Searching LetGo on a rainy Sunday, I find an add with this picture. It appears to be a old dirty yellow Weber in some sort of wrought iron cart. It is not like the Seville pictured in the old Weber catalog so I have no idea what it is.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/246f35125267881d27a6ba91c592c203.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/0611fa556a8a43b9466f184033c86c8c.md.jpg)
Not having any interest in it, I post it on the WKC Online Finds, asking what it is. http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/seville-on-letgo-$100-(madera-california)/msg273818/#msg273818
Immediately, several members respond identifying it as a Chariot Seville.
@crowderjd being one of them posts that it is one of his grails. I message the seller intending to secure it for crowderjd. The seller responds that he has received an offer of $220 from an out of state buyer, willing to pay the shipping. Advising crowderjd of the development, he tells me thank you but does not want to get in a bidding war over it. A that point I message the seller telling him good luck as $220 is more than I am willing to pay. Late that night the seller messages me that he really does not want to go through the hassle of shipping it. Since crowderjd had pulled out, I start thinking, how many chances am I going to have at owning one of these. I decide to make the seller an offer (above the $100 asking price but below the $220 offer). He responds we have a deal. Problem is, the next day (Monday) there was a massive storm forecast to hit with flooding and landslides predicted. I ask the seller if he can hold it for me until Tuesday to which he agrees. The risk of losing it to someone offering more $$ entered my mind but I was not willing to drive in that storm.
Tuesday I make the drive to Madera, a 360 mile round trip. I pull up in front of the residence and the Chariot is sitting on the front lawn. I start looking at it and the first thing I notice is that the yellow kettle is not original to the Chariot. It had handles at one time that had been removed and then bolts were installed to suspend the kettle above the table. There also were leg sockets attached at one time. The ash pan also has cut outs which I know from pictures is not original for Sevilles.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/21/DSC02982.md.jpg)
I point out all my observations to the seller. I explain that the kettle it came with originally would have small three small L tabs on the sides to hold the kettle above the table. Talking further I find out the seller bought the Chariot about 5 years ago from a friend. He tells me that his friend may still have the original "green" kettle that came with it and only lives four blocks away. He calls his buddy and we find out he still has it. The seller jumps in his truck, leaving me on the front lawn with the Chariot and drives to his friends house. He returns in about 20 minutes with what I believe is the original lime lid and bowl. The unfortunate thing is it was being used as a fire pit for at least the last 5 years. The bowl is in pretty rough shape but I like the psychedelic crazing.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/23/DSC03032.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03015.md.jpg)
Apparently his buddy had purchased the Chariot approximately 20 years ago for $60. I pay the seller and load up the Chariot with both yellow & lime kettles. Once I arrived home, I was able to do a bit of cleaning the kettles and the cart. The lime lid is in much better shape than the bowl, other than missing its original handle. I normally don't set kettles on pavement but these have no porcelain left on the edges to damage.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03012.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/23/DSC03029.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/23/DSC03007.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03030.md.jpg)
The Woodard Company manufactured the rod iron Seville carts for Weber. The detail is amazing. There are little acorns in between the oak leaves and the pattern is called Orleans.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/23/DSC03036.md.jpg)
The cart has several areas that need welding. After that, my plan is to have the cart media blasted then powder coated, keeping the original lime kettle in the Chariot. Like Craig says, "Every kettle has a story". This one's story is pretty unique and interesting, especially having the original kettle reunited with the Chariot. I also plan to install a new Weber Fire Pit handle on the lime lid. Anyone see the irony in that?
Thanks to
@Craig for your help in dating this relic and
@MINIgrillin for the Woodard Company information.
Is there no handle on the lid?
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Oh and fucking mega score!
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I actually love it just how it is, I think it's sweet kind beat up...
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I might have to drive up there just to touch it and have my picture taken with it... That is an awesome grill!!! THAT is what needs to be at our Meat 'n Greet, to hell with my ranch!!
Quote from: zavod44 on February 25, 2017, 07:54:30 PM
Is there no handle on the lid?
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The handle must have broken off at some time and it was replaced with this thing. It is broken and useless.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/25/DSC03012.md.jpg)
Wow, that needs fixing, that's for sure
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That's one hell of a find and a great story! I may have a spare black lid handle strap I could donate. Let me know.
What a beauty. Great score Jim.
Awesome score, Jim. I would call this chariot one of my ultra grails. Although I would prefer to find one without the kettle so I wouldn't feel as bad when I update it with performer bits. :D If you squint hard enough the lime bowl looks like a marbled custom. You should also reserve one of those uncut ash pans for it.
Great story! Pretty amazing what could be still found. I love both in Yellow and Green. Amazing score to say the least. You will just have to find another same cart to house the yellow :) :) :)
What a great story. Honestly, that green bowl looks like shit, But it could make a nice cooker.The yellow... not much better, but still, it will cook wonderful meals.
What a great score nonetheless. I think that that green bowl should stay... give it an oil coating and let it live as long as it can. Keep the yellow for a backup. This grill has great history.
Awesome score Jim. Couldnt have gone to a better person
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Awesome find, pickup, and story!
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Great story!!
Cool story. Congrats!
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Lol! That's awesome. Glad you grabbed it.
The acorn pattern is called Orleans. Woodard furniture company made that cart as well as the standard Seville. There is matching patio furniture also.
Not trying to be political here. Just saying that there is some Woodard Orleans furniture on the back lawn of the Texas governors mansion and that's kinda cool.
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Elastokinematic/IMG_0241_zpsejnlg2mx.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Elastokinematic/media/IMG_0241_zpsejnlg2mx.jpg.html)
Thanks for sharing that great story.
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Dude...
This is so sweet, can't wait to see how you bring this one back to life!
Those poor bowls, oh those poor bowls
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Great story. Glad you rescued them congratulations. I look forward to seeing them when you get them restored.
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That's a fantastic find. And great story. I think it looks good just the way it sits!!! Congrats
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Quote from: MINIgrillin on February 26, 2017, 04:36:04 AM
The acorn pattern is called Orleans. Woodard furniture company made that cart as well as the standard Seville. There is matching patio furniture also.
Not trying to be political here. Just saying that there is some Woodard Orleans furniture on the back lawn of the Texas governors mansion and that's kinda cool.
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag159/Elastokinematic/IMG_0241_zpsejnlg2mx.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Elastokinematic/media/IMG_0241_zpsejnlg2mx.jpg.html)
Thank you for the background information on the cart
@MINIgrillin. I will modify my original posting with the Orleans pattern reference. Your posting peaked my interest in the Woodard Company since it is part of this Chariot's history. The company website revealed the company began in 1866 and is still in business today. It began manufacturing wood furniture, window and door sashes, blinds and pine-box caskets. In 1934 the company switched to making metal outdoor furniture due to the depletion of Michigan hardwood and the Great Depression. Here is a 1962 add from Woodard for their Mayfield Collection. First Lady Jackie Kennedy purchased furniture from the collection. You can see the early roots of the Seville.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/02/26/1962-mayfield-woodard-furniture-ad.md.jpg)
wow that thing looks like it's over 200 years old ! love them ,what a story .
@pbe gummi bear - First thing I did when I arrived home with the Chariot was to modify my interest post for the reproduction ash pans
@Bertl is having made.
@Craig- PM sent in regards to the handle.
Way to go Jim, definite kettle karma!
That's a great find! Man, both those kettles have a story to tell, butt yeah, I'd use the green original.
Very excited for you,
@Cellar2ful ! Looking forward to the restored pics!
Wow what a story!
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Picked the Chariot up today from the metal finishing place. Look any different?
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03499.md.jpg)
Don't want to mess up the paint on the wheels so for now I Mrs. Cellar2ful and I carry it whenever it needs to be moved. (lol)
Here it is when I found it.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03021.md.jpg)
Beautiful
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That really does look amazing.
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Quote from: Cellar2ful on May 02, 2017, 01:19:11 PM
Picked the Chariot up today from the metal finishing place. Look any different?
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu212/KingL68/DSC03500_zpsmbkqmefa.jpg)
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu212/KingL68/DSC03502_zpsbxd5ur1o.jpg)
Don't want to mess up the paint on the wheels so for now I Mrs. Cellar2ful and I carry it whenever it needs to be moved. (lol)
Here it is when I found it.
(http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu212/KingL68/DSC03029_zpsntxml5uu.jpg)
Beautiful all done up. This is my #1. If this was mine, I would change out the lid handle. That is it.
@greenweb - What, you don't like that custom broken handle? (lol) A new replacement handle is in the works.
@Shaun has a two screw handle for me that I am going to paint lime green. Just have not been able to meet up and get it from him. I was just so happy with the way it turned out I couldn't wait to post a picture.
I've been trying to source some wheel rubber for those larger wheels. I've been searching for bulk rolls for patio or garden carts. No luck so far. I should call the folks that restored my Seville to see if they might have any ideas.
I love the looks of the chariot cart. Nice find and restore you have there. Maybe ypu can get a long automotive fan belt to glue on the wheels so you can at least roll it. Awesome RRR!
Excellent job on the cart. It looks fantastic.
Wow yes, that is what we want to see!
RESPECT
Bertl
My goodness! Way to go!
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Man. With how nice that cart turned out, I would be real tempted to get the kettle done in high heat powder coat and then just use it for a smoker. That's awesome. Congrats
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Love it! Congrats on the amazing restoration!
Have to give a huge shout out to
@Bertl and
@Jeff for the reproduction uncut ash pan on this Chariot restoration. It would not look as sharp if I had to use the cut "well seasoned" one that came with it. I sincerely appreciate all your hard work and time spent in making them available to us. Want you to know you both have a part in this restoration. Thank You!
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03500.md.jpg)
Wow...that looks beautiful.
Do you have another kettle for it or are you gonna keep the lime in it?
@Jeff - I am going to keep this kettle with it. The fact I was able to reunite this kettle with its original Chariot I find kinda special. The two had been separated for many years and the kettle was being used as a fire pit. While I don't have another tabbed lime kettle, I do have a nice MBH lime I can drop in whenever I want to cook on it.
Wow that looks amazing! What a score!
That is incredible. I like the look of that original bowl too. Pretty amazing.
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Quote from: greenweb on May 02, 2017, 02:06:11 PM
If this was mine, I would change out the lid handle. That is it.
Finally found the time to paint an original two rivet handle, put some Zav wood on and secure it to the lid. Most of the rust spots on the lid came out with steel wool, but it left dark swirl marks all around the rust spots. Must have been from the steel wool. Used Meguiar's Scratch X and it not only took off the dark marks, it really gave the lid a extra high luster. I have an idea to be able to put the bowl back in service but that will have to wait for another day.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03751.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03752.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2017/07/06/DSC03757.md.jpg)
Looks incredible. Thanks for the tip on the Meguiar's!
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Looks grate! Great work.
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@Neil_VT00 - Be careful not to get any of the Scratch X into areas missing porcelain. I made the mistake of using it on one of the rust spots and it left a white powdery residue in the cracks and crevices. Had to scrub it out with a tooth brush and paint thinner.
This Chariot is my favorite dejunkification of all time.
Jim If all the grate tabs are gone you might be able to hack a black kettle so it fits inside the lime.
Quote from: Hell Fire Grill on June 07, 2017, 06:09:05 AM
This Chariot is my favorite dejunkification of all time.
Jim If all the grate tabs are gone you might be able to hack a black kettle so it fits inside the lime.
That is exactly what I am in the process of doing Ray. Got an old black MBH that the handles were rotted out and the leg sockets had been bolted back on. All the nuts and bolts on the leg sockets are so corroded I am having to cut them off with a Dremel. Next I plan on cutting the bowl rim off so hopefully it will fit inside the lime bowl. Then if I can line up the vent holes, I will bolt the vents onto the lime bowl. Takes a lot longer for me as all I have is a mini rotary Dremel. Man I wish we were neighbors. You have the tools, welders and skills I lack.
That is one nice kettle. Great job.