Glen-Blue Imperial clean up and cook out

[MaxBobcat]

Big thanks go out to @5280Jeff for agenting this for me a few months ago.  I've been pretty busy at my job, so I've just been working on this on and off over the winter.

For the clean up...just did a standard scrape with a razor blade, plus a little degreaser and paper towels + elbow grease.  Scrubbed the vent and used a little metal polish to get it shiny.  The triangle and legs scrubbed up surprisingly easy with just some steel wool.  The wheels were rather rusty, but the tread was good, so I just soaked them overnight in a gallon bag filled with evaporust thanks to some advice from @Dale Benson .  Worked great.

This grill has clearly been used over the past 50+ years, and I knew I was going to cook on her, so I wanted to leave things as original as I could.

Here's some pics...



Some glen-blue overspray in the bowl...



This was interesting.  It was on the bottom of the bowl near a leg socket.  It appears (and feels) to be some red porcelain.  You can feel that it was cooked on at the same time the glen-blue porcelain was. 



Polished up Wood Dale vent



A big problem came up when I noticed that th ash pan did not have the wood dale type hooks that help it hang on the legs.  Luckily, I remembered seeing @Winz had this same problem with one of his old grills and contacted him to see if he could help.  He came though with flying colors and had his blacksmith buddy make some for me.  Wow!







Today, we finally got some decent weather after what feels like a month of sleet and snow.  The sun was shining so I knew it was time to give The Imperial her first cook in a long time.



Used some new beef rub on some 1/4lb patties.



Put about 3/4 chimney in there and let it warm up for a bit.  I got to use my new silicon gloves from the deal that @fedex posted since this has a metal lid handle.  I used my infrared thermometer to get a temp reading on the handle.  Yowza!  I can see why Weber quickly switched to Wooden lid handles.



Just a simple cook.  Baked tater and some burgers for the girl and me.



Here is a video of the cook:  https://instagram.com/p/0Q_bwBkXvK/

Ole blue did good and made some tasty burgers today!  Topped with blue cheese, provolone, and bacon.



Thanks to WKC and everybody that made this cook possible.  I'm happy I could save this grill and share it with a great bunch of guys that appreciate it as much as me.  Cheers!

[Troy]

That thing is sweeeeeet. So much character!!!!

I'm glad you finally got one too!
Mind If we add it to the gallery??

[WNC]

What a beauty! Glad a grill like that can still be used and loved, R-R-R!

[1buckie]

Tremendous !!!!

I notice there are @'s all the way thru this post......assistance is key in bringing the classics back to life & you did great !!!


Heckuva burger, too !!!!

[JDD]

Wow what a grill!!!

[MrHoss]

What a wonderful thing...and good to see a cook on her. The colour is mesmerizing.

[Hofy]

It is so nice seeing a battle scared old grill still getting used.

[5280Jeff]

Great cook Max!! and fantastic job on the clean up and restoration!

[Craig]

That is an awesome Glen! Nothing makes me happier than seeing a classic in action! I need one of these and a Chestnut.

[MINIgrillin]

Truly a national effort. Way cool!

[einrej]

Nice job on the grill, nice job grilling.

[jkolantern]

Looks great!  I must have missed the story behind this one but sounds like solid teamwork all around.

[jcnaz]

Great jobs by all ! Nice old grill.

[G$]

WOW.  Did not know you found that grail, Max.  What a terrific restoration and I am glad to see it in use. 

[Winz]

Max - congrats on bringing back a beautiful example of a Weber Wood Dale!  That is a truly amazing kettle.  Glad to see it in action, and happy the ash pan hooks worked out for you. 


Winz