This acquisition was orchestrated by The Godfather himself, JEBIV, and secured by a grate Grillfella, Jon Tofte.
I love kettle road trips and was undaunted by the 10 hour drive down to South Florida to pick up the Ranch from Jon. After being stuck in the house for so long, it was really nice to get out and stretch our legs. 1400 easy miles there and back with the wife and dog, a cooler full of drinks and snacks, cheap gas, and beautiful weather, it was a great trip.
Upon closer inspection, the Ranch is in really good shape. Some cancerous rot on the back handle, but otherwise intact and solid. I fixed the caddywhompus legs immediately, and straightened out the triangle spokes and axle while disassembled. I also had to pound out a mildly indented leg socket to level out the gangster lean.
I am sorry for the terrible pictures, it’s been gloomy weather here lately. But you know as soon as the weather cooperates, I’ll be dragging out all my “little” Webers to take better photos with this vintage mothership.
Big thank you to both Joe and Jon. The mothership is absolutely stunning and I’m so grateful to both of you.