Starting a new thread to capture some of the details and questions surrounding 26ers - past and present. This was picked up yesterday from a local seller. I will have better pics once I get it cleaned up. I would love to see various date-codes and details so we can get smart about when certain parts and pieces were used. There are a few older ones in the gallery that offer clues.
http://weberkettleclub.com/gallery/26-weber-grill-gallery/DE code - 2009. Has a taco, but not the current taco - it uses a welded strap. 8" whitewalls - so much better than the current wheels. Will look great with Koa wood handles. Not much cleanup required, but no time today. Should be a fantastic workhorse. Came with a deluxe cover and never-used baskets.
I guess I never noticed how the ash pan ring attaches to the 26 with the extra welded supports. Pretty clean solution.
Couple things I've learned about this one, and would appreciate confirmation or at least spirited discourse. The 26er was re-introduced in 2009, making this the first year for the modern era 26er. Before that, when was the earlier model discontinued? The new bolt-on taco handle was introduced in 2010, making the '09 welded handle with clip-in unique to this year. Maybe. Was this design used on any other kettle? The ash ring and bucket appear to be the same size as the 22.5, and needed the extra welded tabs inboard of the leg sockets. I believe they switched at some point to the normal leg spacing so they did not need the extra tabs. Is that right?
