I've seen a lot of really good restores on this forum and could use some advice.
Thin Blue Smoke (TBS) recently helped me check one off my wish list: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/like-new-fire-pit-highland-park-il/msg70269/#msg70269
Although it's not technically a kettle cooker, it is a kettle. ;D
Here's a pic of the fire pit in his back yard:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/WeberFirePit.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/WeberFirePit.jpg.html)
TBS broke it down:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/WeberFirePit2.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/WeberFirePit2.jpg.html)
TBS boxed it and shipped it:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/WeberFirePit3.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/WeberFirePit3.jpg.html)
TBS did a great job packing it, using pipe insulation around the rim of the bowl and lid:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0990.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0990.jpg.html)
Here is everything unboxed:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0992.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0992.jpg.html)
We've had a lot of rain in the DC area the last few days but I was able to give it an initial clean this morning. Here's the bowl:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0993.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0993.jpg.html)
And the lid:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0994.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0994.jpg.html)
The heat shield:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0996.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0996.jpg.html)
Here's where I need advice. There is some rusting on the legs, rings, and ring supports:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0997.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0997.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0998.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0998.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_0999.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_0999.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1001.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1001.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1002.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1002.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1003.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1003.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1004.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1004.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1005.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1005.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1006.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1006.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1007.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1007.jpg.html)
The Craig's List posting stated that the pit had only been used once, which after the cleaning, I find hard to believe or they just neglected the hell out of it, but for $40 I can't complain too much.
While I don't expect to get the metal pieces (legs, rings, ring support, and heat deflector) looking brand new, I'd like to get the rust and grime off. I have a Dremel and grinder (probably too much for this job though) which I can use to take off the rust, but what should I use to prevent any further rusting?
Should I get some exterior aluminum paint to cover the metal pieces or should I just use some clear Rustoleum to seal the pieces? Will the Rustoleum stand up to the heat?
There are also some chips on and around the rim of the lid. Should I paint over these with high heat enamel grill paint?
The fiber washers are shot so I'm going to have to order some from Weber CS. I may just order a whole new hardware pack.
Anyway, this is my first restore and I plan to have a lot of fun with it. Any words of wisdom you'd like to share would be much appreciated and I'd like to thank Thin Blue Smoke for giving me this great project to work on.
I'll send more pics as I continue the restoration.
Looks good so far. I don't really have any input on the legs as I'm still learning as well, but do you mind sharing what you used to clean the bowl? I'm trying to accumulate all the different cleaning methods for when I tackle my Brownie and SS Performer.
Gracias
Quote from: GC8 on October 12, 2013, 07:16:18 AM
Looks good so far. I don't really have any input on the legs as I'm still learning as well, but do you mind sharing what you used to clean the bowl? I'm trying to accumulate all the different cleaning methods for when I tackle my Brownie and SS Performer.
Gracias
Only soap and water so far. I have some Weber exterior grill cleaner that I'll use on it later. I'll let you know how that works when I'm done.
Thanks for the reminder that I need to clean up my CL Weber fire pit...
This post may be helpful in cleaning up those legs, etc. http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/how-i-cleaned-up-some-smokey-joe-legs/msg60602/#msg60602
Quote from: Bob BQ on October 12, 2013, 08:45:32 AM
Thanks for the reminder that I need to clean up my CL Weber fire pit...
This post may be helpful in cleaning up those legs, etc. http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/how-i-cleaned-up-some-smokey-joe-legs/msg60602/#msg60602
Bob,
Thanks for the help! How did I miss that post?
MD, I know it's boring (and might be cheating, too), but I'd check in with Weber CS about just replacing those legs. The similar flat steel legs for the Jumbo Joe are only a couple of bucks apiece, and it's a lot easier and less chemically compromising to just replace them if you're looking for the shiny.
Great score MD! How about just either leaving the legs or painting them red? :)
It may have been used once, but left sitting on the lawn the rest of it's life. Which would explain the rust/deterioration on the feet. Luckily, it's not anywhere near being bad, but something you should nip. On my cast-iron table saw and other such tools, I use a scotch-brite pad and a product called TopSaver to remove the rust, which I think is just WD40 or something similar. Cleaning the rust off of your stuff would be pretty easy, but I'm not sure what I'd use to protect it. Most likely, I'd give a rattle can of high temp clear a try. It can be found at auto parts stores.
MD great score, I purchased a NIB this summer. Have used it and they were made in China. I had flaking after the first fire. I am not sure what can help, Seems the plating is bad. My wood handles are burnt black on the bottom sides. Still love the fireplace though.
Congrats on scoring the fireplace. I was going to say replacement parts may be rather inexpensive but it looks like some are no longer available.....
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/weber-2720-9195-fireplace-parts-c-193079_193085_193143.html
Quote from: G on October 13, 2013, 03:48:09 AM
Congrats on scoring the fireplace. I was going to say replacement parts may be rather inexpensive but it looks like some are no longer available.....
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/weber-2720-9195-fireplace-parts-c-193079_193085_193143.html
G,
I called Weber CS yesterday to order the hardware pack and cover for the pit. I asked the rep if they had legs and she said they did.
Quote from: mike.stavlund on October 12, 2013, 03:55:41 PM
MD, I know it's boring (and might be cheating, too), but I'd check in with Weber CS about just replacing those legs. The similar flat steel legs for the Jumbo Joe are only a couple of bucks apiece, and it's a lot easier and less chemically compromising to just replace them if you're looking for the shiny.
Mike, when I called Weber CS yesterday to get the hardware pack and cover, I did ask about the legs. If the legs don't turn out, I'll probably order some.
Quote from: Bman on October 12, 2013, 04:45:23 PM
It may have been used once, but left sitting on the lawn the rest of it's life. Which would explain the rust/deterioration on the feet. Luckily, it's not anywhere near being bad, but something you should nip. On my cast-iron table saw and other such tools, I use a scotch-brite pad and a product called TopSaver to remove the rust, which I think is just WD40 or something similar. Cleaning the rust off of your stuff would be pretty easy, but I'm not sure what I'd use to protect it. Most likely, I'd give a rattle can of high temp clear a try. It can be found at auto parts stores.
Thanks, Chad. The Dremel is doing a really good job of removing the rust. I'll check out the high temp clear stuff either later today or tomorrow. Will send pics of the legs when I'm done.
Quote from: Duke on October 12, 2013, 04:23:06 PM
Great score MD! How about just either leaving the legs or painting them red? :)
I'd bet that would look sharp.
I think the Dremel did a good job
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1014.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1014.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1015.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1015.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1016.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1016.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1018.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1018.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1017.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1017.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1012.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1012.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1013.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1013.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1019.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1019.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1020.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1020.jpg.html)
Good score MD. I would definitely put some sand in the bottom and even a charcoal grate, just to help with the direct heat Boeing on the bowl. Also try naval jelly on the rust. Just soak and rinse.
Quote from: Peaspurple on October 14, 2013, 12:54:46 PM
Good score MD. I would definitely put some sand in the bottom and even a charcoal grate, just to help with the direct heat Boeing on the bowl. Also try naval jelly on the rust. Just soak and rinse.
Thanks for the advice, Peaspurple, will definitely try that.
I ordered a new hardware pack for mine which was a floor model and missing the fiber washers. I received it last week and they no longer include the fiber washers. The same goes with the handle kit.
I took mine apart yesterday, and the "fiber" washers seem to be aluminum. The original owner assembled them all inside out and backasswards; no washers here, triple washers there. I was able to sort it all out, and used a magnet to determine which washers were steel and which were not as they were all equally dirty. It will go together correctly soon enough. How hard can it be?
Quote from: dwnthehatch on October 14, 2013, 04:18:48 PM
I ordered a new hardware pack for mine which was a floor model and missing the fiber washers. I received it last week and they no longer include the fiber washers. The same goes with the handle kit.
Just in case you didn't know, Home Depot carries fiber washers in stock.
Thanks. MartyG is right. They seem to have replaced the fiber washers in the kit with aluminum ones.
Quote from: Bman on October 14, 2013, 06:58:11 PM
Quote from: dwnthehatch on October 14, 2013, 04:18:48 PM
I ordered a new hardware pack for mine which was a floor model and missing the fiber washers. I received it last week and they no longer include the fiber washers. The same goes with the handle kit.
Just in case you didn't know, Home Depot carries fiber washers in stock.
Thanks, BMan, I checked Lowes but couldn't find any.
Once you have the legs all cleaned up I remember using some stuff called Never Dull wading compound. Its a white cotton ball looking stuff you would rub on the legs after all the rust is off to make them shine really good and would help clean up the legs even more. Used the stuff on my remote control race cars if I wanted my aluminum or steel parts to shine and look a lot nicer overall. Great working stuff. Last time I bought Never Dull it was in a blue can. Matter of fact I will be looking for some today at the local auto parts store or like a Pep Boys.
http://www.nevrdull.com/
Quote from: Weber MD on October 15, 2013, 06:34:10 AM
Quote from: Bman on October 14, 2013, 06:58:11 PM
Quote from: dwnthehatch on October 14, 2013, 04:18:48 PM
I ordered a new hardware pack for mine which was a floor model and missing the fiber washers. I received it last week and they no longer include the fiber washers. The same goes with the handle kit.
Just in case you didn't know, Home Depot carries fiber washers in stock.
Thanks, BMan, I checked Lowes but couldn't find any.
They have them. I've bought them before. 9 times out if ten the employee has no clue what you are asking for. They are with the specialty fittings. I know HD has them too. You may even want to try ace up from you.
Quote from: Peaspurple on October 16, 2013, 01:52:23 PM
Quote from: Weber MD on October 15, 2013, 06:34:10 AM
Quote from: Bman on October 14, 2013, 06:58:11 PM
Quote from: dwnthehatch on October 14, 2013, 04:18:48 PM
I ordered a new hardware pack for mine which was a floor model and missing the fiber washers. I received it last week and they no longer include the fiber washers. The same goes with the handle kit.
Just in case you didn't know, Home Depot carries fiber washers in stock.
Thanks, BMan, I checked Lowes but couldn't find any.
They have them. I've bought them before. 9 times out if ten the employee has no clue what you are asking for. They are with the specialty fittings. I know HD has them too. You may even want to try ace up from you.
I checked the Ace too. Talked to one of the associates - they didn't have them. It's moot now anyway since I ordered the hardware pack from Weber. I get why Weber replaced the fiber washers since they don't hold up well. Almost every fiber washer on this fire pit was in bad shape.
Update: After the Dremel I put some naval jelly (thanks Peaspurple) on all the metal pieces to remove any rust I may have missed, then applied two-three coats of high heat resistant aluminum paint. I ordered the hardware kit from Weber CS but after putting the old handles back on, the fire pit still looked tired:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1042.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1042.jpg.html)
So I decided to order new handles from Weber CS and I think the new handles really set it off. Here are the finished pics:
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1075.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1075.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1077.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1077.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1078.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1078.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1079.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1079.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1063.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1063.jpg.html)
(http://i836.photobucket.com/albums/zz290/sttony1208/Grills/IMG_1073.jpg) (http://s836.photobucket.com/user/sttony1208/media/Grills/IMG_1073.jpg.html)
Thanks for looking and for all the advice I received along the way, but mostly I'd like to thank Thin Blue Smoke who not only served as an agent but who also happens to be a really good guy and grillfella - I fondly call this my Chicago Weber Fire Pit.
Wow, that looks great, MD! Nice restoration. And thanks for documenting it for those of us who dream about adding a fire pit to our collection.
Quote from: mike.stavlund on November 02, 2013, 07:21:55 AM
Wow, that looks great, MD! Nice restoration. And thanks for documenting it for those of us who dream about adding a fire pit to our collection.
Thanks Mike - this refurb was a really fun project.
Is that grate from an 18.5"? I might have to do that when I decide to break in mine.
Quote from: salad on November 02, 2013, 09:08:32 AM
Is that grate from an 18.5"? I might have to do that when I decide to break in mine.
salad,
It's a 22.5.
Wow! That turned out excellent! I like the idea of being able to touch up the silver parts with paint and have them look that nice. This has been fun for me to watch come together. And, thank you for your kind words (and your old handles.) :)
Quote from: Thin Blue Smoke on November 02, 2013, 12:39:24 PM
Wow! That turned out excellent! I like the idea of being able to touch up the silver parts with paint and have them look that nice. This has been fun for me to watch come together. And, thank you for your kind words (and your old handles.) :)
My pleasure TBS. Can't wait to see your fire pit.
Weber,
That looks great. It looks brand new.
Quote from: Weber MD on November 02, 2013, 09:15:45 AM
Quote from: salad on November 02, 2013, 09:08:32 AM
Is that grate from an 18.5"? I might have to do that when I decide to break in mine.
salad,
It's a 22.5.
Cool. Now I know what to do with all the old grates I have!
Nice restoration! I'm surprised that weber still sells those handles. I think the cover is a really cool touch and this may even be the first fire pit restoration we have seen.