Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Foster Dahlet on December 30, 2016, 09:13:27 PM

Title: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 30, 2016, 09:13:27 PM
The Weber Kettle Club pics aren't working for me.  I never get an activation link sent to me when I sign up.  So, I am including this link to my before pics. 

I have owned this performer since 2002, which I received brand new as a birthday gift.  After receiving inspiration on this site, I decided to bite the bullet and restore mine.  I have done fixes before...replaced burner, added larger washers to rusting bale hole, new ash sweep, and fixed a cross tube with a threaded rod (that one was 7 years ago).  But the frame is weak again, slightly leaning with rusting at the joints, and the bowl and lid are looking aged.  So I am taking it apart and will restore it.  I'll post the "after" pics when I am done.  But here is the link to the before.  Let me know if the link works for you.  Any advice is welcome.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMqe7QijnGR9ypUNbRH3F_QXcLhFEyHQGFNPNi56H4VR2CDwBgVMOveK6zecpVGrw?key=T0d1XzZVbW00bXFLMG4xQ1Q1bmE0UVJXRjc0SnJn
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: pbe gummi bear on December 30, 2016, 09:39:56 PM
Welcome to WKC. Your grill has great bones. It will look great once cleaned up. Let us know is there is anything specific we can help you with.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: captjoe06 on December 31, 2016, 01:39:04 AM
She looks to be in better shape than a lot of SS Performers I've seen.  Looking forward to the process.  I too could never get the WKC photo sharing thing to work.  Online I'll upload the pics to Flickr and use the image URL or grab the image URLs from pics I've uploaded to my blog.  (Right click on uploaded image>copy image url>insert image url here)

Here's one I put back together that came to me in pieces-

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/green-ei-gas-assist-ss-performer-great-bowlstainlesssweeps-notsogreat-legs/

Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: WNC on December 31, 2016, 04:35:23 AM
Welcome!
Looks like it'll come back to new looking real fast
I've found the best way to get pics up here is to download the WKC app and then you can just insert them right from your phone


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 31, 2016, 06:55:09 AM
She looks to be in better shape than a lot of SS Performers I've seen.  Looking forward to the process.  I too could never get the WKC photo sharing thing to work.  Online I'll upload the pics to Flickr and use the image URL or grab the image URLs from pics I've uploaded to my blog.  (Right click on uploaded image>copy image url>insert image url here)

Here's one I put back together that came to me in pieces-

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/green-ei-gas-assist-ss-performer-great-bowlstainlesssweeps-notsogreat-legs/

That thread is very helpful, thank you, especially the vertical frame tubes.  That is a problem area on my grill.  Your finished product looks great.  Thank you for sharing.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: captjoe06 on December 31, 2016, 06:57:37 AM
Happy to help,  there are other far more knowledgeable members here so if you have need any help don't hesitate to reach out

Sent from my LGLS991 using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 31, 2016, 07:07:30 AM
Welcome!
Looks like it'll come back to new looking real fast
I've found the best way to get pics up here is to download the WKC app and then you can just insert them right from your phone


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)

Thank you, for the confidence in the restoration.  I hope it all goes smoothly.  As for the app, I cannot get it, because I am one of about five people in the world who has a Windows phone.  I love the phone, but the app selection is not as abundant.  Oh, well.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: haeffb on December 31, 2016, 07:48:56 AM
Is TapaTalk an option on Windows Phone?
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 31, 2016, 08:23:28 AM
Is TapaTalk an option on Windows Phone?

It is not on the Windows App Store.  I think they used to have one, but it was really buggy and then they killed the app.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: CharliefromLI on December 31, 2016, 12:28:15 PM
Regarding photos: if you have iPhone or iPad the WKC app makes photo posting a breeze.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: SteveZ on December 31, 2016, 01:04:29 PM
Welcome to the WKC from St. Louis. I'm doing a restore on a 93 Red Performer right now. Still have a part or two to find, but I Took it apart and primed/painted the frame last week. Will start assembly this week. Any questions or concerns I would be happy to discuss. The bone look good!

Cheers
Steve
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 31, 2016, 01:29:50 PM
Welcome to the WKC from St. Louis. I'm doing a restore on a 93 Red Performer right now. Still have a part or two to find, but I Took it apart and primed/painted the frame last week. Will start assembly this week. Any questions or concerns I would be happy to discuss. The bone look good!

Cheers
Steve

Thank you Steve!  I am looking forward to seeing your results.  Do you happen to know where I can find a handle for the ash catcher bowl?  My ring and bowl are fine, but the handle is not so great (at least, the part that is inside the bowl is not so great).
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: SteveZ on December 31, 2016, 01:39:59 PM
I usually use a fine grinding wheel on those to knock off the rust then prime and paint to protect the metal from rust. They take a lot of abuse inside the pot. Sorry at this point I don't have an extra if yours is toast.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on December 31, 2016, 01:47:55 PM
I usually use a fine grinding wheel on those to knock off the rust then prime and paint to protect the metal from rust. They take a lot of abuse inside the pot. Sorry at this point I don't have an extra if yours is toast.

That is my plan, but I am thinking it may be beyond repair. 
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 02, 2017, 06:36:14 PM
OK.  I am deep into this now...spent parts of the last 3 days scraping the bowl and lid.  I found 5 holes.  All are small and 2 are easily plugged with small screws.  3 are a little more complex because of the location.  2 small holes are right under the welds of the handle for the lid...one on each side.  The other one is behind one of the straps that holds the charcoal grate.  Putting a washer & nut there would likely alter the strap. 

Suggestions on holes under handle and behind strap, please.

Also, there is a grey discoloration on the lid.  Scraping and scrubbing have made no difference.  I assume that this is simply heat related and will not change.  Correct?

Pictures are in this link.  Camera is not that great, but will show what is needed.

https://goo.gl/photos/U6TPrmXWWCx8ggyZ7
 

Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 03, 2017, 05:08:02 PM
OK.  I am deep into this now...spent parts of the last 3 days scraping the bowl and lid.  I found 5 holes.  All are small and 2 are easily plugged with small screws.  3 are a little more complex because of the location.  2 small holes are right under the welds of the handle for the lid...one on each side.  The other one is behind one of the straps that holds the charcoal grate.  Putting a washer & nut there would likely alter the strap. 

Suggestions on holes under handle and behind strap, please.

Also, there is a grey discoloration on the lid.  Scraping and scrubbing have made no difference.  I assume that this is simply heat related and will not change.  Correct?

Pictures are in this link.  Camera is not that great, but will show what is needed.

https://goo.gl/photos/U6TPrmXWWCx8ggyZ7

Anyone?..... Anyone?....... Bueller?..... Bueller?
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: kettlebb on January 03, 2017, 05:44:46 PM
Sorry bud, someone here has an answer for you but it ain't me.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Darko on January 03, 2017, 06:18:07 PM
There's nothing you can do with the discoloration.  You'll have to live with it. As for the holes, you have several options depending on how you want it to look, and depending on how good the metal is. Try using self tapping metal screws first, if the metal is good. If it's all rusty, try JB weld or something similar. What you need to do is build up enough metal to make it structurally sound. It's not an easy thing to do, but it is doable.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Darko on January 03, 2017, 06:23:56 PM
Thinking again, What about just ordering a new bowl?
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 03, 2017, 07:44:25 PM
Thinking again, What about just ordering a new bowl?

I probably should, but then I'd have to get new ash catcher assembly, and the two of them combined are out of my budget right now, especially after Christmas. 

The rest of the metal is pretty good. There is some damage where I banked the coals, but it is not catastrophic.  The holes are all small, and I'd wouldn't have noticed before I scraped gunk and rust out of the bowl.  It is simply the location of some of the holes that is problematic. 

I am thinking of drilling into the flaps of the handles, screw in from the top, putting a washer and nut on the inside of the lid, which will cover the tiny holes and hopefully slow down future damage.  I might do the same thing for the hole behind the strap, but put the washer and nut on the outside, so there is no protrusion pushing up the strap and messing with the charcoal grate.  It won't be perfect, but it is on a side of the grill that no one sees from the exterior.  With the other two holes, I was planning to screw from the outside with washer and nut on the inside.  I could paint the screws with high heat paint before putting them in.  Is that ridiculous?  I haven't done this before, so I have no idea what I am doing, really.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: pbe gummi bear on January 03, 2017, 07:53:01 PM
Thinking again, What about just ordering a new bowl?

I probably should, but then I'd have to get new ash catcher assembly, and the two of them combined are out of my budget right now, especially after Christmas. 

The rest of the metal is pretty good. There is some damage where I banked the coals, but it is not catastrophic.  The holes are all small, and I'd wouldn't have noticed before I scraped gunk and rust out of the bowl.  It is simply the location of some of the holes that is problematic. 

I am thinking of drilling into the flaps of the handles, screw in from the top, putting a washer and nut on the inside of the lid, which will cover the tiny holes and hopefully slow down future damage.  I might do the same thing for the hole behind the strap, but put the washer and nut on the outside, so there is no protrusion pushing up the strap and messing with the charcoal grate.  It won't be perfect, but it is on a side of the grill that no one sees from the exterior.  With the other two holes, I was planning to screw from the outside with washer and nut on the inside.  I could paint the screws with high heat paint before putting them in.  Is that ridiculous?  I haven't done this before, so I have no idea what I am doing, really.

I wouldn't worry about the holes under the lid handle. I would just remove as much rust as possible and treat that area with oil or something to slow the onset of rust. Are you having temp control or snuffing issues?
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 03, 2017, 08:07:46 PM

I wouldn't worry about the holes under the lid handle. I would just remove as much rust as possible and treat that area with oil or something to slow the onset of rust. Are you having temp control or snuffing issues?

I did not have temp control issues. The holes were plugged with carbon and the aluminum thermometer holder sits over top over the holes too.  I only uncovered it all when I removed the thermometer holder and scraped the lid.  I do worry about the holes getting larger, however. 
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on January 03, 2017, 08:11:18 PM
Ok, you have several options for those holes.

1. Weld them up. Grind them and all around and weld.
2. Small sheet metal screws on some and patch panels on the others.
3. Find a used kettle in your area and buy that one. Then mod it so it will accept the new ash pan you have
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 03, 2017, 08:20:32 PM
Ok, you have several options for those holes.

1. Weld them up. Grind them and all around and weld.
2. Small sheet metal screws on some and patch panels on the others.
3. Find a used kettle in your area and buy that one. Then mod it so it will accept the new ash pan you have

Option two is the one that interests me the most, because I have no welding experience or tools.  I have been on the lookout for used performers.  If I find one, I can go with option three.  But, option two is something I can do this weekend.  Where can I find info on option two, in regards to patch panels?
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Vwbuggin64 on January 03, 2017, 08:28:11 PM
Trust me, you don't need welding skills. Just the drive to put trigger to metal and pull hoping your melted flux fills in the hole.

As far as some patch panels you can find any 14 gauge sheets metal and screw it on the outside. Then paint it and you are good to go
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Darko on January 03, 2017, 08:33:10 PM
Looking at the pics... The holes don't look too bad. Just cook with it for now, and at some point in the future when the budget allows, replace the bowl.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: SteveZ on January 04, 2017, 04:24:30 AM
Take a deep breath. Not every restores are easy. Looks like your kettle has taken some high heat. I just looked at all of your pics in detail. That kettle will probably never be a looker again. I think the frame and the rest will turn out nice. I would concentrate on the cart, quick fix what you can on the bowl. Watch craigslist, letgo, offerup, facebook marketplace for a performer. If you feel you could engineer it, you could pick up an old mastertouch, or 22 in one touch gold and mod it for the gas start and mounting brackets. I would also use this community. Put out what parts your looking for in your area. There are a lot of guys that have parts stockpiled here. I know that Performers got another 20 years left in her!

Steve
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 04, 2017, 07:02:20 AM
Take a deep breath. Not every restores are easy. Looks like your kettle has taken some high heat. I just looked at all of your pics in detail. That kettle will probably never be a looker again. I think the frame and the rest will turn out nice. I would concentrate on the cart, quick fix what you can on the bowl. Watch craigslist, letgo, offerup, facebook marketplace for a performer. If you feel you could engineer it, you could pick up an old mastertouch, or 22 in one touch gold and mod it for the gas start and mounting brackets. I would also use this community. Put out what parts your looking for in your area. There are a lot of guys that have parts stockpiled here. I know that Performers got another 20 years left in her!

Steve

Thank you Steve, for the encouragement.  I agree, that kettle is not going to be a looker.  If I can get more years from it as a cooker, that would make me happy. 

Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on January 05, 2017, 12:09:57 PM
Is it me or does it look like the handle straps area where it meets the lid are yellow?  Looks like someone already did something to fix a problem there.  It might get hairy trying to mess with that area too much.  My handle on my SSP popped off.  I bought it used so I have no clue what the previous owner or owners did to cause it to loosen up.  I just drilled through the handle and lid then attached the handle with SS screws.  No washer on the outside so it wouldn't be so obvious then a really big washer on the underside of the lid and then wings nuts so that I could tight them up after a few cooks really easily.  I figured heat would cause them to loosen and it did.  I have to tighten then every once in awhile and since I don't need tools it makes it nice and easy.  I also figured finger tightening would prevent me from damaging anything.

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/my-1st-rescue-1991-ss-performer-red/msg212818/#msg212818 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/my-1st-rescue-1991-ss-performer-red/msg212818/#msg212818)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 05, 2017, 07:01:19 PM
Is it me or does it look like the handle straps area where it meets the lid are yellow?  Looks like someone already did something to fix a problem there.  It might get hairy trying to mess with that area too much.  My handle on my SSP popped off.  I bought it used so I have no clue what the previous owner or owners did to cause it to loosen up.  I just drilled through the handle and lid then attached the handle with SS screws.  No washer on the outside so it wouldn't be so obvious then a really big washer on the underside of the lid and then wings nuts so that I could tight them up after a few cooks really easily.  I figured heat would cause them to loosen and it did.  I have to tighten then every once in awhile and since I don't need tools it makes it nice and easy.  I also figured finger tightening would prevent me from damaging anything.

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/my-1st-rescue-1991-ss-performer-red/msg212818/#msg212818 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/my-1st-rescue-1991-ss-performer-red/msg212818/#msg212818)

I have been the only owner of this performer; it is a 2002.   The yellow is what is left of the rust under the handle.  It looks worse in the picture than it does to the naked eye. 

The weld between the lid and handle is rusting out and some of that rust has dislodged, leaving a little gap between the lid and part of the handle.  The rest of the handle is still welded.  Where the rust dislodged, there are small holes, about the with of a pushpin.  My original plan was to do exactly as you suggested.  Drill through the handle, put washer and nut under the lid, to cover the hole and prevent the handle from coming completely undone.  Gummi Bear suggested I leave it alone, other than the rust. 

I am going to plug the three small holes in the bowl, all about 1/16 inch in size, with sheet metal screws...no nuts or washers.  There were a variety of opinions on what to do about them, but no consensus. 

Other than the holes, the lid and bowl are pretty much finished.  I am almost done with the ash catcher assembly too.  I'm debating whether to make the interior of the catcher like new, or leave it stained.  The rest of the catcher is almost spotless, as is the ring that holds it.  I took off all the rust to the ash catcher handle and will paint it black to inhibit future rust. 

I hope to disassemble the frame this weekend and rebuild it.  Will replace star nuts, and figure out what is going on at the top joints.  After that, more rust removal and then some touch up painting.  I am sure I will have more questions.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 10, 2017, 04:36:04 PM
The star nuts arrived in the mail today, a bag of 10 for about $10. They measure at about 15/16 inch.  The picture makes it look like the nut is not lined up to the edge of the ruler, but it is.   I can now proceed to work on the frame, hopefully this weekend.

(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170110_19_53_24_Pro_zpsgr6lksmm.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170110_19_53_24_Pro_zpsgr6lksmm.jpg.html)

(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170110_19_52_37_Pro_zpsneru4s4x.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170110_19_52_37_Pro_zpsneru4s4x.jpg.html)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: greenweb on January 10, 2017, 05:32:48 PM
Nice! My new to me Red SSP is all apart and getting restored too. I have already sourced ash bucket I was missing. I will need to get some star nuts and the frame plugs but these are easy to get anyways. Lots of stuff to do on mine.

Good luck with your restore. Looking forward to the end result.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 10, 2017, 06:10:32 PM
Nice! My new to me Red SSP is all apart and getting restored too. I have already sourced ash bucket I was missing. I will need to get some star nuts and the frame plugs but these are easy to get anyways. Lots of stuff to do on mine.

Good luck with your restore. Looking forward to the end result.

Where did you find the ash catcher?  I've spent hours scrubbing mine.  Almost done, but it is a bear.  I am looking forward to seeing your finished product.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: greenweb on January 10, 2017, 06:41:20 PM
Nice! My new to me Red SSP is all apart and getting restored too. I have already sourced ash bucket I was missing. I will need to get some star nuts and the frame plugs but these are easy to get anyways. Lots of stuff to do on mine.

Good luck with your restore. Looking forward to the end result.

Where did you find the ash catcher?  I've spent hours scrubbing mine.  Almost done, but it is a bear.  I am looking forward to seeing your finished product.

Brand new one. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ash-catcher-assembly-p-1477085.html   Not sure if this is a new style or not.  I am getting mine from another member at a good price. Have no idea what condition. Hope it is good.

Ash bucket is aluminum. Not to worried about inside. Clean inside and out and polish outside. If the handle is rusted, pop it out and sand it down to a bare metal. Then paint high heat black or silver paint.  If that sounds too much, just buy a new one as shown. They are fairly cheap including the new ring. Might actually worth it to buy new for a nice restore.

Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 10, 2017, 06:51:17 PM
Nice! My new to me Red SSP is all apart and getting restored too. I have already sourced ash bucket I was missing. I will need to get some star nuts and the frame plugs but these are easy to get anyways. Lots of stuff to do on mine.

Good luck with your restore. Looking forward to the end result.

Where did you find the ash catcher?  I've spent hours scrubbing mine.  Almost done, but it is a bear.  I am looking forward to seeing your finished product.

Brand new one. http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ash-catcher-assembly-p-1477085.html   Not sure if this is a new style or not.  I am getting mine from another member at a good price. Have no idea what condition. Hope it is good.

Ash bucket is aluminum. Not to worried about inside. Clean inside and out and polish outside. If the handle is rusted, pop it out and sand it down to a bare metal. Then paint high heat black or silver paint.  If that sounds too much, just buy a new one as shown. They are fairly cheap including the new ring. Might actually worth it to buy new for a nice restore.
Thank you sir!  I have cleaned & polished the outside well.  The inside is a bear.  Got a lot of it clean, but the rest will not come out.  I'll show in the final pics.  I did sand down the handle, and I will paint with black high heat paint, as you suggest.  The lid, bowl, and ash catcher are almost 100% done.  I am ready to get going on the frame.  I miss cooking on it.  My other kettle is nice, but there is nothing like a performer.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: greenweb on January 10, 2017, 07:25:02 PM
Good luck with your frame restore. Post up your progress and ask any questions. There are lot of knowledgeable members here who can help. I am new to SSP restore, so yours and other SSP restore thread will help me restore mine.   Maybe I should start a thread to document my restore.   
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 10, 2017, 08:12:06 PM
Good luck with your frame restore. Post up your progress and ask any questions. There are lot of knowledgeable members here who can help. I am new to SSP restore, so yours and other SSP restore thread will help me restore mine.   Maybe I should start a thread to document my restore.

Start the thread!  It will be helpful for many who follow. 
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: SteveZ on January 11, 2017, 03:57:29 AM
@Foster Dahlet Good to see you are coming along with your restore! I noticed you used threaded rod on the bottom before. Is the metal strong enough to hold the star nuts? Just remember not to punch the star nuts in too deep, one inch of your bolt is taken up by the crossmember. I used 1/4 20 x 2inch Stainless Steel bolts for these. Looks like you got the star nuts from a cycle shop, they may have metric threads. I'll be looking for more Pictures. Sounds like its coming along GRATE!

Steve
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 11, 2017, 06:51:37 AM
@Foster Dahlet Good to see you are coming along with your restore! I noticed you used threaded rod on the bottom before. Is the metal strong enough to hold the star nuts? Just remember not to punch the star nuts in too deep, one inch of your bolt is taken up by the crossmember. I used 1/4 20 x 2inch Stainless Steel bolts for these. Looks like you got the star nuts from a cycle shop, they may have metric threads. I'll be looking for more Pictures. Sounds like its coming along GRATE!

Steve

Steve, thank you.  You will save me some time with your suggestions.  I am grateful.  I did use a threaded rod 7 or 8 years ago when one of the star nuts in the frame rusted and popped loose.  It has held up well.  But, now that the other side is loose, and there are several other issues to address, I decided to go with all star nuts this time and see how that works, because I wanted to keep it as close to original design as possible. I don't know if that is very practical.  We'll see.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on January 11, 2017, 07:04:52 AM
@Foster Dahlet - gummi's advice is solid.  My handle was loose when I guy mt SSP and I just waited until the handle eventually popped off.  It actually left a small hole in the lid which was perfect as a pilot hole for drilling through the lid then into the handle to install my bolts.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 11, 2017, 07:39:07 AM
@Foster Dahlet - gummi's advice is solid.  My handle was loose when I guy mt SSP and I just waited until the handle eventually popped off.  It actually left a small hole in the lid which was perfect as a pilot hole for drilling through the lid then into the handle to install my bolts.

Thank you, Mike.  I will follow yours and gummi's advice on the lid.  You both have given me peace of mind on that.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 14, 2017, 07:02:01 PM
Each side of the upper frame had a small crack in the tube.  I used a putty epoxy for them.  No photo of the epoxy, but it wasn't pretty.  I used too much.
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_12_16_58_Pro_zpsco3cnyxf.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_12_16_58_Pro_zpsco3cnyxf.jpg.html)

(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_12_17_08_Pro_zpsoyjhqukr.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_12_17_08_Pro_zpsoyjhqukr.jpg.html)

The lid is finished....
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_14_15_24_Pro_zps73wjbotz.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_14_15_24_Pro_zps73wjbotz.jpg.html)

The bowl is done. I patched 3 small holes with self tapping screws, washers and nuts. One patch is upper right of center, one is lower left of center. The third is behind lower right strap.  It does not impede charcoal grate.
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_14_15_56_Pro_zps0buzc0bv.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_14_15_56_Pro_zps0buzc0bv.jpg.html)

I used caliper paint, satin finish...
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_14_16_52_Pro_zpsqpjoqxq2.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_14_16_52_Pro_zpsqpjoqxq2.jpg.html)

Upper frame, finished
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_14_27_05_Pro_zps6q2rzjjd.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_14_27_05_Pro_zps6q2rzjjd.jpg.html)

Bowl, installed
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_34_44_Pro_zpssgssyf1t.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_34_44_Pro_zpssgssyf1t.jpg.html)

Done!
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_35_07_Pro_zpsfnonpiie.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_35_07_Pro_zpsfnonpiie.jpg.html)

I was a little over aggressive in shining up the ash catcher assembly
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_35_23_Pro_zps9axikk1o.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_35_23_Pro_zps9axikk1o.jpg.html)

You can see one of the small holes I plugged with a screw on the left,  I sanded and oiled all of the heat pox marks. 
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_35_34_Pro_zpsql9hlin1.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_35_34_Pro_zpsql9hlin1.jpg.html)

I used new star nuts to fix lower frame (pics are above in the thread).  They nuts fit in, without bulging the tube outward....perfect fit.  They take M6-1 bolt, either 45 mm or 50 mm will work.  I put star nuts about 1/4 in depth into the tube.
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_36_01_Pro_zpsmh0vvs0k.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_36_01_Pro_zpsmh0vvs0k.jpg.html)

My restored 14 year old SS Performer!  It is much sturdier now than it has been in years, and all the rust on the frame and basket has been addressed.  I hope to get a few more years out of this grill.  I know it is not the greatest looking grill in the world, and it is not the best restoration job in the world, but it is mine and I am glad I did it.  Thank you all who encouraged me and gave me advice.  I am grateful.
(http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q421/jfherring/WP_20170114_16_36_26_Pro_zpssegxcezh.jpg) (http://s350.photobucket.com/user/jfherring/media/WP_20170114_16_36_26_Pro_zpssegxcezh.jpg.html)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: greenweb on January 14, 2017, 07:23:14 PM
Great restore work! It looks fantastic.   Should last you lot longer than few years.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 14, 2017, 07:34:04 PM
Great restore work! It looks fantastic.   Should last you lot longer than few years.

Thank you, my friend!
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Mr.CPHo on January 15, 2017, 02:29:24 AM
Congrats  on a well done restore


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: charred on January 15, 2017, 06:34:37 AM
Bravo! That's a lot of work. Congrats and enjoy that classic beauty. SSPs rule, imo.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: kettlebb on January 15, 2017, 06:37:56 AM
Awesome job on your restore. You'll have many more years with that one.


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Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: SteveZ on January 15, 2017, 11:36:18 AM
@Foster Dahlet . That grill looks Great! Way to go brother!
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Foster Dahlet on January 15, 2017, 12:59:20 PM
@Foster Dahlet . That grill looks Great! Way to go brother!

Thank you, brother Steve.  And thanks to all who took the time to review and comment.  I am grateful.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: WNC on January 15, 2017, 02:17:13 PM
Wow, great job!
I bet it'll last a lot more than a few years
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: ClubChapin on January 15, 2017, 05:40:03 PM
Beauty.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Jon on January 15, 2017, 11:23:11 PM
That looks fantastic. I love the black SSPs. Great job.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: RottiGuy on January 16, 2017, 12:47:33 AM
Lot of work, great job!!
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: captjoe06 on January 16, 2017, 02:14:52 AM
Fantastic job.  And just think how many memories will be created using that beauty! Congratulations!


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Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Neil_VT00 on January 16, 2017, 05:11:30 AM
Great work bringing this one back to life!  The black/SS combo looks great.
Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: Travis on January 16, 2017, 04:30:03 PM
Cleaned up sharp. Nice work and great advise throughout.


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Title: Re: About to restore my SS Performer: Finished!
Post by: tspin818 on January 18, 2017, 07:06:49 AM
Fantastic Job, thanks for giving the old girl a new life!