A little back story. I posted on a topic here a couple of months back (it was a topic about 26ers) where I mentioned that we "peasants" cannot afford a new one.
@Cellar2ful (Jim) message me with "a remedy to my peasant situation". He had an older 26er that was nicknamed ZZ top (due to the top handle being slanted). It also was missing the back handle. He said if you want it, its yours. I immediately said of course I want it, but with him being about 6 hours away and my erratic work schedule (and the fact that my bugs power plant was on its way out the door), I wasnt able to pick it up. I would frequently PM Cellar, asking how ZZ is doing and that I am trying to find someone to grab it and agent it down to my area.
Enter
@varekai (Darin) and
@dazzo (Rick). Jim dropped off my faded 26er to Rick for safe keeping after he found out that Darin would be going up that way to pick up a Hibachi. Darin picked it up yesterday and just so happened to be going to a local restaurant right by where I live. Sadly, I would not be there because I was out of town with the family until I had to go to work @ 230pm. A couple of phone calls later and ZZ was delievered to a friends house, which at 11pm after I got off, I went and picked up. I stuffed it in my bug (which has a new, larger CCd engine now) and drove home.
I have since dismantled the rest of ZZ (Legs, wheels, etc) ans started the cleaning process. The bowl and top are immaculate, so its onto scrubbing the legs. I will probably paint the triangle black/gray, paint the white wall back onto the wheels, and will either find a back handle OR maybe put a bail on the back so i can hold the lid (after I weld up the holes where the old handle was) and order a new bottom grate and ash pan. I cant wait to cook on this one.
I want to give a HUGE HUGE THANK YOU!!!! to Darin, Rick, and of course, Jim (who gave me this beauty). I am very grateful for what you have done. I am happy kettle karma comes back, and I am sending some your way. Ill post pics of the dismantle and cant wait to cook on this. Ill have to break ZZ in with some ribs, dont you think?!?
To read Darins post, go here:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/a-shout-out-to-dazzo/