1950s Style Utility Shelf

[Craig]

Or as I like to call them..... "ashtrangles" I spent some time today tinkering some more with my custom 22's pan setup. Originally, I took a short cut and just placed the triangle on the regular wire frame. Its an easy setup especially if you want to return a kettle to normal configuration fairly quickly but I wanted to take it a step further. I decided to pick up some 3/8" rod (Weber axle diameter), a pair of 3/8" copper pipe clips, and a small L bracket for the front leg. This particular triangle I used has the rounded off corners as opposed to the "sharp corner" version. I cut the 3/8" rod about 3/4 of an inch shorter than the axle on the regular wire triangles. Otherwise the wheels will have a little play between the legs and hubcaps. **NOTE originally, the wheels on the kettles of the '50s were known to slide a little, but I wanted a tight fit.** With the bare axle and wheels in place, I had a clearance just shy of 17.5 inches in between the rear legs and 19.5" from the front leg to the rears. The triangle had to equal those lengths in order to work with the axle and front leg. I had to shave the corners down a little bit to get it to fit since the space was tighter with the shorter axle. I then drilled my holes in the pan (3/16") to accommodate the pipe clips and the front L bracket. I chose to rivet the pan in place for a tighter fit. The hardest part for me was getting the rivet for the front leg to take. I was going to use the hole in the front leg for the wire frame as a mounting point but it was too big for the 3/16" rivets and it would have made the pan appear to lean downward so I drilled a 3/16" hole just above it. Here are some photos...

The triangle is made of sheet aluminum cut to size and shape with aviation snips and a file. Can be found at Ace or Lowes & Home Depot. The edges were bent into shape with a WISS brand sheet metal break used in HVAC applications. Found at Lowes.

The tools I used

















It's riveted tighter than it appears here....





Rear clips...





INSTANT WOOD DALE!!!

[Dale Benson]

Really nice job, Craig. A real inspiration. Appreciate your sharing.

[G]

Nice work Craig....I see one of those in my future.  Is there a lot of lay in the legs with the ashtrangle or is it pretty solid once its riveted in?

[glrasmussen]

Thanks for sharing Craig. I see more of these appearing in photo shoots.

[Duke]

Nice work Craig!

[HalfGrilled]

very, very cool. Nice work.

[OGlenn]

Thank you very much for posting this how-to! I will definitely try to duplicate your results.

[mike.stavlund]

I'm impressed that you were able to bend a radius, rather than a sharp corner.  Nice work!

[dazzo]

Thanks Craig,

That's what I was looking for!

[Craig]

Nice work Craig....I see one of those in my future.  Is there a lot of lay in the legs with the ashtrangle or is it pretty solid once its riveted in?

Thanks, Stu! The triangle sits pretty solid and the legs are holding nice and tight. The rivets hold the clips in place well.

[Bbqmiller]

Nice job on that tray! Matches well with the old literature.

[dazzo]

Do we have any detailed/close-up pictures of the original triangle utility shelf?

May have missed 'em, but haven't found any yet (other than the Sky Blue and Custom).

[Craig]

Do we have any detailed/close-up pictures of the original triangle utility shelf?

May have missed 'em, but haven't found any yet (other than the Sky Blue and Custom).

Here's a great source. I forgot to mention that this kettle was what first got me thinking I wanted to do this project..

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/pics-of-my-56-ash-pan-and-bottom-bowl/msg40271/#msg40271

[Craig]

Here too....


http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/1956-weber-bros-metal-works-bar-b-que-restore-or-let-stand/


and this photo....



http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/super-awesome-vintage-weber-kettle/msg2315/#msg2315

[dazzo]

Thanks Craig!

Evidently there were two different styles - rounded edge vs. straight edge - 18 vs. 22?

22 - assuming the '56 is a 22" - straight
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/pics-of-my-56-ash-pan-and-bottom-bowl/msg40271/#msg40271
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/1956-weber-bros-metal-works-bar-b-que-restore-or-let-stand/

18 - rounded
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2013/12/26/1956-57-sky-blue-18-5-kettle/
http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2013/11/24/1956-weber-custom-bar-b-que-kettle/

Speaking of inspiration, I've always liked the look of the utility tray, but seeing your Show n' Shine has inspired me.

And I REALLY like the hooked ash pan on the Sky Blue - hmmm