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Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Vwbuggin64 on December 14, 2016, 03:56:57 PM

Title: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 14, 2016, 03:56:57 PM
For those of you who do not know, this kettle was rescued by @argentflame as it was called "scrap metal". It was then passed to @Cellar2ful who, with the help of @dazzo and @varekai, got it to me. Cellar did a lot of body work on it to make it even close properly, and cleaned the bowl, so credit for the start goes to him.

I decided that, based on the fact this kettle had a hard life, I'd resto-mod as opposed to just reassembling and going. First order of business was straightening the handle. Next, was to remove the tarnish and polish up the legs and the daisy wheels. Then, I decided to repaint the white walls on the wheels. Finally, I painted the triangle BBQ black as opposed to silver. I removed the rust with Krud getter from the triangle then painted of course. Here are some pics of the progress so far:
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_9d1abc4acc9d3a6e5e45884423cbed3d_zpsmpeere5s.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=9d1abc4acc9d3a6e5e45884423cbed3d_zpsmpeere5s.jpg)
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_7218d2d92e23e1750caed2d56ab1b5ae_zpshor8vnvn.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=7218d2d92e23e1750caed2d56ab1b5ae_zpshor8vnvn.jpg)
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_7f52b5763267db8f553981b7e2c47a4d_zpswn1taso7.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=7f52b5763267db8f553981b7e2c47a4d_zpswn1taso7.jpg)
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_963c9ef221fbbaee0e76d149bf349bef_zpsiw4jubni.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=963c9ef221fbbaee0e76d149bf349bef_zpsiw4jubni.jpg)
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_45c5e3e920ef293f87d18a7d8feb5afc_zpsl6mwudi1.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=45c5e3e920ef293f87d18a7d8feb5afc_zpsl6mwudi1.jpg)
(http://i1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/th_54f725a65914b436e37c7a81e4981467_zpsbrszqwyy.jpg) (http://s1332.photobucket.com/albums/w613/vwbuggin/?action=view&current=54f725a65914b436e37c7a81e4981467_zpsbrszqwyy.jpg)

It's still a work in progress. I have to order a bottom charcoal grate, ash pan, and lid holder from Weber. I'll also protect the wheels with some clear coat or an old modelers trick (future floor polish). Also went to Osh hardware and picked up varnish and stain for the top handle. Still have a ways to go but so far it's coming along. Thanks again to everyone who made this possible.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Geezer on December 14, 2016, 04:01:02 PM
That thing's looking good.  Nice work.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: dazzo on December 14, 2016, 04:14:10 PM
Lid bale.



Just sayin'



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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Shoestringshop on December 14, 2016, 04:20:36 PM
Looks great RRR! That's what it's about! Can't wait to see the great things that you will do with it!
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Darko on December 14, 2016, 04:25:43 PM
 I'm impressed!!! You are doing a great job.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Shoestringshop on December 14, 2016, 04:31:19 PM
 ;)
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: pbe gummi bear on December 14, 2016, 04:35:40 PM
I'm all for adding a lid bale to ZZ Top. Is that a flattop 26r?
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Cellar2ful on December 14, 2016, 04:52:29 PM

+1 on wanting to see the lid bail addition.  Those wheels. I can't believe they are the same ones. Really impressive. It definitely ended up with the right person.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 14, 2016, 09:30:37 PM
Thanks everyone for the positive feedback. I am going to install a lid bale. It just makes sense. I'll continue to update this thread with new pics when I can on the progress.
Title: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 15, 2016, 12:22:38 AM
So a small update tonight. I sanded down the handle and stained it. I like the deep color. I also sealed the white wall wheel paint with future floor polish. Ill post that pic in the sunlight
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/cec27ec06cb81913bcf97e5238e996c5.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/81759fd64ea651343b355c29899d30f6.jpg)


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: kettlebb on December 15, 2016, 01:39:43 AM
I really dig these handle before and after shots. They are quite amazing.


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: captjoe06 on December 15, 2016, 02:09:28 AM
What stain did you use?
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: WNC on December 15, 2016, 05:29:38 AM
That's really coming along nicely!
Love the way the handle turned out!


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Neil_VT00 on December 15, 2016, 05:37:28 AM
Great job.  Looking forward to seeing it back on it's feet!
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Speedster on December 15, 2016, 06:07:20 AM
What color stain did u color use. Looks great


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 15, 2016, 08:09:10 AM
Thanks everyone. I used the same stain @harleysmoker mentioned when he did up his handles, golden pecan. Put the stain on and let it set for 5 min then wiped off. I'll be putting a couple coats of urethane on today and tomorrow to seal it all off. 

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161215/c49f19b79144ee060bba0ceb2283c266.jpg)


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Travis on December 15, 2016, 10:30:15 AM
LOVE that handle color. Nice choice.


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: captjoe06 on December 15, 2016, 11:04:06 AM
Gorgeous!

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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 15, 2016, 03:17:23 PM
Got even more pics! Busy day today. A couple of trips to my local ACE and now she is upright! I still have to weld the holes from where the previous handle was, but otherwise she's almost ready to cook on. I just need a bottom grate and some other odds and ends (like an ash catcher). I also had to install thumb screws into the legs so they wouldn't fall out.

 (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161216/07c6d90a800a0f16d49cb2a5e015afaf.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161216/68a22235839f029da0c38c6fea36aa65.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161216/4a7e5be48c9855076b4c9ce703f509ab.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161216/ea853aad3937ac080fa03baa70373a29.jpg)


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Kneab on December 15, 2016, 06:20:27 PM
Nice work.
Looks great.

searching for 2 18" straight lip twist ash pans.

Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Darko on December 15, 2016, 06:34:21 PM
It's really looking great. You're doing a fantastic job.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: kettlebb on December 15, 2016, 06:35:52 PM
Looking good!


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: crowderjd on December 15, 2016, 07:58:26 PM
I love it!  Those wheels look sharp.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: HoosierKettle on December 16, 2016, 08:28:58 PM
That is special. I'd take a kettle with a story and some character over a mint one any day. Is this your first 26?  You will love the extra real estate.


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 17, 2016, 06:47:37 AM
That is special. I'd take a kettle with a story and some character over a mint one any day. Is this your first 26?  You will love the extra real estate.


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Yes this is my first 26er. This resto-mod has been pretty fun so far. I have to weld up some holes where the previous handle was so I can start on the lid bale. I just ordered a bunch of different parts from ereplacementparts.com (ash pan, bottom grate, and clips) so ill post some pics of ZZ when the new ash pan is fitted.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: varekai on December 17, 2016, 05:57:47 PM
Looking great @Vwbuggin64 !!!   I really need to get busy on cleaning my kids up... I just do a quick wipe down and fire em up...LOL
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 17, 2016, 07:08:07 PM
Looking great @Vwbuggin64 !!!   I really need to get busy on cleaning my kids up... I just do a quick wipe down and fire em up...LOL

@varekai lol, you know for a fact I couldn't get away with that with this one...
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: varekai on December 17, 2016, 07:09:07 PM
True, and your doing a great job!!


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 19, 2016, 02:34:10 PM
So a little more progress. I fixed the legs and welded up the holes left from the old handle on the back. I am waiting for all my goodies I ordered from ereplacementparts. Ill post pics when I get off work or tomorrow.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Mr.CPHo on December 19, 2016, 04:23:24 PM
Waiting is the hardest part, IMO.  Looking good!


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: greenweb on December 19, 2016, 05:43:04 PM
So a little more progress. I fixed the legs and welded up the holes left from the old handle on the back. I am waiting for all my goodies I ordered from ereplacementparts. Ill post pics when I get off work or tomorrow.

Great work! Looking forward to more progress and new parts on it.
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 21, 2016, 08:10:03 PM
Well ALOT more progress. Santa delivered a little early here at the Vwbuggin household. Well...OnTrac did with my replacement parts from ereplacement.com. So the resto is coming to a close (at least for now so I can cook on her), and I'll post pics tomorrow in the sun. For now, I welded up where the old handle was, placed the ash pan, and dropped in the new charcoal grate (which looks larger than its older counterpart. I've also posted a pic of the old on lying on top of the new one). A huge thank you for all who helped make this possible. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/0cfbd1faf9a0aa8dd32bb5a31128c812.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/81097d43a25a23bf678a9224786a32b2.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/d27b57d44219536134f8481560503cbd.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/a1c07fd2a995511c7064eaf8133ca383.jpg)


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 22, 2016, 12:19:30 PM
Finally finished phase 1! Decided to have ZZ sit for pics with the new family. Can't wait to cook on her after this work rotation. (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/985238647e630e29c3bca189b95ccbe3.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/000d3c1f89c031fc59e8aa7bc635c211.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/30c90d2fd08a4be2af5cc9c0e6034ad0.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/fdc2aede9342aadbb408d9ec82b91d47.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161222/09ac2d6b74eae00b8731435e61619002.jpg)


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: crowderjd on December 22, 2016, 12:25:24 PM
You've done an amazing job restoring that kettle!  I love it, and the fact that she will be cooked on for years to come makes it even better.  It is amazing how well they come back to life after years of abuse. 
Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: HoosierKettle on December 22, 2016, 12:41:37 PM
Full brisket with plenty of room to spare is what I see. Nice work


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: HoosierKettle on December 22, 2016, 12:43:17 PM
Beer can chicken with plenty of clearance. Multiple racks of ribs. I could go on forever talking 26er stuff


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: Travis on December 22, 2016, 01:08:20 PM
Great job man! You will love that cooker. You'll be reminded of its past and everyone along the way every time you fire it. [emoji106][emoji106]


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on December 22, 2016, 01:17:54 PM
Thanks everyone! Phase 2 will consist of the lid bale. I'll have to wait until after Christmas to order it. I'll post the progress.


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Title: Re: Update to "ZZ top" (pic heavy/phase 1 complete)
Post by: Kneab on December 22, 2016, 03:07:17 PM
Great story and restoration. Looks great. Love the faded blacks. I need to clear out a few 22s in the spring and find an old 26 to restore.

searching for 2 18" straight lip twist ash pans.