Mod Month - Why tilt when you can slide! Bisbee mod

[Winz]

Sometimes I really let Bisbee weather in the hot Arizona sun.  The result is the copper starts to get a patina, and if I let it go for long, it starts to look like the Statue of Liberty








Anyway - on to the mod...


One of the very few things I don't like about the Gen 1 Performer design is that you have to tilt the top panel to access the starter, charcoal, or anything else you have underneath.  That was the case with Bisbee:





Invariably, when I am getting ready for a cook, I will have things on the top table, which I will have to remove to another surface in order to light the coals or get my Thermopen out of the basket underneath:





I decided that I wanted a mod that allows me to access the gas starter, and all the things I store under the top without having to constantly move things off the copper top.  For a few dollars, I purchased a set of sliding hardware used for kitchen drawers (I even sprung for the "self closing" feature).  I did not want to drill holes in the copper top, so I used adhesive to attach the hardware to the underside of the copper top, and using shims, positioned the hardware so the top would stay even with the side rails.  The result is a mod that provides great functionality for me:














The key to this mod is alignment - you have to make sure the rails are exactly parallel with each other when you attach them to the top, otherwise the top will bind as you slide it back and forth.  This mod works well with the copper top, which is really heavy.  It would be perfect for a stainless steel top as well.


Winz

[Jon]

That is an excellent idea. Nice addition to a already great Weber.

[MINIgrillin]

I like it! Cool shot with the vortex on the bottom shelf. An accent of blue for the patina copper.

[Shoestringshop]

A Bisbee upgrade. Very cool! @Winz

[zavod44]

Fucking awesome, love love love the patina

Sent from my Moto Z force Droid

[Darko]

That is f'n fantastic. I would buy an SS performer just to do that mod.

[Troy]

ermagerd. i love the patina as well

and what a kickass mod!!!
I'm surprised you didn't flip the panel so the little handle would be on the right. It'd give you more surface area to work with.

[Troy]

Also - where'd you get the basket? the charcoal bin in mine is constantly falling out (from a 'stretch' mod). Plus it's always full of spiders :\

[Winz]

I'm surprised you didn't flip the panel so the little handle would be on the right. It'd give you more surface area to work with.

Yep, I thought about that (after the adhesive had already dried).  I not only would have had the handle on the right, I would have mounted it on the bottom side so it would be completely out of the way.  May still do it if I can find a tasteful way to cover the existing hole mounts.


The basket is a replacement for a yeti-type ice chest.  You can find all different sizes on Amazon.


Winz

[Mr.CPHo]

Great mod and love the patina the copper's developing!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[Neil_VT00]

Such a great idea and clean execution!  Brisbee is getting better and better with age...

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Wow, this is genius!!!!  My coal bin has become a catch all, but mostly things I need to start a cook.  I make sure there is nothing in there I will need during a cook because I will have to move too many things to get in there.  I love the weathered look of your copper!!! 

[56MPG]

Always inspiring. Love your ongoing affair with this grill Winz. Does your wife know?

[Ted B]

It just keeps getting better!  Such a beauty!


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[charred]

yeah that's pretty genius!