The flat top ranch

[crowderjd]

So, yesterday morning I left around 6:30, and after dropping off a 1979 green 22 inch grill for @SpacemanSpiff I went to pick up the Ranch in Thousand Oaks.  @Pezdogs messaged me about some earlier communication he had about this grill, and included pics of a rotisserie ring that really got my hopes up.  But it was not to be.  The guy I got it from was super nice, and was a collector of Toyota FJ40 Land Cruisers, which I love as well.  Anyway, he bought it from the guy who had it up for sale in May and never used it, so he decided to flip it.  After an uneventful 331 mile ride back home, I left it last night to start working on today.  The lid is in excellent shape and sits very nicely on the bowl.  The original grates are in good condition, and the top handle and bowl handles are great, though it's clear one was rewelded back on.  The grill had been spot welded onto an old metal wheel assembly, and I used a hacksaw to get through the welds.  The obvious big problem is that there is a hole in the spot where one of the leg sockets used to be.  So, I am thinking of getting a friend who is a welder to patch up the hole, and mount a new leg socket.  I'm thinking of using this socket listed here:

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/fmp-119-1068-stainless-steel-weld-mount-leg-socket/3591191068.html

Thoughts?

This will be a bit of a long term project, but I plan on getting it back as close to its original condition as possible.  Just a couple big questions:  When do you all think this is from?  I'm thinking mid 50s, as this post on WKC indicates the Ranch in this image is from 1959, and it has a much more rounded dome.

http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2015/02/05/1959-weber-ranch-kettle/

Secondly, if anyone has any images of what one of these looked like originally, I sure would appreciate help so I can know what to do going forward.  And on to the pics!


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[JEBIV]

So cool

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[WNC]

So awesome man, congratulations!


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[Mr.CPHo]

Oh wow!!  That's going to be a great project.

[1spacemanspiff]

Jason that is so awesome.  Hoping you taking us along the journey of its restoration.  Thanks for making the pit stop.

[Red_5_Wrangler]

Does anyone know when this photo is from? Its from the wkc history pages.

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[Red_5_Wrangler]

Smithsonian

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[bamakettles]

Really cool.... can't wait to see more progress on this piece of history.


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[Kain]

That's awesome!


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[crowderjd]

Thanks all!  I will keep everyone updated on what happens next.  First thing is to find a welder.  @Red_5_Wrangler where is that outdoor pic from?  By the look of things, those early ranch kettles didn't have a triangle or wheels?  Is there anyone out there with any more historical info?  @Craig or perhaps @harris92 ? 

[crowderjd]

Here's a bigger version from the pic @Red_5_Wrangler it was from a Smithsonian article



By the looks of things early ranches didn't have wheels!  Or triangles!  Which makes my life both easier and harder...still wish the guy wouldn't have sold off the roti ring.  In case you are curious, here's the link to the article:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/story-weber-grill-begins-buoy-180960335/

[harris92]

That is a second generation ranch. The original ranch kettle was coated high heat paint not porcelain enamel. There is a second generation ranch in Atlanta.  Yes, they were made with three tripod legs. The one below had the skirt added at some point.




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[Darko]

That is so nice. Congrats on the pickup and good luck with the restore.

[smokeyjoe]

That is a second generation ranch. The original ranch kettle was coated high heat paint not porcelain enamel. There is a second generation ranch in Atlanta.  Yes, they were made with three tripod legs. The one below had the skirt added at some point.




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I love this picture.


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[Cellar2ful]

Congratulations Jason.  I look forward to seeing the progress on it's repair.