New toy!

[Winz]

I can't speak to what drilling will do to the value, but it's your smoker, customize it so that it will best fit for your needs.  I think if it was a C-code it would be more of a collector's item and you would want to be more cautious about modifying it.

All that being said, BBQ Guru sells a eyelet that fits through the screw holes.  Similar to @Hell Fire Grill but without needing to drill anything.  I have no experience with it, but it might be an option for you: https://bbqguru.com/storenav?ProductId=51

Agreed - no need to drill holes in your WSM to insert probes.  In addition to the option above, I have found that you can create the same thing using hardware from the plumbing aisle at your local hardware store.  Here is a shot on one I made.  It replaces the grill grate supports currently in your smoker. 





It is simply a brass flange with a collar nut.  The flange allows you to thread most probes into the cooker.  The collar nut keeps the flange in place and supports your grill grate.


Winz

[DonoBBQ]

Thanks guys! I took everything and finally decided I wanted atleast one hole.  I put a thermometer on the lid but kept it low enough to get a good idea on grate temperature.  All things considered it is an old smoker but I don't feel it's old enough to be preservation worthy. I did atleast "try" to keep it centered.  My first cook on it is a pork shoulder (dinner) and beef kabobs(lunch).

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

[TheDude]

@Winz what probes do you use? I have a Maverick 732 and the BBQ guru kit says they won't fit.

[Winz]

@Winz what probes do you use? I have a Maverick 732 and the BBQ guru kit says they won't fit.

All my probes at K type thermocouple. Thermoworks carries them.   Both of these will fit:

http://www.thermoworks.com/THS-113-173


http://www.thermoworks.com/THS-113-178


Winz

[LightningBoldtz]

Congrats!  It looks to be in real good shape.

Not sure about the appeal of the WSM, but I was just going thru. WSM section of the forum today to find more about it.  My naive thinking was that I can pretty much do any smoking just as well with my Weber 22" and my Akorn

Since I got my Akorn my WSM has gotten mighty lonely - and I used to use her frequently.  I may get in trouble for saying this but if you have an Akorn, you don't need a WSM 

I call for a life time ban..... 

I don't have an akorn but I do have a ceramic cooker and couldn't agree more.