I have a new to me 18.5 and in true form, immediately started looking at ways to mod it. Decided to slow down and enjoy it as it is until my knowledge base catches up.
Mine is code EE, 1999 so no hood thermometer or temp probe port. Those were going to be my first two mods, but I am holding off on both.
I did order a gasket kit, and did the notch mod to accommodate the wires from the remote thermometer I already had. I also have an instant read and a Meater+.
The hood hinge is on my short list as is making a better charcoal grate and basket (I have some skillz, and can weld up a new basked from expanded metal mesh.
Also going to add a second hood handle, like what you see on a 22, just to make the hood hinge easier to handle. I may make it myself since I can. I'll likely bend up a handle bracket and rivet it to the from edge of the hood. I am thinking of making two wood handles (so they match) in curly maple, or maybe purple heart to match the handles I made for my vintage tongs.
Made cool-touch extensions for the vents using stainless hardware and rubber test tube stoppers. Work great and cost me about a buck for each vent.
Bought:
A galvanized bucket with locking lid for charcoal.
A pair of good gloves.
An ash rake (I think it the BGE item), which wasn't really necessary
Looking at ATC's but I am waiting on that expenditure.
Short of that.. just have at it!