment, high and low blower, and a cool down feature.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-Digital-Heat-Gun-0503040/203474822/ (http://m.homedepot.com/p/Wagner-Digital-Heat-Gun-0503040/203474822/)

I also just picked up an SS performer. When I took it apart I found blockage in gas pipe due to ashes getting in there and possible grease. It was pretty hard packed. And the starter had goop buildup also. I just removed the single Phillips head screw and used a shop rag to clean the spark tip and some light sand paper to clean up the ground point "eye connector" and around the gas tube where it all mounts. Reassemble.. Fires first time every time now.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: G on October 01, 2013, 04:33:03 AM
Nice score and teamwork.
Title: Re: First big Craigslist score!
Post by: Weber MD on October 01, 2013, 07:40:03 AM
Another great story.  Good luck with the restore GC8 and plz sends pics if you get a chance.