Just Scored a Free Red SS Performer

[Brickout]

So a few days ago my wife shows me a picture of a red SS performer and asks, "Do you think it's worth anything?".

Here are the pic's



I ask about it and a friend of her brother was going to throw it out, so he took it. So I asked if I can have it and he said, "Sure, take it!".  So basically I just got a red 1998 (EZ) SS performer for free.

You can see from the pic's that the legs are bent. Apparently my mother-in-law hastily pushed it through the lawn and gravel to get it o the side of deck.

So I got it home and took some before pic's. As you can see, the frame is pretty bent.



Vent, code is EZ


Everything that came with it.


Inside the lid


The bowl



Some other details.

[Brickout]

So I started the tear down process.



Here's the bad news, the welds for the led to top frame are all cracked!



Here's my laundry list of parts I need to get:
- Handles - Just because I want those fancy wood ones.
- Wheels - Need all four (and hubcaps)
- Ash sweep system
- Ignition  - Need the whole thing.
- Tool holders
- Tube end plugs
- Ash catcher handle
- Lid hanger bushings
- All nuts & bolts

So I have some questions
1. For the ash sweep, do I need to get the original 7409, or can I use the new one? FYI, I managed to save the ash ring bracket.
2. What do you guys do about the propane tank. This one is well past expiration and I'm not about to drop $50 on a new tank.
3. Has anyone repaired a frame in this bad of condition? I have a friend that can weld.

[G$]

I love how they would not discard th owners guide, but let the grill go to pieces like that.  I am sure you will respect and restore!

[pbe gummi bear]

It's got good bones and the parts are all there. Good luck! about your questions:

1. You should try to get the 7409 ash sweep. The 7444 retaining washer is .040" thinner and wont take the ash support bar from the old ash catcher.  See this thread for more info: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/diy-old-style-one-touch-gold-ash-catcher-bar/ there are more though that are helpful

2. You can try to find a shop locally to fill it. If the frame is that rusty though I would be hesitant of the tank bits. I got a performer once and the tank leaked around the valve. You can also try to get it recertified but I dont know what that test entails.

3. If your friend can weld, thats your best option. Make sure to pay him in q. Some members have used L brackets as support instead and painted in black.

There are a few SS restoration threads out there:

Star nuts info: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/performer-frame-question/ (the short version, go to a friendly bike shop.)

Part numbers, owner's manual: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/part-numbers-for-the-stainless-steel-performers/

and: http://www.ereplacementparts.com/weber-821001-before-2000-touchngo-performer-grill-parts-c-193079_193086_193490.html

mikeinctown: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/cheap-find-but-need-help-with-parts/

mike.stavlund: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/the-reward-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow/

pbe gummi bear: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/

If there's anything else, just ask!

[Tom C]

That is a GREAT price.

[Bob BQ]

I'm working rebuilding a SS redhead performer myself...  good luck, and have fun!  By the way, that performer looks fast!   

[kendoll]

Nice price, and looks like you have fun times ahead.

Check out Golly's thread for some inspiration: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/one-of-my-holy-grail-grills-has-been-scored/

Ken

[Mmmmm]

What kind of welder is your friend? Welding very thin metal like that is a lot trickier than welding heavier steel. If he's not proficient at welding very light gauge metals take it to a good auto body shop. Those guys weld body panels all the time and I find they are better at welding thin metals than an actual full time welder often times.

[G$]

If i had a frame that needed help, I would be tempted to JBWeld it and add some l brackets.

[Chasing_smoke]

My performer had that same lean to it. I took a few L brackets around the frame  and it really helped it out. Actually yours is damn near identical to mine in terms of shape.  But it has life left in it for sure. Here's my clean up.




 "my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."

[Hogsy]

Great price and restore project
I'd love to rehab a SS Performer
I haven't seen that owners manual before, any chance you could post it on here?

[zavod44]

I guess I would say if you got it for free, $50 for the tank is not so bad.  Can you adapt the larger 20 Lb.tanks to these performers? If so I see guys all the time selling those tanks on CL for pretty cheap.  A guy in St. Charles is selling the 20 Lb. tanks for $12 a piece....

[kendoll]

Great price and restore project
I'd love to rehab a SS Performer
I haven't seen that owners manual before, any chance you could post it on here?

You want one?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Weber-Charcoal-Grill-OWNERS-GUIDE-cookbook-Recipes-color-photos-/330982798385?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d101cb431

Ken

[dazzo]

I guess I would say if you got it for free, $50 for the tank is not so bad.  Can you adapt the larger 20 Lb.tanks to these performers? If so I see guys all the time selling those tanks on CL for pretty cheap.  A guy in St. Charles is selling the 20 Lb. tanks for $12 a piece....

When I picked up my SS performer from CL, it actually came with a quick disconnect 20# tank. The previous owner didn't want to have to keep filling the little one. Although, I filled the little one and I'm still using it.

Not sure about adapters though.

[fat side down]

Free is good!
Can't wait to see the finished product!