Wood Dale Fleetwood Restoration Complete (Pic Heavy)

[crowderjd]

First off, a big thanks to @harris92 for sending me some 26 inch fleetwood legs to complete this project.  It made a huge difference.  I love the cooperation of members here on the site.  She's sitting level, and ready for action this weekend! 

So, I wanted to do this restore right, and I cleaned the inside of the lid, as well as the bowl, and the &*%#ing ash pan.  (A project I may never do again).  Per @1buckie instructions, I cleaned the exterior with apple cider vinegar, rinsing it down thoroughly.  I also used the vinegar on the ash pan (as a last step) and the triangle.  I cannot believe how well it takes off light rust along with some 0000 steel wool. 

I used a razor scraper followed up with steel wool and soapy water for the interior of the bowl and kettle. 

As for the ash catcher...I followed the directions for ash pan cleanup here on the site.  Good Lord.  It takes patience.  I am committed to putting aluminum foil in the ash pan whenever I cook on it so I never have to do that job again.

Finally, I decided to use PAM to bring back much of its original black exterior.  I know some people would prefer the aged patina, but I finally decided to go through with it.  The splatter spots on one side of the kettle were too much for my anal retentive side, and I wanted it looking crisp.  I am curious how long it will last, but my back patio faces north and is nearly always shaded, so I don't think the sun will cause it to fade too quickly. 

So, here are the pics.  If you want to see the before pics, you can see what she looked like when I got her here:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/mlh-wood-dale-fleetwood/









Lid interior





This was about a week and a half ago...I thought I had it all ready, but Ereplacement parts sent the wrong legs...Don't get me started.









I still cannot get over how much bigger the 26 is than the 22s!  I can't wait to have some fun with it. 



And finally, my current lineup.  I have to be honest, barring something incredible coming my way (yellow) I think I"m done buying for a while.  I did a tally of how much I've spent this year on kettle purchases.  Minus stuff I've sold, it's been less than $400.  The stories, adventures, drives, people I've met, and work have been totally worth the cost of one new performer. 

All in all, love the Fleetwood, and I hope she's got another 54 years of life in her!

[SixZeroFour]

Fantastic job on a really sweet grill! Thanks for sharing!

... And don't give up on the ash pans

[firedude5015]

Awesome job, and amazing score!
A 26er is on my list.

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[crowderjd]

@firedude5015 Thanks, but I think your Ranch Kettle was the score of the year so far and would meet all your space requirements  

[firedude5015]

@firedude5015 Thanks, but I think your Ranch Kettle was the score of the year so far and would meet all your space requirements

Oh the ranch was an awesome score, but DAM that thing ia HUGE!...lol...it's a once or twice a year grill...haha..26er more versatile

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[WNC]

Wow man, that's like night and day vs. where you started. Looks great, especially on the ash pan. I always start a restore with the legs, ash pan, and triangle. I save the bowl and lid for last, cus I get the most joy out of that part.

P.S. You have a couple of grill I'm totally envious of (especially that '78 red you got rid of) now that wood dale is one the top of the list!

[Darko]

Looks fantastic. You did a great job.

[SmokenJoe]

You did a fantastic job on the cleanup of the ash catcher/ash pan.  Congrats.  She now really does look like a regal eagle.                                    SJ

[captjoe06]

Congratulations!   What a beautiful patio. 
I can only imagine how many times you've had to explain about your passion to people that just don't get it.  Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

[pbe gummi bear]

Great job! I really like how that mlh looks on those old 26rs

[harris92]

Great kettle AND line up.  Congrats Jason!

[Shoestringshop]

Very nice! You took the time and it was well worth it.

[Craig]

That Fleetwood turned out beautifully! I may have to try that Apple Cider vinegar on my ash pans. Nice lineup too!


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