Performer Silver converted to an 18.5 WSM cart

Started by gunner, January 31, 2015, 08:42:35 AM

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gunner

I have been wanting to convert my SS performer into a WSM cart similar to Winz WSM setup, but I don't really have the room for a full size cart. I recently found a really good deal on a Performer Silver and thought it would be a perfect size cart for my 18.5 WSM.

I forgot to take a picture after I assembled the cart (I didn't install the kettle obviously) you all prolly know what it looks like, but here is a stock photo anyways with the kettle and cart. The cart is super solid.


You can see how the bottom shelf/basket flares up. I needed to straighten it out so it was more of a flat shelf for the WSM to sit on so I just flipped it upside down and gave it some whacks with a rubber mallet and flattened it out.




I needed a solid base for the smoker to sit on so I cut out a square piece of wood, 1/2" thick, and spray painted it black with outdoor paint. I wanted to do a thick piece of metal as a base but it's expensive, so we will see how long this solution lasts in the elements! (kind of a terrible picture but you get the idea)


I put the flattened wire rack back on the cart, then the wood base after the paint dried, and here are the final results! I like the fact that I can open the WSM door no problem, the cart is not in the way.


You can see the grate is almost perfectly flush to the table.


The smoker is a lot more stable than I thought with just a piece of wood on top of the rack. I can wheel it around no problem and not worry about it tipping over at all. I will probably come up with something more permanent in the future (like a thick piece of sheet metal) but for now this will do!



And here is the smoker and performer with matching metal tables  ;D Overall I am very pleased with this setup. I really wanted a WSM cart so I could wheel it around easy and have a table to set meat down or whatever. This solves both problems. It's also a lot higher off the ground now so less bending over which is nice. Next I am going to order a Performer Silver cover which I think should fit perfect.


I'm going to test it out with 2 pork butts next weekend.  :o  Thanks for checking it out!

1buckie

That's downright zippy, right there !!!

Economy of space & looks just like a factory job.....

Great mod !!!!
"If you want it fancy there is BBQ spray paint at home depot for that. "
    Covered, damper-controlled cooking.....IF YOU PLEASE !!!
           "But the ever versatile kettle reigned supreme"    

Winz

Gunner - very creative mod!  That cart looks like the perfect size and even provides great door access from the front. The fact that you can use a Weber cover is a big plus.
Very well done!

Winz
In an ongoing relationship with a kettle named Bisbee.

Johnpv

Awesome mod, I may do the same at some point with my Performer silver cart.

CharliefromLI

Awesome project. For anyone who scored a silver during the recent Home Depot clearance this is an awesome idea.

Added bonus: find a beat up old kettle cheap on Craigslist for donor legs and use the kettle that came with the cart and now you have a standing kettle along with the WSM cart.

Double score.
Starting LineUp: Summit Charcoal Grilling Center, Ranch Kettle, Genesis E310, SJ Gold MiniWSM, the JETTLE,
Alumni: Performer Dlx, 22.5" WSM, 26" OTG, 18.5" WSM, 22" OTP

jcnaz

A bunch of black kettles
-JC

gunner

Quote from: Winz on January 31, 2015, 09:54:15 AM
Gunner - very creative mod!  That cart looks like the perfect size and even provides great door access from the front. The fact that you can use a Weber cover is a big plus.
Very well done!

Winz

You actually provided the inspiration Winz, so thank you!  ;D

SixZeroFour

Great job gunner - I love the "factory" look of it all. Perfect size too.
W E B E R    B A R - B - Q    K E T T L E

LightningBoldtz

I am not a collector, but I do have a small collection.
"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want"

Ted B

Now if I see one of those I have a really good reason to grab it. Great idea.

Red Kettle Rich

Looking for a RED 26" Kettle & a tabbed no leg RED 22" Kettle near STL. Copper Sam Adams SJ anywhere 8)

dwnthehatch

#11
I did the exact same thing to my WSM last night. Great minds think alike!

JDD

May The Smoke Be With You!

Jeff

Kettle collector AND cooker!

mike.stavlund

One of the charcoal people.