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Author Topic: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?  (Read 3209 times)

tb80

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 713
What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« on: March 06, 2016, 11:27:45 AM »
I picked up an 18.5" OTS for free. It is nothing special and only a few years old. The ash sweep is rusted open and immovable and both grates are rusted out. The kettle body itself and the legs are in good condition.  I don't really need it as I already have a Jumbo Joe and multiple other Webers. I also don't want to sink $45+ into new parts for it. I literally only have it because it was free.

Any suggestions for what to do with it?  I am open to ideas.


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Looking for Blue Mastertouch or Blue Performer. 

Currently have: Performer (Green); 22.5 Mastertouch (Red); 26.75 OTG;  22.5 WSM; 18.5 WSM; Jumbo Joe; SJS (Green Uline); SJG (used for Mini WSM); Blue SS Performer; Blue MBH; Summit

jkolantern

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 649
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2016, 01:34:11 PM »
Dedicated high heat cooker?

charred

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2291
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2016, 01:54:53 PM »
fire pit.....gift to relative/friend....
hopelessly, helplessly, happily addicted to a shipload of Webers

CharliefromLI

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 740
    • Long Island Weber Club
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2016, 04:22:09 PM »
Frozen sweeps aren't usually from rust, it's from old ash and grease which harden like concrete. Spread dish soap over the entire bowl and sweep above and below bowl. and let sit overnight to cut grease.  If there is is ash and g awe inside blocking sweeps start removing with a putty knife. Those sweeps will free up.
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

swamprb

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2396
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2016, 04:27:54 PM »
start a Weber boneyard
I cook on: Backwoods Gater, Lang 36, Hunsaker Smokers, Pellet Pro 22" WSM, BGE's, WSM's, Cajun Bandits, PK Grills, Drum Smokers, Genesis Silver C, Weber Q's, Cookshack 008, Little Chief, La Caja China #2, Lodge Sportsman...oh yeah! Weber Kettles! Kamado restoration and pit modification hack!

pbe gummi bear

  • WKC Mod
  • Posts: 9059
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2016, 04:36:06 PM »
Frozen sweeps aren't usually from rust, it's from old ash and grease which harden like concrete. Spread dish soap over the entire bowl and sweep above and below bowl. and let sit overnight to cut grease.  If there is is ash and g awe inside blocking sweeps start removing with a putty knife. Those sweeps will free up.

This is sound advice. Most OT sweeps that don't turn can be freed up with soaking or with heat. This is only worth it if the sweeps itself aren't shot. Is it the new OT style with the H clip? If so, it will be easier to disassemble. If you get it freed up see if you can give it to a friend. They'll be cooking after purchasing a $15 grate. Or give it to a local church or boy scout troop.
"Have you hugged your Weber today?"
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iCARRY

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1113
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2016, 04:42:01 PM »
Grow some hot peppers in it


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tb80

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 713
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2016, 05:08:59 PM »
Good ideas guys. Thanks for input. I will try the dish soap sweep idea. It does not have the h clip and I broke off part of the bolt holding the sweep arm when I was messing with it. I would like to pass it on but would like to fix it first.


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Looking for Blue Mastertouch or Blue Performer. 

Currently have: Performer (Green); 22.5 Mastertouch (Red); 26.75 OTG;  22.5 WSM; 18.5 WSM; Jumbo Joe; SJS (Green Uline); SJG (used for Mini WSM); Blue SS Performer; Blue MBH; Summit

bear

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 890
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2016, 07:26:19 PM »
Buy yourself a new OT system for one of your other 18's and swap that grill's OT system to the freebie.

pbe gummi bear

  • WKC Mod
  • Posts: 9059
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2016, 11:05:53 PM »
Good ideas guys. Thanks for input. I will try the dish soap sweep idea. It does not have the h clip and I broke off part of the bolt holding the sweep arm when I was messing with it. I would like to pass it on but would like to fix it first.


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Try pouring boiling water or a hot charcoal over the pivot. The heat will usually free them up. No need to spend money on the sweeps of the blades aren't broken.
"Have you hugged your Weber today?"
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Cochise

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 325
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #10 on: March 10, 2016, 06:23:45 PM »
1.) Put it on Craigslist for $20
2.) When sold....put cash in piggy bank
3.) Use cash to buy something better on Craig's from someone who doesn't collect Webers
SMOKE THIS!!

tb80

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 713
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #11 on: March 10, 2016, 06:39:38 PM »
All good ideas. Thanks.


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Looking for Blue Mastertouch or Blue Performer. 

Currently have: Performer (Green); 22.5 Mastertouch (Red); 26.75 OTG;  22.5 WSM; 18.5 WSM; Jumbo Joe; SJS (Green Uline); SJG (used for Mini WSM); Blue SS Performer; Blue MBH; Summit

SmokenJoe

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2734
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #12 on: March 10, 2016, 08:56:26 PM »
@tb80   Hope I'm not too late to add my $0.02.   Clean it as best as you can   ...   the cleaner it is the MORE kettle Karma will befall upon you.  When finished, donate it to someone in your family, neighborhood, workmates, etc.   and get them on the road to "outdoor cooking".               
"Too Beef, or Not too Beef" ...

Looking for Dark Blue MBH 22", Dark Green MBH 22", Yellow MBH 22", Glen Blue MBH 22", Avocado MBH 22".

varekai

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1932
Re: What to do with rusty 18.5" OTS?
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2016, 11:14:23 AM »
I also picked up my 3rd 18" kettle..the guy told me it was a 22", but bought it anyway, $10 Why not? right? anyway, thinking about it on the way home I decided to use 2 of the lids and make outdoor lights for my patio. Either over my picnic table or over my grilling area. Havent done it yet but will keep you posted.
CGA,GGA, jumbo joe, 3-18" kettles,22" blue,green,yellow and 2 reds, 1-22" lid mod for pizza, a genesis silver,2 Red SS Performers,2 26ers,1 red, 1 chief and a Ranch Kettle.