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Author Topic: Mothership picked up  (Read 1069 times)

ASpitzer

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  • Posts: 395
Mothership picked up
« on: April 10, 2023, 08:08:35 AM »
Finally made it to Chicago on Friday to pick up the Mothership I bought. 8 hrs and 480 miles round trip. Picked it up in an old Chicago neighborhood. Beautiful homes from the 1940s. Very nice gentleman I bought it from. He is closing his parents estate and said that he thought it had been in the family since the late 60's-early 70s. Thought that the last time it was used was in the mid 90s. Exceptionally clean inside. No buildup on the lid or kettle. A few scrapes here and there but in really good condition. The charcoal grate is warped pretty badly but will see if I can't straighten/flatten it out some. One edge of the cooking grate is bent in a little right where the flip up portion is to add charcoal. Legs and wheels are in great condition. The wire triangle has some rust but I think it will clean up. The one handle on the kettle has some rust issues and is a little loose but it is the one at the back - not the one at the front leg position. It still had the original thumb screws to hold the legs. It included the rotisserie ring that also is in very good condition. It has the mount for the motor and the chrome is flaking some on it but is not bent. He said that the motor and spit have long been lost. He didn't remember the last time he even saw them. If anyone has information on the specs for the spit I will try to reproduce one and find a motor that will fit.I will get some photos taken and post them as I get it cleaned up later this week. I am excited to have a cook on it. Maybe a suckling pig or a small goat?
1957 Wood Dale Demo, MLH Mothership Ranch, 1980 Smokey Joe Black, 2014 Smokey Joe Black, 1992 Master Touch Green, 2022 Original Black, Glen Blue 26 in., 70th Anniversary Hot Rod Yellow

JEBIV

  • WKC Ambassador
  • Posts: 10683
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2023, 08:16:58 AM »
That is an amazing score. congratulations.
Seeking a Black Sequoia I know I know, I'd settle for just the tabbed no leg grill

Mr.CPHo

  • WKC Mod
  • Posts: 3920
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2023, 08:36:08 AM »
Damn that’s such a cool mothership!  Congrats

RRRanger99

  • WKC Performer
  • Posts: 2170
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2023, 08:59:22 AM »
Very nice! Congrats!

bamakettles

  • WKC Ambassador
  • Posts: 6056
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #4 on: April 10, 2023, 09:00:21 AM »
Awesome, congratulations on that spectacular find!


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vader

  • Smokey Joe
  • Posts: 69
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #5 on: April 10, 2023, 03:01:56 PM »
$669.99

bladz

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1184
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #6 on: April 11, 2023, 01:32:12 AM »
Very nice!   Congrats!


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Chesapeake Weber

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 461
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #7 on: April 11, 2023, 03:27:46 AM »
That thing is really cool. Can’t wait to see cleanup and then some cool pics.

OneGrill has a good variety of rotisserie rods, etc. 
https://www.onegrill.com/Universal_Grill_Rotisserie_Spit_Rods_s/122.htm


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ASpitzer

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 395
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #8 on: April 11, 2023, 05:43:09 AM »
Thanks everyone. I'll post some more photos after I get it cleaned up. Busy here at work so it may take a couple of weeks. Yes vader, Ebay $669.99. First one I have seen for sale close to me. I was happy at that price. Chesapeake Weber, thanks for the recommendation of OneGrill. I'll check it out for something that will fit.
1957 Wood Dale Demo, MLH Mothership Ranch, 1980 Smokey Joe Black, 2014 Smokey Joe Black, 1992 Master Touch Green, 2022 Original Black, Glen Blue 26 in., 70th Anniversary Hot Rod Yellow

SixZeroFour

  • Moderator
  • Posts: 5833
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2023, 08:35:59 AM »
What a sweet mothership! Congratulations!

Most universal rotisserie motors should fit that mount as far as I can tell, or worst case with a slight modification would slide on there. Spit should be pretty easy to fab up as well. What a cool grill
W E B E R    B A R - B - Q    K E T T L E

AZ2FL

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 1825
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #10 on: April 11, 2023, 01:19:54 PM »
Congratulations on a sweet mothership!

I have a Ranch with a homemade Roti ring. I used a OneGrill heavy duty universal kit. It's overkill unless you're spinning a whole pig.
https://www.onegrill.com/Universal_Stainless_Grill_Rotisserie_53_X_5_8_p/6ps1007.htm

I'd recommend the OneGrill Universal Complete Grill Rotisserie Kit - 45" x 5/16" w/ Electric Motor.
https://www.onegrill.com/Universal_Grill_Rotisserie_Kit_45_x_5_16_Rod_p/4ps64.htm

I also have two OneGrill 13-watt electric rotisserie motors. OneGrill makes a great product!

Cheers



Big Dawg

  • WKC Ranger
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Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #11 on: April 11, 2023, 01:31:37 PM »
Grate Find ! ! !





BD
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Pezdogs

  • WKC Ranger
  • Posts: 868
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #12 on: April 12, 2023, 06:46:07 AM »
Stunning grill

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michaelmilitello

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Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #13 on: April 13, 2023, 10:05:52 AM »
So Badass. 


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bgilbert44

  • WKC Brave
  • Posts: 136
Re: Mothership picked up
« Reply #14 on: April 20, 2023, 08:46:52 AM »
According to the Age Guide, this Ranch Kettle is likely from 1962-63. The biggest indicator is the all-metal handles, as Weber switched to wooden lid handles in 1964. Also, the wheel style matches the style used from 1962-1968 as the previous design was a little different. Finally, this Ranch has a wire bottom shelf compared to the Ash Triangle seen in the late 50's (yes, there are a few Motherships with Ash Triangles floating around). That means this beauty is right at 60 years old! For it's age, it's in PHENOMENAL shape!
I think I might need a bigger backyard soon...