Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: crowderjd on April 13, 2016, 08:44:51 AM
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So, on Sunday this Ranch Kettle came up on Offer Up for $100 in Tustin, CA. Advertised as "Giant Grill for Party BBQ"
Here was the description:
Description
Used really big bob grill. Working perfectly fine everything there nothing missing. Monster webber 53 inches
There was one pic:
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/79219e9e6bb34dbfbbb2e4b06862367a_zpsdtmhlf1i.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/79219e9e6bb34dbfbbb2e4b06862367a_zpsdtmhlf1i.jpg.html)
I thought about it, but wasn't too excited. Yesterday, they dropped the price to $75 and added these pics:
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/6b45d73ead214d03822f4930ee030fdb_zpslyspsxcv.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/6b45d73ead214d03822f4930ee030fdb_zpslyspsxcv.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/68eca59ac5f7488e894669851dd29896_zpsnkym5wal.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/68eca59ac5f7488e894669851dd29896_zpsnkym5wal.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/ade8be06976c47c8ac170b8542f5f3a0_zpsz7wm1oqv.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/ade8be06976c47c8ac170b8542f5f3a0_zpsz7wm1oqv.jpg.html)
It looked good enough. Obviously not perfect and had some problems but $75! Got in the car at 2pm (Hooray for last hour prep period) and drove to Orange County from Vegas.
Got there...and no one was at the house. Offer Up guy wouldn't answer phone, or respond to texts. Finally thought I'd just knock on the door...shout from inside, "WHO IS IT?"
I said I was there about the grill.
This house was foreclosed and this guy who was clearly drunk was being forced out in a week. The house was filthy. Went out back, and there was the grill. He rambled about banks and ex wives screwing him, and I was trying to get out ASAP. Dumped all the ash, hosed it out. Had to roll it through the house...fortunately had double doors front and back.
Hoisted it in the trusty Hyundai Tucson by myself...handed him $75 and got the heck out of there.
Got home last night at 11:24pm (3 hours 49 minutes--a personal best from OC)
So...here are the problems.
Charcoal grate was absolutely gone. You can see the top grate is barely holding together in the middle.
Missing two bottom vents. One has a big hole.
This top handle...considerable rust below it. I am hoping I can get this one out.
Missing top vent.
So, here are my questions!
Anything I can do to salvage/repair the cooking grate? Replacement $280...I'll bite the bullet if I have to, but I'd like to avoid this.
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/12966314_10154816347152907_1266498159_n_zpsa5gfqyac.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/12966314_10154816347152907_1266498159_n_zpsa5gfqyac.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/12966629_10154816347122907_1243078259_n_zps9mvazgoa.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/12966629_10154816347122907_1243078259_n_zps9mvazgoa.jpg.html)
Same with the charcoal grate...anything I can use instead down there? Once again, I'll bite the bullet if I have to...but I'm ok with being creative.
Removing the crushed handle or unbending it...any ideas for how I could safely do this would be appreciated.
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/12969342_10154816347067907_574214419_n_zpszvkmcmcz.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/12969342_10154816347067907_574214419_n_zpszvkmcmcz.jpg.html)
Filling in that hole on the bottom vent? I've seen people use large washers before. Would that work with a new vent?
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/12969422_10154816347027907_1322253881_n_zpsoulrbt8c.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/12969422_10154816347027907_1322253881_n_zpsoulrbt8c.jpg.html)
Lastly, the lid is out of round...it fits, but barely. Also it has rough, rusty edges on one side. I don't think I can hug it out, and I want to clean up the edge as best I can. Any ideas on that?
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13020534_10154816410347907_962220446_n_zpsjg9pynt4.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13020534_10154816410347907_962220446_n_zpsjg9pynt4.jpg.html)
Here are my plans:
I am obviously going to replace the vents.
Probably going to replace the handles if I can get them off.
I think I am going to repaint the entire lid with high heat black paint...although I've thought a custom color may be nice.
I'm going to definitely clean and perhaps paint the frame, though it is amazingly solid.
Overall, I'm excited. It's not going to be perfect, but I think I can get this back in good working condition and looking much better. Any help you can offer would be great! Once it's finished, I'm going to have a mighty party to break her in.
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Excellent!
Id put expanded metal on top of the grates.
I dont know if weber offers the new dampers for it.
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It's a bit of a distance, but see if you can partner up with someone and get in on this,
https://stlouis.craigslist.org/for/5532541704.html
Guy is selling a RK for $600 in St. Louis, comes with an extra lid and extra charcoal grate.
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Intesting story and even more insteresting restore project. It looks like this is going to be long term project if you are looking to do it economically. I can't wait to see how this one turns out!!!!
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One thing I was considering was making my own vents using aluminum flashing...
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My old ranch has regular vents on the bottom, off a 22...they were there when i got it, big washer will work fine for that one, and i've seen the top vents, and bottom vents on ebay....and for now, expanded metal on the grates would work fine.
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@crowderjd hey man congrats, good fix suggestions already especially the expanded steel to replace the grates. How was the fit in the Tucson? With a rubber mallet you can tap that handle back where it belongs. Weber will have all you need so no worries there. Great Grab.
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@fedex thanks! I saw your PM yesterday when I got to the house. Your pic in the back of your Escape was what inspired me to go for it. The guy was a real character and I wanted to get out of there ASAP. I was all ready to take off the wheels, and then I did a quick measurement, and I could get it in with the wheels on. Loaded it in with about a quarter inch of clearance...placed the lid wedged behind the passenger seat, and away we went. I now know the Tucson can do it all.
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Id put expanded metal on top of the grates.
This seem like a grate option haha, and won't break the bank!
Congrats on the pick up!
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Sweet score and story!
Will an upside down 22.5 grate work temporarily?
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Nice grab. I would just throw some expanded metal on the charcoal grate. Top grate looks totally shot and I don't thinks there's getting around a replacement. I can't wait to see it cleaned up.
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Man great find, and that price too, even with all the work needed, well worth it!
Your collection has gotten really nice really fast!
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@crowderjd, I have a top lid vent you can have for free if you want it? Weber had to replace my lid under the warranty. I took the lid vent off before scrapping the lid, so there's nothing wrong with the vent. Let me know if this helps?
On that out of round lid, try getting a big bar clamp and clamping it tight across the lid in the opposite direction to squeeze it back round. On the charcoal grate, straighten/bend/hammer it back into shape as flat as you can get it and then cut a round piece of expanded metal the exact size of the grate and lay it over the top and secure it around the outer frame edge.
The cooking grate you might have to bite the bullet and get a new one? They are $270 new from Weber. (ouch!)I don't think it can be saved and I don't think I would want to cook my food on expanded metal?
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As other have said. Lower vents can easily be replaced - there is a kit from weber
(http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i480/okmiller/null-37.jpg)
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@crowderjd, I have a top lid vent you can have for free if you want it? Weber had to replace my lid under the warranty. I took the lid vent off before scrapping the lid, so there's nothing wrong with the vent. Let me know if this helps?
On that out of round lid, try getting a big bar clamp and clamping it tight across the lid in the opposite direction to squeeze it back round. On the charcoal grate, straighten/bend/hammer it back into shape as flat as you can get it and then cut a round piece of expanded metal the exact size of the grate and lay it over the top and secure it around the outer frame edge.
The cooking grate you might have to bite the bullet and get a new one? They are $270 new from Weber. (ouch!)I don't think it can be saved and I don't think I would want to cook my food on expanded metal?
Huh ??? .....don't think you would cook your food on expanded metal ???? What do you think majority of stick burner an backyard grill grates are made of ?
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Expanded metal for a cook grate won't suffice very long for a grill that's only occasionally used, will it?
As long as it's not galvanized it's OK. But then again, ya gotta keep it greased "just so," not enough to cause ickiness but not too little to allow rust.
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@crowderjd, I have a top lid vent you can have for free if you want it? Weber had to replace my lid under the warranty. I took the lid vent off before scrapping the lid, so there's nothing wrong with the vent. Let me know if this helps?
On that out of round lid, try getting a big bar clamp and clamping it tight across the lid in the opposite direction to squeeze it back round. On the charcoal grate, straighten/bend/hammer it back into shape as flat as you can get it and then cut a round piece of expanded metal the exact size of the grate and lay it over the top and secure it around the outer frame edge.
The cooking grate you might have to bite the bullet and get a new one? They are $270 new from Weber. (ouch!)I don't think it can be saved and I don't think I would want to cook my food on expanded metal?
Huh ??? .....don't think you would cook your food on expanded metal ???? What do you think majority of stick burner an backyard grill grates are made of ?
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk
I don't eat my food from a hillbilly cooker like you do.
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But Aaron Franklin makes it look easy! And he's done pretty well for himself lately with those.
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Congratulations on the find. As others have said, you can easily replace the bottom daisy vents and do the washer/bolt on the one bad one. As for the cooking grate, I don't know if that one is going to be salvageable but considering you got it for $75, a new grate would still make this a good deal for a Ranch.
Oh and as for cooking on expanded steel..
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160414/40fd7134711828f9f463fe9e7ce255da.jpg)
Wise guys use it..... :D
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Well, I think I may be using the expanded steel for a bit. @ramsfan thank you for the offer, I'm going to be contacting you. I also plan on getting the daisy vent replacement from Weber. This weekend I'm going to be seeing what I can do about straightening the handle. I have a BIG party on May 1, and I'm hoping to get it up and running by then. We shall see. If not, I've got plenty of grills to handle the job that day :)
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Have you looked at fire pit grates as a possible sub for the own Weber grate? Amazon has some in 36-40" range and much cheaper.
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Let me address everybody who is making a big freaking deal about cooking on expanded metal: I know you can cook on it. Yes, I saw the movie Goodfellas where the happy gangsters were all sitting around in somebody's backyard in 1955 cooking up a bunch of Italian sausages and hot dogs and hamburgers. You'd think with all the money them stupid sob's stole in that movie that them dumbasses could have went out and bought themselves a Weber grill and cooked their meal with a proper piece of equipment like gentlemen instead of cooking a meal like a bunch of hobos down at the freight yard. It's just a personal preference of mine to cook my food on a clean, proper surface whenever possible.
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My Holland Grill (Legacy) has SS EM grates with lifetime warranty (Sourced in South GA)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Mx75qHVXdPLspXo6jwEqq0MVWeoav-Oqq78ZSi24Jzp_RN-CoHne-dLHETj8k9oIONzaOdMMvOvC=w1271-h953-no)
Replacements Not cheap tho...
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I thought about the mod @Hell Fire Grill did with EM grates but my local welder supply wants far too much for SS EM (thinner too)
Guess I'll eventually get the 22" weber SS grate
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@blksabbath do you have any links for that on Amazon? I google searched for fire pit grates yesterday and nothing came up. I'd look into it. Thanks!
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@crowderjd
I just searched fire pit grate or cooking grate and a few popped up.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KRMW4GO/ref=s9_simh_gw_g86_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=08SCPGT672P6DR86TD91&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869742&pf_rd_i=desktop
http://www.amazon.com/Sunnydaze-Black-Cooking-Grilling-Diameter/dp/B00B02OK5I/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1460657741&sr=1-9&keywords=fire+pit+cooking+grate+36
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@crowderjd
I just searched fire pit grate or cooking grate and a few popped up.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KRMW4GO/ref=s9_simh_gw_g86_i1_r?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=08SCPGT672P6DR86TD91&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2437869742&pf_rd_i=desktop
http://www.amazon.com/Sunnydaze-Black-Cooking-Grilling-Diameter/dp/B00B02OK5I/ref=sr_1_9?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1460657741&sr=1-9&keywords=fire+pit+cooking+grate+36
Thanks for that....My Ranch Grate is good, but i'm impressed by the hinged in the center one...good price to....may be the way to go
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THANK YOU!
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Those grates could be a game changer for beat up ranches. I've passed on a few cheap rk's becuase of the cost to replace them.
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Is it known as fact that those grates fit the RK? Or just speculation at this point?
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I'm going to do some measuring tonight and find out before I pull the trigger. That would be awesome. The center hinge isn't ideal in my opinion, but I'm willing to try it out. In my case, this would be a game changer.
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I picked up a new RK grill the other week for the stacker on my Ranch
$350 from Weber. I looked at having one made but I think there was 40+ lineal metres of SS rod in a grate. It was more expensive to buy the materials than it was to buy one from Weber
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UPDATE:
So, I am in the process of restoration. There was only one vent left on the bottom of the kettle, and after clearing away the grime, saw it is an N code. 1991? According to the Ranch Kettle History, the new style of RK came out in 1992. Regardless, this is probably the first year of the new style RK. I had been trying to get the bowl off the frame since Wednesday night, and no amount of WD40 rust penetrant and my brute force could pry off any of the rusted on bolts. The amount of rust on this one is surprising to me. My only thought is that being in Tustin, CA, it had too much exposure to ocean breezes?
So, this morning I went to Harbor Freight and bought an angle grinder with a 4.5 inch cutting blade. 10 minutes later, those bleeping bolts were gone.
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13045453_10154827399002907_1304717750_n_zpsfmc3pjyv.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13045453_10154827399002907_1304717750_n_zpsfmc3pjyv.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13046228_10154827399047907_28213540_n_zps0nmrdupt.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13046228_10154827399047907_28213540_n_zps0nmrdupt.jpg.html)
SADLY, I cut a SMALL hole in the kettle near one of the bolts. CRAP. Not bad, and it is where the bowl is snug up to the frame, but CRAP.
Finally, I used a rubber mallet to bang the one handle back into pretty good shape per fedex's suggestion.
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13045622_10154827399032907_1103389146_n_zps3p0bf8eq.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13045622_10154827399032907_1103389146_n_zps3p0bf8eq.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13023388_10154827399052907_543177557_n_zpsb4ysfn5q.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13023388_10154827399052907_543177557_n_zpsb4ysfn5q.jpg.html)
So, now I cleaned up the bottom vent, used 0000 steel wool and dish soap to clean the bowl and lid.
Finally, I started using a wire brush attachment for my drill to clean the lid bale.
Now...here's my question:
Can I repaint both the bowl and kettle? I saw someone recently used 2000 degree paint on a kettle. Would that work OK on the bowl? There's a couple pretty extensive areas of rust I'd like to protect long term.
Finally, just out of curiosity, any idea why the rust makes raised "pimples"? Just curious.
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Rust raises/expands as a result of the steel being displaced by water. So it kinda separates in flakes.
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Your doing fine. The kettle has more to gain through a bit of restorative damage than it stands to lose, since your being careful as possible really.
I agree on the salt air theory. In auto body applications when you see a rust bubble under the finish its often followed by a pin hole through the steel.
In my opinion you have a perfect opportunity to do anything you want to do with it and make it a unique kettle, with a character of its own, that no one will ever see anywhere else.
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I painted my Ranch with Rust Oleum BBQ black. HD sells it in a quart. Thinned it with mineral spirits and sprayed through an HVLP gun. So far, it's holding up pretty well, and I like the satin black finish.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/024e5f26d39a46bcca8cafd0b84fe674.jpg)
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I painted my Ranch with Rust Oleum BBQ black. HD sells it in a quart. Thinned it with mineral spirits and sprayed through an HVLP gun. So far, it's holding up pretty well, and I like the satin black finish.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/024e5f26d39a46bcca8cafd0b84fe674.jpg)
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That is a sweet looking Ranch. Just wondering, any of you with the older Ranch's ever think about using longer legs?
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I painted my Ranch with Rust Oleum BBQ black. HD sells it in a quart. Thinned it with mineral spirits and sprayed through an HVLP gun. So far, it's holding up pretty well, and I like the satin black finish.(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160417/024e5f26d39a46bcca8cafd0b84fe674.jpg)
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That is a sweet looking Ranch. Just wondering, any of you with the older Ranch's ever think about using longer legs?
Noupe.....
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My big tow behind smoker has expanded metal grates.
I bet you can have a welder make you a top grate for less than $200
Cut out the circle and weld a few rebar supports under it and rebar handles.
Heck- Ive thought about doing the same on my performer when the grate wares out.
It will be heavier and thicker than the factory one...
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Thanks guys for all the ideas and support. I have a crazy busy week, and will get back to restoration probably on Saturday. I've decided to paint it all. I'm excited.
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UPDATE:
The frame has been repainted. I'm priming the bowl and lid...just a couple more questions for you all.
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13090345_10154842515192907_1667943837_n_zpsjvcxds69.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13090345_10154842515192907_1667943837_n_zpsjvcxds69.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13081718_10154842515047907_294537173_n_zps8h1pgyig.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13081718_10154842515047907_294537173_n_zps8h1pgyig.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13023668_10154842515117907_1832804096_n_zpsy3mu0dgg.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13023668_10154842515117907_1832804096_n_zpsy3mu0dgg.jpg.html)
I used this rustoleum 2000 degree primer. I'm hoping to finish it with 2000 degree paint followed by clear gloss. Once you put on the actual paint, the directions say you need to bake it between each step. Sadly, I ran out of primer while doing the lid, but the bowl is complete. I'm thinking I could place a smokey joe under the dome with some coals to reach the 250 degrees for 30 minutes, followed by 400 degrees for 30 minutes with a cooldown between each cook. What does everyone think about this? I'm hoping this 2000 degree paint will keep everything well protected.
On the other hand, the High heat ultra grill paint shown above requires NONE of those steps. It says it is good up to 1200 degrees. It has a nice sheen, but I'm thinking 2000 degree paint might hold up better. Any advice would be helpful. Anyway, here are some pics!
Bowl before priming:
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13045496_10154842514967907_25042396_n_zpslllinogy.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13045496_10154842514967907_25042396_n_zpslllinogy.jpg.html)
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13023668_10154842515117907_1832804096_n_zpsy3mu0dgg.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13023668_10154842515117907_1832804096_n_zpsy3mu0dgg.jpg.html)
After priming:
(http://i1028.photobucket.com/albums/y348/jason_crowder1/13090361_10154842515232907_882093604_n_zpsmonqysil.jpg) (http://s1028.photobucket.com/user/jason_crowder1/media/13090361_10154842515232907_882093604_n_zpsmonqysil.jpg.html)
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The paint I used on mine was 1200 degree paint and it's held up great..just kinda lost it's slight sheen. If you have a WSM the ring makes a helluva charcoal basket. I use my 22 WSM ring a lot on the ranch.
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A Smokey Joe is so small ... it will concentrate the heat. Most of the Ranch won't get the heat from it. I think you'd have better success building some heat into a 22 and setting the RK part on top, with a spacer if possible.
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When you go to get your washers, look at "fender washers". They come in all the standard hole sizes, but the rest of the washer is much wider, and can cover a larger area. This may help if the center hole for the damper is enlarged due to rust or damage.
My local "big box" hardware stores have specialty fasteners in trays, and you can buy them individually, so you don't pay for a big box full that you don't need.