Pimping my $40 WSM

[LightningBoldtz]

So a few weeks back I posted this awesome deal
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/sunday-afternoon-100-miles-2-5-hours-and-80-bucks-later/



Ever since I have been slowly modifying it.

It didn't come with a charcoal grate so I decided to fab on with a charcoal grate from an 18 kettle that I had and some expanded steel.

Weber version of this is $32 shipped, I spent about $6 in hardware.





Also threw on these wheels, although I am going to mod this more and to put the wheels out further because this it is a little top heavy, more on that when I am finished.



I have smoked on this once and the door leaked like crazy so I added some nomex gasket, not a purdy job but is should seal a lot better.





Finally I completed it with a thermo.



This has been a fun project and the fact that I paid $40 makes it easy to justify the mods.

One other mod, I was thinking of adding these handles to the mid section but I bought some different ones.

[Big Dawg]

Looks like the little Bullet found a great home.





BD

[swamprb]

These should fit the grate bolts without any drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Garage-Door-Lift-Handle-5020A11/202088362

[LightningBoldtz]

These should fit the grate bolts without any drilling.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-Garage-Door-Lift-Handle-5020A11/202088362

Cool I like that idea even better, thanks

[LightningBoldtz]

Thanks for the tip @swamprb I bought a set today, couldn't be happier.  now to the legs and building a slightly wider base so this is less top heavy.

[SmokenJoe]

@LightningBoldtz   As I recall, one of the members retro-fit his earlier WSM with a pair of current "wider" legs (incl the heat shield).  Lost my files in a PC Crash so you'll have to do a  search.
SJ

[crowderjd]

I love it...two questions that might help me with a project I need to finish...what gauge expanded steel is that, and what kind of washers etc did you use to attach the expanded steel to the grate?  Thanks!

[LightningBoldtz]

I believe it is 9 gauge 3/4 inch flat expanded steel from Grainger. About 16 bux for a 2 x 2 sheet.

Washers are zinc coated 1 1/2 inch with a 3/8 inch hole.

I am not sure if this is necessary but I soaked the bolts, washers, and nuts in vinegar and lemon juice to dissolve the zinc coating off them.  It worked great. 

[crowderjd]

Thanks!!