My 1st rescue...1991 SS Performer Red

[magonzo]

I was browsing CL for free stuff and clicked on a link for a shed. In the background of the pics I saw a Performer covered with yard debris and leaves. I asked the poster if he was interested in getting rid of it and he said yes.  I picked it up on Tuesday and have been cleaning it up since.

Overall it is solid. The kettle is a bit rough, but still shines up and it cleaned up well. I replaced the ash bowl, ash sweeper, grates, thermometer, burner tube, and I have a new style regulator on the way.

The biggest issue is that the welds on the lid handle seem to be a bit weak. You can feel the handle bend a little when you lift the lid.  Any suggestions, other than a new lid once the welds completely fail?

[magonzo]

It is also missing the charcoal bin, not sure if I want it or not.

[Harbormaster]

I have had handles like that before.
I took the wood handle off and drilled through the flanges where the handle strap is welded to the dome. Find an appropriately sized stainless button head bolt, fender washer for the inside of the dome, lock washer and nut or jam nut. Bolt it all together. May not be original but it keeps the Webers working.

[tb80]

Looks good. Great clean up and restore. 

[Jon]

Tough to come up with a charcoal bin unless you find a trashed SSP with a not-trashed bin, but that empty space underneath could be very useful. Mount an appropriately sized tray under the SS lid, install drawers underneath, shelves...could be very cool. It is still a nice old grill.

[Travis]

Good find!

[captjoe06]

Very nice.  Did you opt for the stainless grates?

[magonzo]

Thanks for the comments. I may try the handle tip that Harbormaster recommended. I put the standard grates that they sell at Taylor's Do it Center. 

Today will be the first cook, good old Chiavetta's chicken.

i did find four coal bins online so I may buy one. 

[mike.stavlund]

Congratulations!  This is a gorgeous example of what is in my humble opinion the pinnacle of Weber design.  Love the SS with all my heart.

Sorry to hear that the handle is failing... that's a real bummer.  I would also recommend the careful addition of some fasteners to hold it on.  That's the way my red SS was modified.  Not a satisfying conclusion, but it's better to make the repair sooner, before the handle comes lose and your lid hits the ground. 

[magonzo]

The charcoal bins I found online  are only for the no GA models.

[magonzo]

Thanks Mike!

[magonzo]

Does anyone know the function of the wide SS hook on the right side of the frame? It is on the hinge side of the door.  It is visible in the second pic above.

[Ted B]

Does anyone know the function of the wide SS hook on the right side of the frame? It is on the hinge side of the door.  It is visible in the second pic above.

That's for hanging the grate while lighting the charcoal. Very nice pickup!

[magonzo]

Thanks Ted, makes sense.

[Maxmbob]

Nice job on the clean up.

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