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Author Topic: Ranch Kettle Rehab  (Read 12839 times)

Bbqmiller

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Ranch Kettle Rehab
« on: March 28, 2013, 04:15:35 PM »
Since you don't find too much info on rehabbing a RK, I thought I would document my experience. Just started tearing her down. There is very little rust anywhere on the bowl, lid, and cart. I think she will look brand new when done.

Bowl and lid - you can see bright shiny porcelain where the gunk has peeled away in a few places. The bowl actually isn't that heavy, and it is easily maneuvered with one hand.


Bowl has a fair amount of dirt/dust in it. The rust is from the charcoal grate flaking off.


Ash bowl - just dirty


Other side of ash bowl


Three DO bottom vents - they weren't rusted shut.


Charcoal grate - good shape and not warped to any extent


Stainless steel grate - this is what will take some time. There is some rust, but the grate is worth saving and has a lot of life left - these cost $200 new.


One of lid rollers. As you can see these are a little larger than those found on the smaller kettles. I noticed that this one didn't spin freely. Once I got it off, the washer and nut had melted into the body. Got my hacksaw out and got them out. Sanded the end down to get s nice flat surface -,should work fine now.


I am hoping to finish it up tomorrow with a day off from work. Got some 000 steel wool - it sounds like that works good for making these kettles shine like new again.

Mike

Jeff

  • WKC Performer
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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #1 on: March 28, 2013, 04:45:04 PM »
Nice job so far Mike...I use 0000 steel wool on mine.  It won't scratch...only polishes the porcelain finish.  I use it on chrome as well!  Look forward to more pics!
Kettle collector AND cooker!

Golly

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #2 on: March 28, 2013, 04:52:20 PM »
looking forward to finished pics 8)
hurry up already ;D
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MartyG

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2013, 05:02:28 PM »
Very cool. That ranch is going to be amazing! I don't need one. I don't.

pbe gummi bear

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2013, 05:28:12 PM »
Very nice! How long have you owned it for?
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reillyranch

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2013, 05:30:27 PM »
That RK was seriously abused.  I'm glad you got it, I hope you can get it back to presentable condition.  Those are great for block parties. 

Duke

  • The Duke
  • Posts: 7968
Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #6 on: March 28, 2013, 05:49:37 PM »
Looks like a fun project saving an RK. I might have missed the thread, but you must have gotten a great deal on it.

bob hope

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2013, 06:42:51 PM »
NICE! I cant wait to see how it turns out.
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Heyjude

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #8 on: March 28, 2013, 08:24:11 PM »
I use a $10 Harbor Frieght grinder with a 4" brush wheel to clean up grates.
Works  grate!  8)
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NeoTrout

  • Smokey Joe
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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #9 on: March 29, 2013, 06:15:30 AM »
Looks like a fun project. I have one I'm gonna redo this spring.  8)
Steve
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Bbqmiller

  • WKC Ranger
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Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #10 on: March 29, 2013, 07:42:29 AM »
Here's the top vent damper before cleaning


Lid ready for cleaning


Lid after cleaning with dawn and 0000 steel wool - it doesn't look the same


See the clouds in the reflection


If the rest cleans up that good it will look almost new


MartyG

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #11 on: March 29, 2013, 07:46:16 AM »
LOVE that lid-after shot with the sky and bare trees and all. What a nice way to spend a day. Keep those photos coming!

mike.stavlund

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #12 on: March 29, 2013, 08:02:13 AM »
Nice work, Mike!
One of the charcoal people.

Kilted_Griller

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #13 on: March 29, 2013, 09:43:53 AM »
Nice work! I also found that a wire wheel on a drill works excellent for cleaning the grill grates.
"The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook"
   ~Julia Child

pbe gummi bear

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Re: Ranch Kettle Rehab
« Reply #14 on: March 29, 2013, 11:17:08 AM »
Very nice, Mike. I am excited to see how the grate turns out.
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