Ranch Kettle Rehab

[Bbqmiller]

Since you don't find too much info on rehabbing a RK, I thought I would document my experience. Just started tearing her down. There is very little rust anywhere on the bowl, lid, and cart. I think she will look brand new when done.

Bowl and lid - you can see bright shiny porcelain where the gunk has peeled away in a few places. The bowl actually isn't that heavy, and it is easily maneuvered with one hand.


Bowl has a fair amount of dirt/dust in it. The rust is from the charcoal grate flaking off.


Ash bowl - just dirty


Other side of ash bowl


Three DO bottom vents - they weren't rusted shut.


Charcoal grate - good shape and not warped to any extent


Stainless steel grate - this is what will take some time. There is some rust, but the grate is worth saving and has a lot of life left - these cost $200 new.


One of lid rollers. As you can see these are a little larger than those found on the smaller kettles. I noticed that this one didn't spin freely. Once I got it off, the washer and nut had melted into the body. Got my hacksaw out and got them out. Sanded the end down to get s nice flat surface -,should work fine now.


I am hoping to finish it up tomorrow with a day off from work. Got some 000 steel wool - it sounds like that works good for making these kettles shine like new again.

Mike

[Jeff]

Nice job so far Mike...I use 0000 steel wool on mine.  It won't scratch...only polishes the porcelain finish.  I use it on chrome as well!  Look forward to more pics!

[Golly]

looking forward to finished pics
hurry up already

[MartyG]

Very cool. That ranch is going to be amazing! I don't need one. I don't.

[pbe gummi bear]

Very nice! How long have you owned it for?

[reillyranch]

That RK was seriously abused.  I'm glad you got it, I hope you can get it back to presentable condition.  Those are great for block parties. 

[Duke]

Looks like a fun project saving an RK. I might have missed the thread, but you must have gotten a great deal on it.

[bob hope]

NICE! I cant wait to see how it turns out.

[Heyjude]

I use a $10 Harbor Frieght grinder with a 4" brush wheel to clean up grates.
Works  grate! 

[NeoTrout]

Looks like a fun project. I have one I'm gonna redo this spring. 

[Bbqmiller]

Here's the top vent damper before cleaning


Lid ready for cleaning


Lid after cleaning with dawn and 0000 steel wool - it doesn't look the same


See the clouds in the reflection


If the rest cleans up that good it will look almost new

[MartyG]

LOVE that lid-after shot with the sky and bare trees and all. What a nice way to spend a day. Keep those photos coming!

[mike.stavlund]

Nice work, Mike!

[Kilted_Griller]

Nice work! I also found that a wire wheel on a drill works excellent for cleaning the grill grates.

[pbe gummi bear]

Very nice, Mike. I am excited to see how the grate turns out.