Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Mods, Tables and Customs => Topic started by: CharliefromLI on October 11, 2017, 04:16:32 AM

Title: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 11, 2017, 04:16:32 AM
Found this on the curb yesterday: (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/d429e29790854259e4c2e92a150d5a9d.jpg)

No doors, no flavorizer bars, no main igniter and center burner dislodged. The former owner was apparently filing with charcoal and using. once I reconnected burners it lit right up for me. Side burner lit with igniter first click!

I don’t need another gasser (I don’t use the one I have) To fully restore to sell isn’t cost effect based on parts prices.

What I can use is the side burner as a chimney starter. I am thinking of removing the cookbox all together and replace if with a flat tabletop for a prep station:

I could get a new piece of stainless to match the side tables.

I could get a piece of stone to make a heat safe space for chimney to cool after use.

I could replace with plastic cutting board for pure prep space.

For those who have made gassers into tables what was the easier way to connect side burner direct to tank once I remove the cookbox manifold?


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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on October 11, 2017, 05:44:47 AM
Seems like you could remove the main burner nozzles, plug them, then just use the side burner normally. Or get new fittings/hose to bypass the manifold, since you already have the regulator. I have *not* tried either method.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: dazzo on October 11, 2017, 07:03:30 AM
I'm in the process of doing the same thing, but with this...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/cd3a7724ea2b4ae25a423633665a8e30.jpg)

The hinges on the firebox snapped off so I don't feel too guilty about gutting it. Although I did toy with the idea of seeing if I could convince Weber to replace it for me   😀

Anyway, I have a formica top laying around.

I think I'm gonna cut a hole for the burner and drop it on it to make my BBQ island.

Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 11, 2017, 07:05:36 AM

I'm in the process of doing the same thing, but with this...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/cd3a7724ea2b4ae25a423633665a8e30.jpg)

The hinges on the firebox snapped off so I don't feel too guilty about gutting it. Although I did toy with the idea of seeing if I could convince Weber to replace it for me   [emoji3]

Anyway, I have a formica top laying around.

I think I'm gonna cut a hole for the burner and drop it on it to make my BBQ island.

You can find a donor firebox pretty cheap for that one...


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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: dazzo on October 11, 2017, 07:15:01 AM
Yeah, all the options have been running thru my head.

But the want for a $20 Genesis converted to an island is outweighing the need for a third gasser (red Genesis 3000 and a copper E-330), or a flipper. Trying to upgrade my cooking area.

I like the idea of a stone (granite?) top for yours. I think that would look really nice, if you could find a piece cheap enough.

Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: dazzo on October 11, 2017, 07:22:16 AM
And working through the gas setup, maybe just pull the right side knobs off, drop the manifold a bit if needed to clear the top.

They'll be inaccessible so they can't be turned on, and you could plug the burner holes for leak protection.

This way you won't have to modify the plumbing?

Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 11, 2017, 07:22:49 AM
I thought of plugging, but I may repurpose the propane manifold in a future NG/propane conversion of a different grill.


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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: dazzo on October 11, 2017, 07:40:40 AM

Thanks @CharliefromLI for letting me talk thru this!

And thanks @addicted-to-smoke for the using the existing setup idea. That's what I needed!

( I miss the preview button   ;)   )
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: SmokeVide on October 11, 2017, 11:11:54 AM
I've got a performer bowl, and was wondering if it could be mounted on one of the older gasser frames, if I drilled a couple holes in the frame. Anyone know the width (front to back) of the frames on the older gassers?
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: Bob BQ on October 11, 2017, 11:20:30 AM
I've got a performer bowl, and was wondering if it could be mounted on one of the older gasser frames, if I drilled a couple holes in the frame. Anyone know the width (front to back) of the frames on the older gassers?

Not without modifying the frame.  Here are a couple of sweet kettle-in-gasser-frame mods from @56MPG:

SJ:  http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/mod-month-official-master-thread!/msg134517/#msg134517

18 kettle or WSM: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/mod-month-half-baked-wsm-cart/msg245915/#msg245915
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: SmokeVide on October 11, 2017, 11:36:02 AM
Thanks Bob. Looks like it could be done. Gonna have to keep an eye out for a cheap gasser.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: jcnaz on October 11, 2017, 12:09:15 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6caf8a72b5f3730a4f3463c993c7af8a.jpg)

It can definitely be done!

I will look tomorrow to see what I did to delete the manifold.

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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 11, 2017, 12:10:45 PM

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6caf8a72b5f3730a4f3463c993c7af8a.jpg)

It can definitely be done!

I will look tomorrow to see what I did to delete the manifold.

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JC I wanted to tag you in my original post because I saw the ones you made, but was not able to. Glad you commented.


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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: 56MPG on October 11, 2017, 01:34:56 PM
Here are a few dimensions that may be useful:

A Genesis (1000-5000 style) frame is 18" wide - outside dimensions, and uses 1 1/4" square tubing, as do most Weber frames for Performers.

An 18.5" Platinum with Performer-style brackets sits in a frame that is 20 3/4" wide. Round tubing is 1 1/4" in diameter.

A 22.5" Performer has a frame that is 24 3/4" wide.

In all cases, the bolts are centered in the tubing. You can do the math. To drop an 18.5" into a Genesis, frame, you'll have to figure out how to add 2 3/4". You need 4 more" beyond that to drop in a 22.5" kettle.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: SmokeVide on October 11, 2017, 03:19:24 PM
Thanks @56MPG. Putting a 22.5 kettle in a Genesis frame could prove to be quite tricky. Might have to rethink my plan.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: LiquidOcelot on October 11, 2017, 10:00:16 PM
Thanks @56MPG. Putting a 22.5 kettle in a Genesis frame could prove to be quite tricky. Might have to rethink my plan.
I'm using a old wood panel genisis frame,  works perfect as a prep station. I cut out the frame where the ignition sits and I'm thinking about wedging a gas go anywear In the spot as a chiminey station it fits but it's tight some scraping will occur on the sides
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: bear on October 12, 2017, 04:13:28 AM
For me, the sharing of ideas like this are one of the best things about this forum.

I love awesome looking and practical mods. I want to build something in this arena, but I haven't finalized the idea yet. 

I like the simplicity of these (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171012/c5a62bc9f5849cd61adbbd24e96d3382.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171012/e7408bbcf6fe57cd69d9317849669f9a.jpg)
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: addicted-to-smoke on October 12, 2017, 06:04:37 AM
I'm with you, bear.

I'm currently suffering a mental block when I see old Genesis for sale. Usually, the darn grills still work and I can't then think of what I'd do with all the guts if I used just the table. But that sort of table with side burner is of course, the perfect compliment to a SS Performer.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: jcnaz on October 12, 2017, 06:23:58 AM
I'm with you, bear.

I'm currently suffering a mental block when I see old Genesis for sale. Usually, the darn grills still work and I can't then think of what I'd do with all the guts if I used just the table. But that sort of table with side burner is of course, the perfect compliment to a SS Performer.
Just go for it, A-T-S!

My table was a very complete Silver-C, it's only fault was a broken caster. I now have very few of the unused parts left in the bone pile. Most of them have been sent off to keep other old Geneys going.
[emoji6]

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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: jcnaz on October 13, 2017, 07:08:21 PM
@CharliefromLI ,I remember now!

I went to Ace, and got a couple of adapters to get the regulator and hose to connect directly to the side-burner.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171014/ac59ac0a7fe5d830184c52a7f0980a38.jpg)

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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: pbe gummi bear on October 13, 2017, 10:55:38 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6caf8a72b5f3730a4f3463c993c7af8a.jpg)

It can definitely be done!

I will look tomorrow to see what I did to delete the manifold.

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@jcnaz is that steel or aluminum plate?
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 14, 2017, 03:24:22 AM

@CharliefromLI ,I remember now!

I went to Ace, and got a couple of adapters to get the regulator and hose to connect directly to the side-burner.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171014/ac59ac0a7fe5d830184c52a7f0980a38.jpg)

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This is what I was looking for. Thank you!



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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: jcnaz on October 14, 2017, 08:30:21 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6caf8a72b5f3730a4f3463c993c7af8a.jpg)

It can definitely be done!

I will look tomorrow to see what I did to delete the manifold.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

@jcnaz is that steel or aluminum plate?

@pbe gummi bear , it is aluminum. I got it from the cutoff rack at a commercial metal supply.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: pbe gummi bear on October 15, 2017, 06:09:50 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171011/6caf8a72b5f3730a4f3463c993c7af8a.jpg)

It can definitely be done!

I will look tomorrow to see what I did to delete the manifold.

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@jcnaz is that steel or aluminum plate?

@pbe gummi bear , it is aluminum. I got it from the cutoff rack at a commercial metal supply.

That's pretty awesome.
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: lksdrinker on October 16, 2017, 01:45:07 PM
Well now.....maybe I wont be giving away that gasser that sat on my deck unused for more than a whole season!  Its not a weber, but maybe I can still use it for something after all.  Hey @CharliefromLI ...whereabouts on the Island are you?...I'm south shore in western Suffolk. 
Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: CharliefromLI on October 16, 2017, 02:44:53 PM

Well now.....maybe I wont be giving away that gasser that sat on my deck unused for more than a whole season!  Its not a weber, but maybe I can still use it for something after all.  Hey @CharliefromLI ...whereabouts on the Island are you?...I'm south shore in western Suffolk.

East meadow now.
Lake Ronkonkoma originally

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Title: Re: Convert Spirit 320 to table with chimney lighter
Post by: lksdrinker on October 17, 2017, 07:12:18 AM

Well now.....maybe I wont be giving away that gasser that sat on my deck unused for more than a whole season!  Its not a weber, but maybe I can still use it for something after all.  Hey @CharliefromLI ...whereabouts on the Island are you?...I'm south shore in western Suffolk.

East meadow now.
Lake Ronkonkoma originally

Join us: https://m.facebook.com/groups/658890557655154


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Dont use facebook much but I'll check it out!