Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 12:26:03 PM

Title: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 12:26:03 PM
From the craigslist ad mentioned here:

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fweberkettleclub%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Findex%2Ephp%3Ftopic%3D23958&share_tid=23958&share_fid=63141&share_type=t (https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fweberkettleclub%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Findex%2Ephp%3Ftopic%3D23958&share_tid=23958&share_fid=63141&share_type=t)

Unloaded from truck:

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/2499dd4be09c94ebe4f88889437a1a7a.jpg)

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/963f38a4d578081d932466d456f9eded.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/9484ff379df503487131ebbcf9cdf06b.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/d530a4e2ac29fb3943a65e8fb4c1fea1.jpg)

This a K-code bowl and lid (not the original bowl/lid that came with the frame, obviously) that have been modified to work with the gas-assist. I haven't cleaned either yet, but there is definitely some rust and dings. Plus a therm mod in the lid. My plan is to replace both with a new copper bowl/lid so it didn't concern me. Will likely have these available for sale later if anyone needs them.

The gas tube is shot, the ash pan handle is shot, the casters are shot. Everything else is in decent to good shape.

More to come.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 04:01:17 PM
Lid and bowl cleaned up pretty well. It's a shame the lid has a therm hole and the bowl has been drilled as well. Otherwise, they look pretty nice.

Maybe I'll add some legs and turn this back into a cooker.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/bdc90c797849d28c2bf84a2b2f7438c5.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/0409a417960aaa911b9c711c5df0aa73.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/0bfd9da92d9b5cdfa9ff7d5fac39670c.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/e3d0f1bc0b7f0382a9c14126df333295.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/03c25f3704ab3ec1949111d8f686c73e.jpg)
Turns out you can just shove the new style ash catcher ring tabs into the sockets on a performer...I did not know that.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160531/f411bdeebb53c014ec9ccb07e12cac8b.jpg)

And this tool with a carbide blade makes short work of the rusted sweeper system.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160601/d2363857881345bfbd58ce91cb334648.jpg)
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: SteveZ on May 31, 2016, 05:57:06 PM
@haeffb I'm glad someone here got this. I was next in line. What are you going to put in for a kettle?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 06:01:46 PM
Quote from: SteveZ on May 31, 2016, 05:57:06 PM
@haeffb I'm glad someone here got this. I was next in line. What are you going to put in for a kettle?

Current plan is to get a new copper bowl and kettle from Weber. My lovely wife likes the copper look and I like the Gen1 performer frame/table.

I am thinking of a combination of "Bisbee" and the wood table on the bottom frame from some other mods shown recently, but not sure where it will end up.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: SteveZ on May 31, 2016, 06:06:36 PM
Are you keeping the 5lb tank or converting to new style?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 06:11:38 PM
Quote from: SteveZ on May 31, 2016, 06:06:36 PM
Are you keeping the 5lb tank or converting to new style?

Haven't gotten that far yet. The 5lb tank has OPD, so it depends on if I can get it filled locally...?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: SteveZ on May 31, 2016, 06:13:34 PM
I've had a 5lb tank recertified and filled in St. Peters
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on May 31, 2016, 06:21:06 PM
That's down the road - need to get some other pieces going first. I am thinking of some local craftsmen/manufacturers that might be able to help with some work.

Is it worth having the frame sand blasted/powder coated? I have a sheet metal friend that might be able to replace the stainless with copper. A furniture maker to do the wood work. Etc. I can supply elbow grease, but I'm no expert.

Gotta get some price estimates to see what's what. My end goal is to have a "new" Performer on an SSP frame for less cost than an actual new Performer...but I will definitely have to pick/choose pieces based on cost.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 01, 2016, 11:53:02 AM
Placed an order with Weber this morning - spent more than I'd hoped! But I think it will be worth it in the end to have a grill that's like (almost) no other. I'll be showing something off in just 7-10 business days. :)
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Yendor on June 01, 2016, 12:16:23 PM
I'm new to some of the terms used, would that be considered a Lazy "K" code?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 01, 2016, 12:49:25 PM
Quote from: Yendor on June 01, 2016, 12:16:23 PM
I'm new to some of the terms used, would that be considered a Lazy "K" code?

Well, if not lazy, it's certainly prone to procrastination.

I mean, "I have no idea." Maybe someone else can answer.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: firedude5015 on June 01, 2016, 01:30:38 PM
Quote from: Yendor on June 01, 2016, 12:16:23 PM
I'm new to some of the terms used, would that be considered a Lazy "K" code?
Yes, that's  a Lazy K code, or crooked K code, or rockin K code..however you want to refer to the stamp being not straight

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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 01, 2016, 05:06:54 PM
Not much accomplished tonight, but did work a little on the stainless table with some Bar Keepers Friend. See the difference between the larger table which I haven't touched yet and the curved portion that sits next to the grill.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160602/9bbf5cf3cb6f70047c1d8d76a3811946.jpg)

Question: Can I remove the table/lid from the frame without taking the frame apart? It looks maybe like the steel bar holding it in could be pried out?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: jcnaz on June 02, 2016, 05:00:35 AM
Yes, the bar can be removed from the assembled frame. Just be careful not to break or lose the plastic grommets that the bar snaps into. If you do need to replace those grommets, I found them at Ace Hardware. 
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on June 02, 2016, 08:04:28 AM
Interesting find.  A crooked K converted to be a performer.  I think this grill is cool as hell!!!!  One heck of a find!
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 02, 2016, 03:50:44 PM
Work in progress.

In this photo, you can see the green AH OTG main cooker, the converted black speckled EZ with new bling (ash pan and thermo), the lazy K redhead receiving some love in the background and the sacrificial faded black M(lid vent wheel)/N(the one remaining bowl vent wheel) that's reluctantly agreed to become a leg donor for the redhead.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160602/d91c2fc29bb4aedfc219a0adfedc3a50.jpg)

By the way, what's up with this three-wire triangle? Was that an option on less expensive models?

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160602/9d860420ec7c877e0a867a3cc4cbf882.jpg)
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Travis on June 02, 2016, 03:56:40 PM
Looks like a cool build man. Wish I had some wisdom to offer, but I'm not experienced enough to comment here. Looking forward to seeing it bud!


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Neil_VT00 on June 02, 2016, 05:16:13 PM
Great project. Looking forward to seeing what you are going to do with the performer bowl.

That triangle is from an economy kettle. I'm no expert, but I think they came with the three wire triangle, daisy wheel bowl vents, and wheels without the white walls.


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 02, 2016, 05:39:06 PM
Yeah, that makes sense. It's an M/N code so 1990/91 era without the one-touch system.

How common is it for the lid and bowl vents to have different date codes?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Darko on June 03, 2016, 06:11:18 AM
My OTS has a triangle like that.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 03, 2016, 12:42:03 PM
Well, how disappointing. You simply can't trust Weber at all.

Friday is NOT 7-10 business days from Wednesday.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160603/6510a7cddf97aa35207900e91ef3f5b5.jpg)

Clearly, I haven't had time to do any real work on the performer frame.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160603/ea72cf70fa6c866e02187ba0ece78a2f.jpg)

And, even more disappointing, we already have plans to visit in-laws this weekend.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 03, 2016, 01:06:05 PM
Next question: Why the white tube caps on the bowl end when the other end is black? Are the white a higher-heat material?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Travis on June 04, 2016, 06:07:15 AM
That copper looks good sitting in there.

Do those caps feel different? One harder than the other? I wonder if that's a goof or something.

Are you still planning the wooden shelf across the bottom?


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: ClubChapin on June 04, 2016, 02:32:39 PM
My SSPs all have the lighter caps on the bowl end and black on the handle end.

My speculation is that the lighter are heat resistant.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 05, 2016, 04:45:05 PM
Painting day.

Was trying to decide between blasting and powder coating versus painting, then I realized if the paint doesn't work out, I can still go the other route later.

Had one star nut rusted out (and part of one end of one of the bottom cross members), so working on a replacement. Used an angle grinder to remove as much rust as possible, but was left with holes in the bottom of the tube, and still rust left inside. This may need to be replaced at some point in the future.

Star nut was about $3.00 at a local bike shop, and a metric hex head bolt was another $1.50 at the hardware.

Still working out what to do with the bottom shelf. Red oak would probably look nice with the copper bowl. I'll live with the wire rack for now.

The extra holes in the red kettle have been sealed with stainless washers and screws/bolts. The largest fender washer at Ace hardware just barely covered the holes that had been created for the gas tube and igniter., but I think it will seal up. That's about $10 worth of hardware, and have added a new cleaning system kit.

Waiting on axle hubs to be able to put things back together.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160606/f47cc9b86e8a74a7002f945d10d056d9.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160606/09b787b4abcb2529831d35d9a97e469a.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160606/f5bcc669d10d48adc4098efe72f2f335.jpg)

That's electric fence wire being used to string parts up for painting.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 05, 2016, 04:49:41 PM
Question: Sanding stainless steel? The table has a bunch of scratches - is sanding them worth the effort, or will it lead to other problems? Anyone have experience with this?
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: RadRacer on June 06, 2016, 05:08:53 AM
Oh, wow. At first, I didn't think too much about this. I've seen some performers, and, while they're very nice, they're aren't something I need at the point. But then I saw that copper in there.... I need one ASAP! The copper with the black frame looks amazing.

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 07, 2016, 12:25:41 PM
Phase 1 complete.

The Lazy K Red Kettle is standing on her own again. Total investment (not counting the original $40 for the performer table and kettle from Craigslist) is $15 for the one-touch cleaning system and about $15 in additional hardware (SS bolts, screws, washers and nuts to fill the bowl holes, axle caps). The triangle and ash pan/ring were in pretty bad shape so painting seemed like the best option. In hindsight, I should have gone with red on the legs as well.

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/fd55472669845130103bf24b6e6f930f.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160607/f0999eb00035dd990fedeb1d4e845bd9.jpg)

Thinking about trading it to my neighbor for a P-code redhead that needs some TLC.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Travis on June 07, 2016, 02:57:29 PM
Hey, good job man! Looks good. I like the black n red thyme it's got going on.


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 07, 2016, 05:55:59 PM
Quote from: Travis on June 07, 2016, 02:57:29 PM
Hey, good job man! Looks good. I like the black n red thyme it's got going on.

Purists probably have a heart attack when seeing something like this, but the bowl had already had six holes drilled into it. The lid had another. The legs, wheels and triangle are from a donor M grill that was a rust bucket and soon to be flower pot.

As they say, "No quality grills were harmed during the filming of this documentary."

I am liking the copper SSP, though, it's coming along nicely. Waiting for the lid bale (tuck-away) which I neglected to order with the bowl and lid. Also need to find a new igniter, since the new style burner tube/wires don't fit the older igniter.

I also learned today that I can't paint my 5-lb propane tank black or copper. Must be white, gray or silver according to my propane dealer, else it can't be refilled. And the 5-lb tanks are also in demand for deer hunters to take to their stands since they're so light.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 08, 2016, 04:45:06 AM
Success!

I cobbled together the old black wire and new black wire by pulling the metal piece from the old ceramic. It's round, then has a flat area. Cut off the round part and the flat part fits right into the new black connector.

Hooked everything up, turned on the gas, and

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160608/b6423f3529ef44ce3e198a78b54c3097.jpg)

It's hard to tell from the photo, but that is a flame coming out of the burner tube.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Neil_VT00 on June 08, 2016, 04:54:01 AM
Great work on both!
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 10, 2016, 06:28:57 AM
And, we're done! (For now!)

Went from this:
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/8d4bd17cf29346be65e3aa3c8d7d2135.jpg)

To this:
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/ed12e2b0f2e3efb2f473d0e5f0296e49.jpg)

More pics:
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/8f44406fd7fd78f6479fbf46d143cecc.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/7bb468d4d66387e30b8a83a8b64e4538.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/a6a8d2de70e73b75753c3c9a23ae307f.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/7f22b899c3423f0a326b01d6e973b2d3.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/ac071b643d7d1465b3f2ebea956e8d3a.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160610/327e4b1f563a214fa78439d286bf6635.jpg)
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 10, 2016, 06:31:44 AM
To do:

Paint the propane tank. Would like it to be copper, but my propane guy says that's a no-no.
Get new wheels.
Fix the igniter connection issue.
Cook something.  But that doesn't need to wait for the other to-do's!
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Darko on June 10, 2016, 06:51:03 AM
Looks good.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Hybridtwin77 on June 10, 2016, 06:57:46 AM
Nice job
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: pbe gummi bear on June 10, 2016, 11:47:55 AM
Quote from: haeffb on June 10, 2016, 06:31:44 AM
To do:

Paint the propane tank. Would like it to be copper, but my propane guy says that's a no-no.
Get new wheels.
Fix the igniter connection issue.
Cook something.  But that doesn't need to wait for the other to-do's!

Use plastidip to paint it. It peels right off. Car guys do it all the time.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Travis on June 10, 2016, 12:34:43 PM
Looks good haeffb. I really like the copper in the frame.


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: haeffb on June 10, 2016, 05:06:38 PM
A better photo

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160611/0dd0883a2b665952a6f3496f33b7a870.jpg)
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Cellar2ful on June 10, 2016, 05:37:27 PM
Quote from: haeffb on June 10, 2016, 05:06:38 PM
A better photo



Wowza!  Now that is just stunning.  "A better photo" is an understatement.
Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Travis on June 10, 2016, 07:24:38 PM
Good angle and lighting on that photo bud. Really shows er' off.


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Title: Re: My first performer
Post by: Red Kettle Rich on June 10, 2016, 10:16:43 PM
Lookin Good 'cept for the rust on the gas tank - ya gotta get rid of that, 'til you copperize the tank 8)