Hi guys ! I'm new to Weber grills. Recently a buddy gave me his old 1999 SS Performer kettle grill. I turned out some nice baby back ribs last weekend, but temperature control was a real challenge. This old girl needs a lot of attention, ( propane burner, tank, rust, etc). After discovering this website I decided that I want to fully restore this old grill. - - -
I wasn't able to control temperature as well as I like because the One Touch wings are rusted and bent and they let in air even in the fully closed position. Based on one retailers description I ordered a replacement One Touch, but the description (works on pre 2000 grills) was outdated and incorrect. The 7444 part doesnt work - I guess a 7409 is the replacement, but Weber no longer has these.
I did a site search and got a bit buried. I guess one fellow fabricated the bracket that holds the old cleaning/vent system, but I don't know if other parts may be available now. (This bracket is rusty on this grill, but functional).
I would appreciate your current thoughts on the best way to fix the One Touch system on this old Performer. If original parts aren't a possibility, I'll settle for functional. There's a lot more good meals to be made with this ole' grill. ;) Thank you in advance for your suggestions & comments.
Several people can help you out..
@zavod44 I believe can help you out with a new part and @toolhead can also help with instructions on using the 7444 if you want to go that route.
If its just surface rust you might be able to disassemble the OT system and bend the blades back. The problem is the 7409 thumbscrew frequently seizes up. You can jam a 7444 assembly sans washer in the place of the 7409 but the action will not be as good. It will be tight unless you file out the handle hole by ~.040"
@toolhead or
@Jeep recently did this.
A leaky lid/bowl mateup may be also the culprit you are having trouble keeping temps low.
There are a couple ways to go on making the 7444 work with your older style ash bucket.
One is to loose the metal cross bar and use hose clamps to attach the ash catcher ring to the bowl. Then I believe that the 7444 sweeps will work as they are.
I did not want to use hose clamps on mine, so I cleaned up the rust on the existing Ash Catcher ring attachment bar and painted it with Rustoleum High Heat. I then took the piece of the Ash sweep that the adjustment bar slides into and ovaled out the holes to give me the additional room that I needed to include the thickness of the original Ash ring bar in the stack of sweeps/Grill/Ash ring bar/H washer then slid the adjustment bar in.
I believe that
@zavod44 has a replacement Ash Catcher ring bar available. I don't know if it is the same as the original or if his replacement allows for the use of the 7444.
I do think that your restore deserves only the best replacement wood handles. zavod44 can get these for you!
Good Luck
-Jeep
If you want to go original #7409, I can rummage around & probably find you one either lightly used or new......
Jeep's fix does work, so if you want to go thataway, that's fine too..........
Thanks guys - I gotta say youve provided the fastest and most helpful response to a question of just about any forum Ive visited (in a number of various areas of interest). 😃
1buckle - if you have an original 7409 and I can keep her original, that would be terrific !
PM sent ~~~~>
@SamTheMan Congrats..wow....the performer was gifted to you....
Yeah my buddy was actually given a Big Green Egg by a mutual relative who was too impatient to figure it out. (That fellow is more of a micro-wave guy.) - So, I got the old Performer.
Out of all the cookers you mentions, You got the best one.
Have any pictures of her?
-Jeep
Quote from: Jeep on June 03, 2015, 01:55:36 PM
Out of all the cookers you mentions, You got the best one.
-Jeep
👍 😃
I'll be sure to post a photo when I get the chance. Would appreciate the more experienced guys input on restoration.
What color is the kettle...pics?!
Pending how much you diy...you can restore her to immaculate condition.
Btw..you are fortunate to have it gifted.
Most of us have to run out of the house in our undershirts with one shoe on to own one.....while ducking bc.the girl is throwing the other shoe at us......
Quote from: SamTheMan on June 03, 2015, 01:51:05 PM
Yeah my buddy was actually given a Big Green Egg by a mutual relative who was too impatient to figure it out. (That fellow is more of a micro-wave guy.) - So, I got the old Performer.
You ended up with the right one.
in my opinion, it's easier and better to just upgrade to the 7444 and get a new ash catcher and ring.
They fit better, they work better, they look nicer.
Unlike The Big Green Egg, at least I didnt need to use a construction crane to get the SS Performer on the back of my pick-up truck 😉
I do have my 2nd Weber kettle on the way and it should be here in a day or two. Its for camping trips and general outdoor fun when away from home - - a new Jumbo Joe.
The SS Performer is black (likely the most common color ?)
The dark knight color...shine her up and she will look mean while billowing smoke especially during dusk.
Lots of happy bge owners but personally i prefer kettles. Just seems like a lot of real estate on a bge for the cook space it offers.
...
Quote from: SamTheMan on June 03, 2015, 02:59:37 PM
Quote from: Jeep on June 03, 2015, 01:55:36 PM
Out of all the cookers you mentions, You got the best one.
-Jeep
👍 😃
I'll be sure to post a photo when I get the chance. Would appreciate the more experienced guys input on restoration.
On this page, which is a Sticky at the top of "Kettles & Acessories" , there's acouple restorations that go thru a bunch....
@Brickout which is unbelievably different, start to finish.....
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/just-scored-a-free-red-ss-performer/
and
@pbe gummi bear (Lawrence)....he's been busy as all get-out & the pictures lapsed somehow.....but it's got almost everything....
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/
@SamTheMan I have part of a 7409 sweep I'll let go. It is just missing the handle which hopefully you still have, and the set screw which I am assuming you can get at any hardware store. Let me know if you are interested. The fins and center hex lug are brand new.
Quote from: Troy on June 03, 2015, 03:47:05 PM
in my opinion, it's easier and better to just upgrade to the 7444 and get a new ash catcher and ring.
They fit better, they work better, they look nicer.
I agree. I never notice the radiator clamps on mine and securing the ash bucket ring this way is more solid than ever. This correct positioning has implications for whether or not the handle scraps as you move it.
Now, as for 7409 vs 7444 sweeps just by themselves being better, there's no functional difference and how smoothly they move or how well they seal has more to do with your particular bowl's condition or thickness than the sweeps.
Congrats on this great gift!
If you already have a 7444, I too would recommend an upgrade of your ash bucket and the hose clamp attachment. That's what I did with my SS Performer, and it looks and works great.
Either way, though, you are the big winner.
Thanks everyone. I have a 7409 coming from 1buckie, so I should be all set in that area.