Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Brickout on August 08, 2013, 12:35:50 PM
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So a few days ago my wife shows me a picture of a red SS performer and asks, "Do you think it's worth anything?".
Here are the pic's
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/IMG_20130804_182141_115_zpsd0180eb5.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/IMG_20130804_182206_661_zps01efc83a.jpg)
I ask about it and a friend of her brother was going to throw it out, so he took it. So I asked if I can have it and he said, "Sure, take it!". So basically I just got a red 1998 (EZ) SS performer for free.
You can see from the pic's that the legs are bent. Apparently my mother-in-law hastily pushed it through the lawn and gravel to get it o the side of deck.
So I got it home and took some before pic's. As you can see, the frame is pretty bent.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150236_zps70a51402.jpg) (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150243_zps3326a974.jpg) (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150252_zps58f5ab2b.jpg) (http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150308_zpsfeb2b798.jpg)
Vent, code is EZ
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150335_zpsd6b18d23.jpg)
Everything that came with it.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150536_zps649a2822.jpg)
Inside the lid
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150355_zps7dfc1b2e.jpg)
The bowl
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150556_zpsc1693e1b.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_151606_zps3c3f9066.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150703_zps684318d7.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150757_zpscc84c82f.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_160541_zps8db11f53.jpg)
Some other details.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150609_zps145bbc2d.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150620_zps53ae0fbc.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150642_zpscce71ff8.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_150740_zps49f9a38b.jpg)
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So I started the tear down process.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_155910_zps4839820d.jpg)
Here's the bad news, the welds for the led to top frame are all cracked!
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_155938_zps36b0c9b0.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130806_155944_zps6e81197a.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130807_151816_zps0c576c09.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130807_151834_zps22e323eb.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130807_151856_zpsa477be15.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130807_151933_zps18dc7424.jpg)
Here's my laundry list of parts I need to get:
- Handles - Just because I want those fancy wood ones.
- Wheels - Need all four (and hubcaps)
- Ash sweep system
- Ignition - Need the whole thing.
- Tool holders
- Tube end plugs
- Ash catcher handle
- Lid hanger bushings
- All nuts & bolts
So I have some questions
1. For the ash sweep, do I need to get the original 7409, or can I use the new one? FYI, I managed to save the ash ring bracket.
2. What do you guys do about the propane tank. This one is well past expiration and I'm not about to drop $50 on a new tank.
3. Has anyone repaired a frame in this bad of condition? I have a friend that can weld.
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I love how they would not discard th owners guide, but let the grill go to pieces like that. I am sure you will respect and restore!
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It's got good bones and the parts are all there. Good luck! about your questions:
1. You should try to get the 7409 ash sweep. The 7444 retaining washer is .040" thinner and wont take the ash support bar from the old ash catcher. See this thread for more info: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/diy-old-style-one-touch-gold-ash-catcher-bar/ there are more though that are helpful
2. You can try to find a shop locally to fill it. If the frame is that rusty though I would be hesitant of the tank bits. I got a performer once and the tank leaked around the valve. You can also try to get it recertified but I dont know what that test entails.
3. If your friend can weld, thats your best option. Make sure to pay him in q. Some members have used L brackets as support instead and painted in black.
There are a few SS restoration threads out there:
Star nuts info: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/performer-frame-question/ (the short version, go to a friendly bike shop.)
Part numbers, owner's manual: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/part-numbers-for-the-stainless-steel-performers/
and: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/weber-821001-before-2000-touchngo-performer-grill-parts-c-193079_193086_193490.html
mikeinctown: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/cheap-find-but-need-help-with-parts/
mike.stavlund: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/the-reward-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow/
pbe gummi bear: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/
If there's anything else, just ask!
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That is a GREAT price. 8)
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I'm working rebuilding a SS redhead performer myself... good luck, and have fun! By the way, that performer looks fast! ;)
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Nice price, and looks like you have fun times ahead.
Check out Golly's thread for some inspiration: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/one-of-my-holy-grail-grills-has-been-scored/
Ken
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What kind of welder is your friend? Welding very thin metal like that is a lot trickier than welding heavier steel. If he's not proficient at welding very light gauge metals take it to a good auto body shop. Those guys weld body panels all the time and I find they are better at welding thin metals than an actual full time welder often times.
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If i had a frame that needed help, I would be tempted to JBWeld it and add some l brackets.
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My performer had that same lean to it. I took a few L brackets around the frame and it really helped it out. Actually yours is damn near identical to mine in terms of shape. But it has life left in it for sure. Here's my clean up.
(http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac208/Mbromleyphoto/null-110.jpg)
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Great price and restore project
I'd love to rehab a SS Performer
I haven't seen that owners manual before, any chance you could post it on here?
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I guess I would say if you got it for free, $50 for the tank is not so bad. Can you adapt the larger 20 Lb.tanks to these performers? If so I see guys all the time selling those tanks on CL for pretty cheap. A guy in St. Charles is selling the 20 Lb. tanks for $12 a piece....
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Great price and restore project
I'd love to rehab a SS Performer
I haven't seen that owners manual before, any chance you could post it on here?
You want one? :)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weber-Charcoal-Grill-OWNERS-GUIDE-cookbook-Recipes-color-photos-/330982798385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d101cb431
Ken
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I guess I would say if you got it for free, $50 for the tank is not so bad. Can you adapt the larger 20 Lb.tanks to these performers? If so I see guys all the time selling those tanks on CL for pretty cheap. A guy in St. Charles is selling the 20 Lb. tanks for $12 a piece....
When I picked up my SS performer from CL, it actually came with a quick disconnect 20# tank. The previous owner didn't want to have to keep filling the little one. Although, I filled the little one and I'm still using it.
Not sure about adapters though.
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Free is good!
Can't wait to see the finished product!
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Very nice pick up for free.
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Wow guys, thanks for the outpouring of advice and support!
So I've been very busy since my my last post. Let me get everyone caught up.
So I ground off all the rust and coated everything in navel jelly. Here's everything all cleaned up.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_172318_zps81875b67.jpg)
Some parts carnage.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_172353_zpsc2282f4e.jpg)
Ash pan before...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_172258_zps307decdc.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_172309_zpse1ba903b.jpg)
Ash pan restore in progress...
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_174259_zps1e7e85e5.jpg)
I came up with an ingenious way to clean up the axle. I chucked it up in a drill, then clamped the drill in a vice. Turned on the drill and hit the axle first with a file to knock most of the rust off. Then various grits of sand paper, then steel wool.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130808_104831_zpsf003caf7.jpg)
Finally I coated it in gloss clear.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_124716_zpsf6f03bbb.jpg)
Here are some shots of the ash ring support cleaned up and coated in rust neutralizer.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130809_100541_zps13c4fbad.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130809_100548_zps78a31d16.jpg)
Leg support tabs re-welded, they may not be pretty but they'll hold.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_170306_zps849a6973.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_170312_zps3f3005af.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_170316_zps462686ff.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_170320_zps24851d64.jpg)
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looks like it is coming along nicely!
Ken
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Wow
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Frame and other parts cleaned up and coated in rust neutralizer.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_174430_zps6f7e73f4.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_174435_zpsf2302a33.jpg)
Then everything was coated in rust reformer primer.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130812_195348_zps8606f241.jpg)
Some of the parts required a little block sanding and glazing putty.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130813_171048_zps11b0505f.jpg)
Those parts then got a coat of sandable primer.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_143244_zps1225fd2a.jpg)
All of those parts were wet sanded and the finally...PAINT!
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130813_161310_zpsb4bae799.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130813_161317_zps2f5130fc.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_154137_zps2d996826.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_154141_zpsb40a17ad.jpg)
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Brickout sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. It's really sad when these are left in such disrepair. I mean this is about the worst one I have ever seen. I am so glad it's going to be brought back to it's former glory. It really warms my heart to see you restoring that classic smoked red performer. Please keep posting the progress.
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Some more parts cleaned up and ready for reassembly.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_161905_zps9895eed3.jpg)
All new stainless hardware and new wheels.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_162240_zpse7d0308f.jpg)
New cooking grate.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_162411_zpsd59e12bc.jpg)
Some new OEM Weber parts
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_153652_zps1efe46cd.jpg)
A little custom touch to the Weber badge.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130814_164029_zps6ccc0d67.jpg)
Here are all the primers and paints I used.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130813_172706_zpsa1a67ad1.jpg)
Almost completely assembled.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_174933_zpsa8fd93c1.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_174955_zps51a39f6a.jpg)
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_175002_zps87bc0713.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_175031_zps07456c8a.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_175039_zpseaa0ae62.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130815_174945_zps64f9da0a.jpg)
More tomorrow!
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Looking good! Awesome save!
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Damn! You don't waste any time do you!?!?;)
Looks good!
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SPEECHLESS.
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Talk about from Zero to Hero! That looks incredible! 8)
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That's really incredible. You hit a grand slam there. Thank you from one weber fan to another for saving a gem.
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You got the restoration of of the year perhaps. Looks fantastic.
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Are you sure that's the same grill? ;)
Fantastic effort mate!
Ken
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Wow, that's one helluva job!
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Total Wow factor, outstanding job.
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Thats a great restore.. Many would have just written it off..
Those Reds really shine.. 8)
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You do great work :o, Fantastic save!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Well done! That looks awesome!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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You should get a golden WKC rescue restore respect patch for this save
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Unbelievable. That is a lot of hard and smart and careful work. And what a prize you get for all of it! That is a gorgeous SS.
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Beautiful restore!
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Awesome rehab! It's hard to believe its the same grill. Just amazing!!
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That does not even look like the same grill.
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Nice work on the restoration! I've got to ask what kind of welder you are using. (I just got a Hobart Auto-Arc 130 but I have to get some practice with scrap before I tackle a real project.)
My SS performer is getting a little loose. The frame design is really not very good. (The frame on my Sequoia is even worse, relying on tension from carriage bolts to hold it square.) I would be inclined to weld the joints and add some triangular braces to hold it square.
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Now THAT is what I call a restoration! And a rescue. Respect!
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Awesome restoration job!
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That is an amazing job. You spent alot of time on that grill and it shows! Now look what you have! A super nice red Performer that anyone would be happy to have. Thats the definition of respect, restore, and re-use. Great job. Too bad you can't get a small piece of Weber Kettle Club swag for a job well done. Did you break it in yet?
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Great idea Jeff! All I need is an address and a patch is on the way. Brickout, send me a PM and we'll work it out.
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Great idea Jeff! All I need is an address and a patch is on the way. Brickout, send me a PM and we'll work it out.
Marty send him one of mine. Seriously. On me.
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Deal. Soon as I get an address it's on the way.
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Thanks for all the complements guys!
Nice work on the restoration! I've got to ask what kind of welder you are using. (I just got a Hobart Auto-Arc 130 but I have to get some practice with scrap before I tackle a real project.)
My friend used an arc welder and did stainless welds, that's all I know. What I do know is that my friend who is an experienced welder had a bitch of of a time welding this thin metal. If I were to do it again I'd take it to a body shop or a welding shop.
Jeff, MartyG, and edhead35, Thanks! I never thought I'd get patch out of this project!
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Here are the final photos, shes all back together!
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160431_zpse280b432.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160444_zps8341c33d.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160452_zps6e0ab612.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160504_zps638e11af.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160521_zpse55d24a7.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160630_zps1446789c.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160645_zps4c886a76.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160700_zps93da4e88.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160707_zpsf95a766d.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160826_zps0149e203.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160901_zps919bbf8f.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160908_zps98f08cfd.jpg)
Got this idea from another member here. Put thread protectors on the shelf ends.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160534_zps3941039a.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130816_160720_zps2204b534.jpg)
The handle welds were getting a little loose, so I added some stainless screws and cap nuts to keep it from coming off completely.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130818_162608_zpsef683ae8.jpg)(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130818_162612_zpsdb38935d.jpg)
And I broke her in tonight with some chicken breasts.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20130818_174202_zps5dc2a907.jpg)
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Brick that is top notch work! You have set the bar high on SS restores for sure!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
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Absolutely beautiful. Just wow! You really breathed new life into this beauty and gave her the make over she so much deserved. Job well done, you have one beautiful grill there that I am envious of ;)
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That's a great job Brickout! A+++!!!
(http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/thats-good.gif)
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Nice work and now you have a great cooker. Did you try getting the tank filled? That looks like the old style valve. I had to pay for a replacement valve on mine and then they charged $17 for the fill so the total was about $45. ??? I suggest you shop around. My Ace quoted $5 to refill that size tank and maybe they can even replace the valve and hydro-test the bottle.
I'd give the rusty spots around the handle and bowl a shot of Pam to protect from further rust. It should cure like the seasoning on cast iron and provide some protection.
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Ya know, it's almost a year ago I got this grill, the joy of using it has not worn off one bit. I fact, it gets better every time I use it. I have the biggest smile every time I use it. Sometimes I just look at it with the biggest sense of pride. It has to be because I put all all that work into it.
A few pic's from Memorial day.
Family pic.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20140523_165836_zps60e9c111.jpg)
Some BBQ chicken and corn.
(http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z304/Brickout/Weber/20140526_171334_zps6c798fdc.jpg)
I LOVE THIS F'ING GRILL!
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Yea !!!
Well worth the work, eh what?
Nice Cookup on an extra nice machine !!!!
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Just seeing this for the first time. WOW, great work! Congrats!
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Awesome work!!
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Looks like new, great job!
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Stunning!
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great work! she looks incredible!
i'm going to be referring to this thread a lot for all the links provided at the start. i have a couple SS perfs that need some lovin'.
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Great work on the rebuild!
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Really pretty amazing what you did to that grill. It is sure to become a family heirloom.