One of the things we've all faced with these frames (and Performers are included) is the rusted out star nuts in the cross members. This frame was no exception, but I came up with an easy solution. Using a long piece of 5/8" threaded rod, I found that a 5/8" washer is the exact size to fit inside the tube, and center the rod when you replace it. Presuming the star nuts are gone, sandwich a washer between two nuts, making sure there is enough thread on the end to fit through the cross member and allow an acorn nut on the outside.
Place the entire rod into the tube, and thread another two nuts and a washer onto the other end the same way. See how it fits into the tube? Cool!
Once the frame is together, put a temporary nut on the excess end and cut to length. FYI - you will need to enlarge the holes in the frame for the rod, it's just a little bigger than the original.
Then just back the temp nut off, add the acorn nut (I used a sealing washer) and that's it! Solid as a rock.
I did not repaint the frame as it was in pretty good shape. I did replace all the hardware with stainless.
Working on the fire box and end panels now, but they are slow going. Might resort to media blasting if I can find someone local. Should come together quickly after that. I'm excited!
