Taking apart SS Performer help?

[vader06]

Any suggestions on how to remove the kettle from the frame with the pesky locking bolts?  Also I can't seem to find the thread on the leg connector pieces with the nut inside on both ends.  I am looking for the nut that the bolt screws into in order to attach the leg connectors back to the rest of the frame? 

[Heyjude]

Locking bolts? The Kettle is attached with easy to remove nuts and bolts. Nothing that 2 wrenches shouldn't easily handle. A socket wrench is faster. As for he frame connector, thats a 1/4x20, (As most all the hardware will be.) but if the insert is broken or rusted out, (As most are) you will need to repair it. Look for repairs done by a few other members. There is tons of info on rebuilding these. Of course, pics will help us guide you. You can use Photobucket to host your pics. Its FREE!
AJ 

[pbe gummi bear]

Any suggestions on how to remove the kettle from the frame with the pesky locking bolts?  Also I can't seem to find the thread on the leg connector pieces with the nut inside on both ends.  I am looking for the nut that the bolt screws into in order to attach the leg connectors back to the rest of the frame?

The kettle is held on with 1/4-20 bolts. Use a 7/16 wrench or socket and it should come right off. The frame thread you are looking for can be found here: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/performer-frame-question/msg30884/#msg30884

Search "star nut" or "star nuts" and more threads will pop up.
 

[vader06]

Not so easy on this grill.  The bolts are stripped and the nuts pretty much fell apart.  I will have to carefully take a grinder to it.  One of the things that should be simple but it is not.   I was really frustrated with it. 

[pbe gummi bear]

Hmm I wonder if the PO replaced them. Every ss performer that I've seen had these sheet metal bolts that barely rust and break free really easily.

[mikeinctown]

The kettle to frame bolts normally don't rust that much and come apart quite easily. Even if frozen together, a socket and wrench have enough torque to break them in half. They aren't grade 8 or anything. Just zinc coated steel.

[etruax]

Maybe use an easy out.

Basically a drill bit in reverse.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99eg03UN1VQ

[Idahawk]

Most of the bolts I've had to grind off are the lid bail and burner tube bolts , I've had a few stripped frame bolts it happens . I had a really bad one it's under 93' performer frame restoration

[vader06]

 I think the previous owner put these nuts and bolts on the grill.  The bolts are maybe the originals they are just stripped really bad.  A socket wrench and wrench could barely grab it.  The upper part of the nut that locks the bolt  is all that is left.   It looks like a washer with teeth holding the bolt.  When I get those off I will be replacing them with stainless steel nuts and bolts. 
 Also I was able to go to a bike shop today and get star nuts put in my leg connectors for the frame.  That made my day.  Thanks to the thread here on WKC. 

[addicted-to-smoke]

Sometimes, the right set of Vise-Grips locking pliers on a rounded bolt head will work but you gotta clamp it down really hard on the bolt head.

Or a slightly too small "disposable" socket --- I sometimes get a cheap socket that I know will split apart after getting pounded onto it. That reminds me, I've got some lock lug nuts I need to remove from my car "before it's too late". (Can't find the lock key.)