Landing a Vintage Mothership

[Mr.CPHo]

This acquisition was orchestrated by The Godfather himself, JEBIV, and secured by a grate Grillfella, Jon Tofte. 

I love kettle road trips and was undaunted by the 10 hour drive down to South Florida to pick up the Ranch from Jon.  After being stuck in the house for so long, it was really nice to get out and stretch our legs.  1400 easy miles there and back with the wife and dog, a cooler full of drinks and snacks, cheap gas, and beautiful weather, it was a great trip.

Upon closer inspection, the Ranch is in really good shape.  Some cancerous rot on the back handle, but otherwise intact and solid.  I fixed the caddywhompus legs immediately, and straightened out the triangle spokes and axle while disassembled.  I also had to pound out a mildly indented leg socket to level out the gangster lean. 

I am sorry for the terrible pictures, it's been gloomy weather here lately.  But you know as soon as the weather cooperates, I'll be dragging out all my "little" Webers to take better photos with this vintage mothership.   

Big thank you to both Joe and Jon.  The mothership is absolutely stunning and I'm so grateful to both of you. 

[bamakettles]

Wow!  That's a big ole girl there... Is the flip up grate original?  Didn't know they made those.  Very cool find and nice write-up.  Your first cook should be one hot dog on the edge for a funny scale shot.  (Borrowed from BBM on YouTube)

[WeberKell11]

Awesome to see you got down there to pick her up!

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[crowderjd]

Wow!  Congratulations!  Looks fantastic, and I'm glad you got a road trip out of it...I've been searching so much for a nice grill to justify a road trip to get out of the house.  Love the patina on that Ranch.

[michaelmilitello]

Awesome story.  I also love a good kettle road trip.  I love cooking on my ranch.  I am impressed the slide aside lid holder and I'll hold up the lid!   


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[JEBIV]

Awesome, so happy she is in her rightful home. Glad to be a "small" part of the whole deal

[Tbagley]

Don't know where some of you find these things, that is a really nice find.

[brewtownbeatdown]

There really is something special about a MBH mothership Ranch.  So special that a fella who moved outta FL, rode tripped back to FL for one.  Congrats Charlie!!!  Can't wait to see more pics. 


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[JEBIV]

There really is something special about a MBH mothership Ranch.  So special that a fella who moved outta FL, rode tripped back to FL for one.  Congrats Charlie!!!  Can't wait to see more pics. 


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True !! and he is going to catch it from me for not stopping in Doraville, he knows where I live

[Mr.CPHo]

There really is something special about a MBH mothership Ranch.  So special that a fella who moved outta FL, rode tripped back to FL for one.  Congrats Charlie!!!  Can't wait to see more pics. 


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True !! and he is going to catch it from me for not stopping in Doraville, he knows where I live

Really sorry, Joe, but ATL wasn't on the way.  We went down 95 not 75. 

An ATL trip is coming.  Soon. 

[JEBIV]

There really is something special about a MBH mothership Ranch.  So special that a fella who moved outta FL, rode tripped back to FL for one.  Congrats Charlie!!!  Can't wait to see more pics. 


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True !! and he is going to catch it from me for not stopping in Doraville, he knows where I live

Really sorry, Joe, but ATL wasn't on the way.  We went down 95 not 75. 

An ATL trip is coming.  Soon.

Ok so your off the hook LOL

[LiquidOcelot]

Soo bad ass

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[Dave in KC]

Big thank you to both Joe and Jon.

You couldn't pick 2 better guys to help you out. 

[Cellar2ful]

Ahhhhhhh!  "The Mothership" has landed. Congratulations Charlie.  Looking forward to seeing photos of your first cook on it. 

[WNC]

Amazing!
Can't wait to see it in action!


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