My copper SS performer project is very near completion. The modifications to date are as follows:
1. Disassembled a black SS perfomer
2. Sandblasted and powder coated the frame in gloss black
3. Installed a 2014 Weber Copper bowl and lid
4. Mounted a 700 degree pizza kettle thermometer in the lid
5. Changed out grey bale rollers for black
6. Extended the SS surface and installed a wooden cutting board (see modification steps here:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/applying-extenze-to-a-ss-performer-table/7. Relocated propane starter tank to the back of the frame
8. Installed a powder coated wire basket for storage
9. Painted the Weber logo in Copper
10. Installed new casters
11. Installed 8” steel wheels with painted copper rims and black tires
12. Mounted a TW8060 dual channel thermocouple to the frame using a c-clamp and swivel-head mounting unit.
13. Routed a 2200 degree ceramic fiber probe into the kettle using a fabricated mount to monitor kettle temp at the cooking grate. Second probe can be attached to the TW8060 to monitor internal food temp for long, slow cooks.
14. Replaced all existing hardware with stainless steel hardware.
15. Ordered Zav koa-wood handles for kettle lid and SS table (still to be installed)
16. Installed a Weber cooking grate with removable cast iron searing bars and hinged sides to allow for adding fuel while cooking.
Some pics:
This is the starting point after I had completed the extension of the SS table:
Completely tore the performer down, bead blasted and powder coated the frame in gloss black:
Installed a 2014 Copper Performer bowl and lid.
Note in the picture above, the bale rollers are black instead of the usual grey. I had ordered some replacements for Jocool and ordered some extras for myself. I like the black over the grey for this project:
One thing I do not like about the stock Performer is the propane tank hanging down at the front of the frame, so I decided to relocate it to the back, ditched the charcoal bin, and installed a powder coated wire basket to hold gloves, spices, knives, etc:
I wanted the copper theme throughout the grill, so I painted the weber logo:
I also replaced the stock 8" plastic wheels with steel wheels and solid rubber tires (using the existing axle), painted to match as well:
This is where it gets weird - due to my obsession with monitoring temperature while cooking, I devised a way to monitor temperature at the cooking level, at the kettle lid, and in the food, which is useful for long, slow cooks. I installed a 700 degree kettle pizza thermometer in the lid and a 2200 degree probe mounted in the kettle just below the food grate. I fabricated the mount and used one of the bolts holding the propane starter tube as my kettle mount:
The probe is routed through the other existing hole, run along the frame, and plugs into my thermoworks unit. There is another input for plugging in a food probe.
Completed project (minus the Koa Zav handles on order):
Of course, I had to make my OTG copper kettle match, so I blacked out the legs and installed 6" steel wheels painted copper. It is also getting new Zav handles:
The pair:
I am calling the performer "Bisbee" in reference to an Arizona copper mining town we use to visit when we lived in AZ. Thinking of calling the OTG "Jerome".
My total budget (less the price of the thermoworks unit) was about what you would pay for a new performer. However I think the extended SS table, powder coated frame, steel wheels, Koa wood handles, and all stainless hardware are all pretty significant upgrades when compared to a new copper performer. I think Bisbee has a very "clean" look to it as well. Because I can fold the extended table down by removing 1 bolt, I can also use the existing SS performer cover to keep it in good condition.
Winz