The Chief Returns!!!

[WNC]

Got a chance to clean up the old Chief the other day. If you'll remember he was in pretty rough shape after decades in the field. Original post below...
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/recent-warrior-score-needs-some-help-%28pic-heavy%29/

Now he will take his rightful place as leader among my collection and cook me pork butt tonight as his reentry into working kettleship!



His grate restored and rust free! I use the baking soda/vinegar method



Some nice spun lines



There were screws holding in the legs when I found him, so I replaced those with thumbscrews.
He was also missing a lower vent, and since I couldn't find a replacement small tab daisy wheel, I decided to replace all three so they would match. Given his other battle scars, I figured it was okay, (He's a cooker, not a looker)
Ash pan cleaned up too



One of the worse battle scars. Where once was rust, now is bacon grease. (that's what I like to use as rust prevention on my kettles)



Handles stayed on, but I try not to pick him up by them





I'll post pics of his pork butt cook over in the food forum.

Thanks for looking!

[Santo]

Looks great, nicely done sir.

[Craig]

Sweet looking Chief! I love mine too!

[Hell Fire Grill]

Coolest thing I seen all day!

[1911Ron]

Looks good, nice job!

[firedude5015]

Very nice. .jealous!  Great score.

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[Hogsy]

Love the restore. I'm going to check out his first cook

[Jon]

I hate to contradict, but that is a Looker and a Cooker. Beauty.

[JDD]

Nice job, love it.

[jcnaz]

Fully functional, and pretty too!

[weldboy]

Man if the chief could talk....

[Uncle JJ]

Hail to the Chief!  Super job on the restoration!

[Craig]

Hey @WNC I just realized this is one of the few 26ers ive seen outside of the 1972 catalog that has the plastic rims and old style rubber treads. Ive seen them on Sequoias but not actually on a 26 yet until now. Pretty sweet! Most have the later cross or "wafer" pattern treads. That most likely puts this one in 1970-71.

[WNC]

Thanks @Craig for the info. Yeah, I had noticed the other style wheels on other 26ers I've seen.

I tried to use the age guide to figure out the date, but there was a lot of info on there about wheel styles, and I wasn't sure which was which. I had it narrowed down to the early-mid '70s, but I don't think I was thinking that early.

Thanks again for weighing in!