I'll be honest and admit that when Bman popped up on the boards, I wasn't exactly all excited about it. He lives fairly close to me, and the dude covers CL like a giant wool blanket, scooping up multiple kettles in a single day. It was hard not to see him as a threat to my own kettle pursuits, so I was a little guarded (at least privately).
But man-o-man-o-man I gotta tell you, I was totally mistaken. The guy has served up free grills to me, and he's kept an eye out for stuff he knows I'm looking for. Last night at midnight he texted me about the red SS he knows I've been looking for. Even though he's suddenly got a larger collection of reds than me, he gave me the heads up (but not before emailing the seller to make sure we were on it first). And I promise I never would have even seen the listing, since it was just outside my normal geographical search area. I picked up the grill tonight-- it's a little rough, with some battle scars and needed repairs, but it's the red I've been dreaming of ( http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2013/01/01/weber-chronicles-inspirations-part-1/ )
I'll get around to posting photos later, but for now I just want to get all sappy and thank Bman for his kindness and generosity. The only thing better than finding your dream grill is having a friend you've never met help you do it. And thanks to Troy and Brian and Duke and Jeff and Craig and G and AJ and Reilly and Marty and all of the other great people who started this great site where this kind of friendship and collaboration can take place, and to everyone one else whose contributions bring the magic. It's a great day to be a part of the WKC.
Now let's find a red SS for Bman!
Now that's what makes the WKC a winning site. Some of the others just couldn't understand that. AJ and I have the same grillship going and we have scored some deals. Unfortunately I have seen him though. :-[
:'( :'( :'(
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;D
Congrats Mike....sounds like Bman has some good karma coming his way. Its only a matter of time before another red SS pops up.
Kudos to BMan!
Congrats Mike! Bman, that is awesome., karma will prevail.
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2
That's what I love about this place!! Hope that I have the chance to pay it forward some day myself.
Mike was a little squeamish when I suggested he come over to this site, and now he is like the cornerstone of this place. Glad you here Mike, and you better believe you would have had a much harder time if you were on any other site getting a hold of that performer...that is why this place is great...I know what the other guys around here are looking for, and If I can help them get it I will. And vice versa..I think the term esprit de corps comes to mind....
love ya work Bman 8) 8)
Nice job Bman! 8) I scored my red s/s in the same manner thanks to Eastex! :)
Definitely good people on here! Cant wait to get a chance to hook up with you guys over some bbq!
Good things from good people is a good day.
Weather it's passing on parts or heads up on a CL, I feel we are all in this together. It's like a team, when an indivusal player does good, the team does better.
If I can help anyone on a eBay/CL pickup in the TN-AL-GA-N.FL area, let me know.
Go Team WKC!
You guys are like the gang of kids I never grew up with.. We all feed off each other and help each other.. And yes, I have met a few of you and will probably meet some others before I'm done.
This place is fantastic.
And Duke, please be sure to set up a spare hammockout back before I come out again. Those long rides make me tired! 8)
Outstanding score and kudos to Bman!
I gotta admit - Mike had be a bit nervous after I sent him the Kettle Emergency text & message. He said he wouldn't have seen it and I should continue on trying to snag it. :o I know it was late & all, but I was wondering if he hit his head. ??? Here's the pot of red-gold at the end of the rainbow and he's not on it? ::) I would have none of that! Told him it's his and get on it. I'd never feel good about picking that one up knowing full well THAT's what he's been looking for. Like banging a buddy's girlfriend - ain't gunna happen. I'm actually much happier he has it in his possession.
Now that he has a red SS in the stable, I can finally add one to my grail list. 8)
I will be on the lookout, Bman
"The only thing better than finding your dream grill is having a friend you've never met help you do it. "
All of the newer (old)ones I've found have come from " Hey Buckie !!!! LOOK at this !!!"
I've only diddled in CL & Ebay & don't have a Smart phone, a dumb phone, a phone that I even know how to get the message off of.........guess what I'm tryng to say is I'm a troglydite from a bygone era & because of Alfonso & Duke & P.Gummi & others too numerous to mention ( a cast of at least dozens ) I'm able to snatch up good ones.....
there's been a few that got away, a few that I was attempting to angle in on for other people
( this is probably where I may be able to help the most.......I've had the thought of scooping up a stock of brownies & then sending them off to all the folks that can't find them in their areas)
& have a mental, ongoing list of people that covet some certain things, not just based on what I pick up, but other conversations that I see go by...............
Can't always go out on a limb, but will do what I am able, even if it sometimes seems daffy & unreasonable, to help a fellow kettlehead.......
the other aspect is to add inas much as I can to the cooking & ideas & methods stuff, as a way of saying thanks for the help I get in other ways.....
Like the old G. Dead song goes: " Singin' Thank You....for a real good time !!!"
Outstanding teamwork Bman, Mike and everyone here. This is what it's all about! Enjoying a mutual hobby and hooking a brother and a sister up with everything from rare and spare parts to Holy Grails. Great fun, a hobby that pays back to our families and friends in great food creates new memories, new recipes and techniques, and some badass looking kettles and a band of brothers and sisters here making it all possible and having fun every step of the way! This is what makes WKC the Weber authority. You won't get this anywhere else.
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Outstanding Gentlemen!! We are living the dream. Great times, Great Grills and Great friends!
I'm overwhelmed with work and other obligations (some due to the 3-hours of driving I invested in getting this thing home), so I am champing at the bit to get a better look at this Performer and see what she needs. I've parked it right outside the kitchen window so I can perv at it whenever necessary, but I'm working toward a day when I can bust out some tools and get to work. In the meantime, a few photos:
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9787_zps405cf068.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9787_zps405cf068.jpg.html)
detail of some damage (shotgun?):
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9788_zps81821e0b.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9788_zps81821e0b.jpg.html)
Homemade aluminum ash can bracket, courtesy of the former owner. Solid and substantial and long-lasting.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9789_zps0cfab3da.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9789_zps0cfab3da.jpg.html)
Out of focus vent (that's an 'EO' = 1995).
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/380a812a-fe8e-4934-a031-3e357cef51a7_zpsa2978582.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/380a812a-fe8e-4934-a031-3e357cef51a7_zpsa2978582.jpg.html)
Some lid damage-- the edge of the lid has a few substantial scrapes, too.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9794_zps62b53e05.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9794_zps62b53e05.jpg.html)
"Squirrel damage", according to the former owner.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9790_zpsd836fcae.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9790_zpsd836fcae.jpg.html)
Newish grates, but those coal baskets are rusted pretty thin.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9791_zpsb7900b62.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9791_zpsb7900b62.jpg.html)
By the looks of the (undistorted) bottom grate, I'm guessing the burner hasn't been working for a long time.
All in all, not too bad for a hunnert. The frame has some scratches and scrapes, but I might do a Gummi-esque 'best-of resto' with my black 2003 Performer.
Interestng to see that someone made their own ash bucket bracket out of a pc of aluminum..
Doesn't look horrible. You definitely have a small project on your hands.. Should be fine when its all said and done.. 8)
I was looking at using Gummi's modeling & doing aluminium also.....less degradation / rust, dissipates heat quick, easier to work with re: tooling ( just that it's hard on the tools ), looks cool when you're laying down on your back under the cooker.....etc.
That's a nice specimen you got there mike! I'm glad it went to a good home. I was wondering why the original ashabar has so many bends. The one you posted up is much simpler. Maybe it was a decision for airflow?
I agree, pbe. This ash ring bar is tighter, higher, and more solid than the stock ones I've seen. My best guess about all of the bends is that they give the stock ash ring bar a bit more flexibility-- I'm thinking it took some serious muscle to get this very stiff bar to bend to allow it to insert its tabs into the ring. I might find out for myself in the next few days. ;-)
I think the original design is about holding the ash ring tight and yet allowing the sweeper to move freely. I doubt that hand made one is doing much for the sweeper. Just a guess.. When Weber started making these, they didn;t consider the rust out due to the acid in food passing over it.
I wonder if the originals had any coating on them? It hey had been made out of SS, there would be a lot more grills still around. Oh, and Weber would have sold a lot less too.. 8)
Quote from: mike.stavlund on May 18, 2013, 07:52:00 PM
I agree, pbe. This ash ring bar is tighter, higher, and more solid than the stock ones I've seen. My best guess about all of the bends is that they give the stock ash ring bar a bit more flexibility-- I'm thinking it took some serious muscle to get this very stiff bar to bend to allow it to insert its tabs into the ring. I might find out for myself in the next few days. ;-)
Hi Mike, I added some thoughts about the ash bar to my DIY thread: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/diy-old-style-one-touch-gold-ash-catcher-bar/I hope you don't mind i reshared your pic.
Here's a tip for you: Bend the ash catcher collar by squeezing it from an "O" into an "0". The bar will pop right out I bet.
Quote from: Heyjude on May 18, 2013, 07:53:44 PM
I think the original design is about holding the ash ring tight and yet allowing the sweeper to move freely. I doubt that hand made one is doing much for the sweeper. Just a guess.. When Weber started making these, they didn;t consider the rust out due to the acid in food passing over it.
I wonder if the originals had any coating on them? It hey had been made out of SS, there would be a lot more grills still around. Oh, and Weber would have sold a lot less too.. 8)
AJ, the bar doesnt look coated. The original one has perfect clearance to the ash sweeper handle. The extra bends were probably no sweat for Weber. You also get less vertical deflection for the same load with the beam at an angle.
AJ, you are right (as usual). I just came in from a decent once-over of the grill in question, and -- as you suggested-- that bracket is not conducive to full functioning of the ash sweep. It allows the vents to move from full open to full closed, but it does NOT allow the fins to move enough to sweep the ash out of the bowl. I'm not yet sure if this is due to the shape of the bracket, or to its thickness, or both.
Sorry for the false lead.
Guess I need to decide if I want to find/buy/make an ash bracket, or just switch this thing over to a modern ash can. Even when they're working right, those brackets are pretty floppy/droopy...
Where does it hit that the sweeper only moves 1" or so? I think its more that the sweepers inside may be hanging on something. Given the range of motion for the handle, I can't see it hitting anywhere as the bends are all near the outer edge.
I know, Mike, it doesn't make sense to me either. With the bracket removed, the sweep has a full range of motion. But with the bracket in place, it only has a limited length of travel. It seems like it should work, but it doesn't. It must be related to the thickness of the aftermarket bracket or something. Or the fact that the aftermarket bracket has a slight curve to it that isn't apparent in the photo I posted.
The good news is that the burner is working perfectly. I cleaned it out, hooked up a fresh tank, patched the wires back together temporarily, and it fires off a big blue flame. Sweet.
Now I just gotta get two stubborn bolts to turn loose and I'll be on to cleaning this thing.
Good luck with the stubborn bolst. Which ones are they? You may have to use some power tools.
The bolts on the burner tube bracket are the worst. Then its the bracket tha holds the lid bale.
The 2 screws on the lid bale should come off easily.
Personally, I would install the newer ash bucket assembly and one touch. It will cost more up front, but it will last for a very long time.
Do we know who has the cheapest parts yet? Maybe Weber will have free shipping for Fathers Day?
8)
I'd like to wait for the free shipping at Weber, but I might not make it ;-).
The lid bale nuts had a head start before they got to me. One of the burner bracket bolts came out quite easily, but the second one and the lid bale holder are locked up pretty tight. I plan to put an impact driver on them before reaching for the grinder... but that's pretty hard to keep from wandering into the porcelain on the inside of the bowl. What are some pro-tips for nut/bolt removal, WKCers?
I do love those H-style One-Touch setups, so I might just go that way with the ash can retrofit. We shall see.
PB blaster spray....the best....
So try the PB Blaster first and give it a couple days to penetrate. If you decide that he grinder is the way to go, (I have many times) put some duct tape around the area that the grinder will be close to. If you get a bit too close, it will hit the tape first. Just go slow and easy. Be sure to replace with SS hardware.
Also, if the smaller wheels need replaced, I found some at Home Depot for around $5 a pair.
8)
I couldn't find any PB Blaster, but got some good penetrating oil at the hardware store, and gave it a few days to work. When even an impact driver didn't get the two uncooperative bolts to budge, I gave up and reached for the grinder. Once that was done, disassembly began.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9827_zps50dd30d6.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9827_zps50dd30d6.jpg.html)
Nestled the lid in the bowl, and gave it a good soak for several hours. Someone on the board (Duke?) mentioned using a plastic storage bin as a makeshift sink, so I tried that. Bonus was when the sides of it crimped and allowed the whole bowl/lid to sit right down on the bottom of the bin, right next to all of the other parts that were soaking. Everything underwater and soaking.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9823_zpsd1f1ff30.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9823_zpsd1f1ff30.jpg.html)
Trade secrets:
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9826_zps4e1b2f29.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9826_zps4e1b2f29.jpg.html)
More trade secrets. Looks like Lawrence and I both came upon this great tool-- a cheap Home Depot scraper. The plastic doesn't scratch the porcelain, and it also conforms itself to the ideal bowl-scraping shape with just a few minutes' use.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9828_zpsde493890.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9828_zpsde493890.jpg.html)
Thermo holder, midway through the process. I soak for a good while, then gently scrub with dish detergent and 0000 steel wool. Then Nevr Dull, then Mother's Mag and buff to shine.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_9837_zpsaddafb45.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_9837_zpsaddafb45.jpg.html)
This was all a couple of weeks ago. I tried to get the bowl and lid completely clean without reaching for the oven cleaner, but didn't quite make it. After a couple of turns with soaking and scrubbing the inside, I went with the nuclear option, and got everything nice and shiny.
Yesterday, I stripped down to the bare frame, wire wheeled all the rust, then spot-primed with self-etching primer (thanks Jeff!) and painted with Rust-Oleum ultra black grill paint (thanks jkolantern!) (sorry no photos on this phase). While that was drying, I detailed the bowl/lid exterior with Turtle Wax buffing compound applied with 0000 steel wool, and started to reassemble. More in the next post.
I should also note that all of these cleaning techniques were learned from the fine folks on this forum. Thanks for teaching me how to do all of this fun stuff, everyone!
overview:
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0034_zpsf3f89a83.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0034_zpsf3f89a83.jpg.html)
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0027_zpse2dbb86f.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0027_zpse2dbb86f.jpg.html)
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0031_zpsf0c37183.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0031_zpsf0c37183.jpg.html)
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0033_zps89887ec8.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0033_zps89887ec8.jpg.html)
I indulged myself and shined up the burner tube (dish soap with 0000, then Nevr-Dull, then Mother's). Bowl hardware is all stainless, of course.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0025_zpsb6599c6a.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0025_zpsb6599c6a.jpg.html)
Detail of the hose clamp attachment method for a modern ash can ring.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0023_zpseb7427dc.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0023_zpseb7427dc.jpg.html)
The view from below. Bend the tabs 180 degrees backward, then hold in place with the hose clamps. It's a pain, but it looks much cleaner to have the clamp assembly on the inside of the ring. Use a long screwdriver to reach *through* the ash ring to fasten.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0024_zps339b048b.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0024_zps339b048b.jpg.html)
Needs some zavod wood handles, I know.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0037_zpsfdf6477d.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0037_zpsfdf6477d.jpg.html)
Ready to get to the cooking with her older sister, the K OT+.
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0041_zpse04a6a02.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0041_zpse04a6a02.jpg.html)
Love my plastic scraper too. Need a new one, mine is warn to the handle...
When ever I get done with a clean up that looks that good, I feel like Gene Wilder in young Frankenstein.
alive, it's alive, IT'S ALLIIIIVVE!!!!
Mike,
Congratulations on a very nice restoration! Your "new" Performer looks great.
I am thinking of upgrading my SS Performer with the new sweeper/ash catcher as well. Regarding fastening the new ash catcher ring - after bending the tabs 180 degrees, do you think it is possible to use sheet metal screws through the tabs into the leg holders? Or alternatively, drilling a hole through the tab and the leg holder, and using stainless bolts to hold it in place?
Nice job Mike...you've got yourself a winner!
Very nice, mike. Looks really good!
Good job, Mike! Very clean ash pan install.
Quote from: bryanw21157 on June 06, 2013, 08:35:37 AM
Good job, Mike! Very clean ash pan install.
I second that! I like the idea of not drilling into it. Very clean indeed!
Going to have to check out the pics once I get home from work, as they don't show up on my screen now.
Regarding the rusted bolts... Grind the heads off on the OUTSIDE of the bowl. Even if you miss the bolt, you only touch the bracket, and not the bowl. Plus, it is a lot less metal to grind off. If you are really worried, put some duct tape on the metal to offer some protection.
Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!
@Winz, yes you can use screws or bolts, and I know many people prefer that. I have always used the hose clamps, though, because they don't involve messing with the porcelain and inviting some rust to the party. Plus I guess I have commitment issues, and might want to take my grills back to OEM someday.
Multiple "Thank You"s to Mike from me in this thread. When you take the time to document the work like he's done, it is the least I can do.
Some fine work there.
Don't forget that the screw adjusters on the hose clamps can/will rust even if the clamp never corrodes and that might cause trouble later. Might glop something on the adjusters that can withstand heat etc. One of the Permatex products comes to mind but I'm sure other stuff would work. Wouldn't have to be pretty since it wouldn't be seen.
That's a great point, Addict! Thanks.
Awesome resto Mike..... Who'd of thought cleaning up an old Barbie could be so rewarding
That there kettle belongs in Show and Shine
Thanks for sharing
After looking at the pics again I'm wondering why the ring was hanging so low with the newer home made metal bracket in place. Wondering if that may have been why it would catch and not move. My bracket is bent upward almost following the curvature of the bowl. In any event, now that I can see the photos, it is a nice looking SS. Wish my blue would have come in such nice shape, but I'm sure I'll eventually find that gem like you have.
Mike, I think the homemade bracket didn't work because of both its thickness and the downward curvature you mentioned. It kept the ash sweep handle from having the full swing it needed. Worked well enough to cook, but not enough to sweep the ashes. A pretty impressive piece of shade-tree engineering, though.
Really nice....it's really sweet....
Pretty! 8)
Here she is up at temp. Such a sight to see that color shift!
Full thread on the first cook is here: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/food-pr0n/boneless-chicken-on-my-%27new%27-ss/
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0045_zpsa729c890.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0045_zpsa729c890.jpg.html)
Quote from: mike.stavlund on June 09, 2013, 07:29:36 PM
Here she is up at temp. Such a sight to see that color shift!
Full thread on the first cook is here: http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/food-pr0n/boneless-chicken-on-my-%27new%27-ss/
(http://i1367.photobucket.com/albums/r782/MikeStavlund/IMG_0045_zpsa729c890.jpg) (http://s1367.photobucket.com/user/MikeStavlund/media/IMG_0045_zpsa729c890.jpg.html)
Very nice, Mike!
Congrats Mike - looks great. I had mine up and running last night too - salmon and scallops. You're right about the color shift on these reds - mine turned a very deep color this time.
Enjoy the hell out of that thing!
Very beautiful project!