Weber Kettle Club Forums

So  earlier  this afternoon @qwesthunter dropped off a red LE he picked up for me at his neighborhood HD.  Wasn't really too crazy about this grill after reading  all the issues but for $99, i guess it's a decent deal. Aside for a couple spots  of enamel /porcelain runs inside the bowl, everything else  are surprisingly  excellent in terms of finish. No chips or missing enamel whatsoever.
So after inspection, i started drilling away.  Installed gas-assist, bowl brackets and chopped off the handle.  Also reshaped the taco assembly. About  1 1/2 hours, it turned into a midget performer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/7a68e231ea731397e84184b00c0ca666.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/1653e74abdb29447c6aecc6fb995c27c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/2d4e4830e4eb83665af6e5cdd94da341.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/66acfa8d8464f5159d3f2cf6764c3a01.jpg)

Wow, you have some skills bro. Post that to the Weber Facebook group. Tell them how they can improve on the red LE and maybe sell a few more units.


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Very cool. Your mods always turn out excellent.


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Sweet mod!!

Congrats! The very first Red Limited Edition custom Performer. Nice touch with a larger lid bale and the metal table. Looks great!

Wow! That looks like a new unreleased stock LE Red Weber performer right out of the factory, to compliment the LE Red kettle. @Jules V.  It'd be cool if Weber puts out a LE Red performer into production (standard performer

height, of course).  Thanks for giving us an idea of how it would look like.

First  cook.  Didn't waste too much time so i decided to make Korean kalbi for dinner.  One thing i noticed though is that the red color especially on top of the grill gets much darker. 
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/a30fb06648ba1ebea5ca45bd5ed8c763.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/b81bb628074740fb9850e867d311d0a5.jpg)

The gen 2 with a red and metal table upgrade, might just be the best performer combination ever!
Excellent job!


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Very nice. I like the handle mod.

Nicely done

That is very nice! Great Mod.

Excellent job! I like it.
Why is the bottom rack inverted from left to right? (you know what I mean?)

sweet !!!! I need a LE red...none around here....hey qwest..........lol.....
That turned out great!!!!

I really dig this mod.  I had thought about it myself but remembered there were no more bowl mounts to be had.

Congrats on a really sweet grill!!!  Well done on the conversion!

Thanks @qwesthunter. This project wouldn't have been possible without your assist.

Quote from: WNC on March 14, 2018, 05:22:12 AM
The gen 2 with a red and metal table upgrade, might just be the best performer combination ever!
Excellent job!


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Not exactly a gen2. Gen2 front panel, gen3 tube frame and wire rack,gen4 rear panel and  top. Only keeping 3 modded ssp and 3 modded gen2.  Just trying to add a bit of a different look to all of them.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/439d3ffaf2908a6525549b4915e681eb.jpg)

Quote from: Jan M. on March 14, 2018, 06:55:54 AM
Excellent job! I like it.
Why is the bottom rack inverted from left to right? (you know what I mean?)

Here's the reason why i rotated the wire rack.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/424d75407a1a2b16f510cf8bdde76824.jpg)
I needed a flat surface for a rectangular charcoal bucket. Obviously the char bin doesn't fit anymore since I lowered the grill to a height of 24". Besides i consider the char bin to be almost useless. It's not suitable for storing charcoal because the lack of a lid and therefore not watertight.  Only good for storing grill covers etc.

Quote from: Jules V. on March 14, 2018, 08:58:22 AM

Quote from: WNC on March 14, 2018, 05:22:12 AM
The gen 2 with a red and metal table upgrade, might just be the best performer combination ever!
Excellent job!


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Not exactly a gen2. Gen2 front panel, gen3 tube frame and wire rack,gen4 rear panel and  top. Only keeping 3 modded ssp and 3 modded gen2.  Just trying to add a bit of a different look to all of them.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/439d3ffaf2908a6525549b4915e681eb.jpg)

Yeah I totally noticed some of that. The SS looking tubing with the same wire rack, plus all the black accents really make it pop!
Really nice job!


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Quote from: Bubblehead on March 14, 2018, 07:55:53 AM
I really dig this mod.  I had thought about it myself but remembered there were no more bowl mounts to be had.

Congrats on a really sweet grill!!!  Well done on the conversion!

Bowl mounts are everywhere. You just have to make them yourself out of a 11 or 12 gauge ss plate.   It's just pia and time consuming  if you don't have the proper tools.  Fortunately i have access  to bowl mounts. A local wkc  member who wants to remain anonymous made a bunch of sets for me.

Quote from: Ken Mc on March 14, 2018, 07:47:51 AM
sweet !!!! I need a LE red...none around here....hey qwest..........lol.....
That turned out great!!!!

Home depot will not show availability of this item online.  You have to walk in the closest store and go to customer svc. Their computer will show store location availability. I checked Lowe's last week and rainer location was showing 19 available but it's for $149. Not sure if they'll price match though.

This is a sweet mod. I have a ssp with a bad bowl. I just might have to try this.

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This is a sweet mod. I have a ssp with a bad bowl. I just might have to try this.

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Quote from: mattlillis73 on March 14, 2018, 10:50:29 AM
This is a sweet mod. I have a ssp with a bad bowl. I just might have to try this.

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Initially I wanted to mount it in a ssp frame but i already have a red ssp so it ended up on this frame for time being. Will probably end up on a different modded gen2/ssp frame later.

Quote from: kettlebb on March 13, 2018, 05:29:04 PM
Wow, you have some skills bro. Post that to the Weber Facebook group. Tell them how they can improve on the red LE and maybe sell a few more units.


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I'm very  sure Weber knows how to improve their grills, they just happen to be too preoccupied with the bottom  line.

Quote from: Jules V. on March 14, 2018, 09:19:50 AM

Quote from: Bubblehead on March 14, 2018, 07:55:53 AM
I really dig this mod.  I had thought about it myself but remembered there were no more bowl mounts to be had.

Congrats on a really sweet grill!!!  Well done on the conversion!

Bowl mounts are everywhere. You just have to make them yourself out of a 11 or 12 gauge ss plate.   It's just pia and time consuming  if you don't have the proper tools.  Fortunately i have access  to bowl mounts. A local wkc  member who wants to remain anonymous made a bunch of sets for me.

Anyone happen to have a template?

Awesome work, Jules.

You really don't need a template. Just line up the  bowls properly and do your markings. Measure and veryify hole locations. Make the necessary adjustment and you're good to go. Have always used this method with a very accurate hole placement.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180314/630ad5f756609534e6db8be96bdd4543.jpg)

...

I meant a template for the brackets.  My apologies, I should've better communicated that.

@Bubblehead

If you want to make your own bracket, then find an old  damaged bowl  that has a bracket. Just cut it off the bowl to use as a template   

Dam very nice!! Great job!!

Just want to add 2 observations regarding the built characteristics of the lid and bowl of the LE  in comparison to the regular lid and bowl. First, the porcelain coating on the LE is slightly thinner. Don't really have a way of measuring the thickness of the porcelain coating other than eyeballing it when i drilled the holes.  I'm also assuming the thinner porcelain because when drilling, there's very minimal to almost zero chipping or cracking adjacent to the holes that's drilled. Holes came out very smooth even when i used the step-drill, which i might add, not very sharp. I verified that the LE is less prone to chipping  while drilling holes by drilling holes on an old  damaged bowl. The holes on the old bowl came out much rougher. There's a lot of little porcelain/enamel fractures around the hole and also some chipping which is very consistent with my  prior experience drilling holes on the kettle.

Second observation is the metal  probably has a different characteristics/composition. I found it harder to drill through  the metal even with a freshly sharpened bits. 

Some finishing photos:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180316/b218bc8b4f423ea31a52d91eaf3d97fc.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180316/f8cccfaf364528d6c5b433bc5089bc06.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180316/d8e297739ab406c1fdc7c4a3a6b47a46.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180316/cb58229d13e7bd8fd9a6fd69b6ea8a82.jpg)
I just cut the handle all the way to the portion that's welded to the bowl. Drilled 2 holes through the remaining welded portion of the handle  and attached a ss strip that  i cut from a tong.

I like how you removed the bowl handle and made it look much cleaner. Also, 2 very interesting observation that were never brought up before.

Great job on this! I will also be making special performer shorty after this Thread. Thanks to Jules - he has sent me something to make this project lot easier. 

The more I visit this thread, the more I like this setup.  Just a really cool grill.

That is some fine work, sir.

I too keep coming back to this one
I've got an old '86 red head that I've been thinking about dropping into a performer
I'll keep the regular height, but love the look.
Thanks for the tip about lining up the bowls, any other tips for a brother's first time?
How did you manage the gas assist hole?
Thanks!


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Quote from: WNC on March 17, 2018, 07:42:23 AM
I too keep coming back to this one
I've got an old '86 red head that I've been thinking about dropping into a performer
I'll keep the regular height, but love the look.
Thanks for the tip about lining up the bowls, any other tips for a brother's first time?
How did you manage the gas assist hole?
Thanks!


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You need a drill preferably with a good chuck to minimize bit wobble.  Sharp drill bit that are meant for low rpm, you don't want to use aggressive  tipped bits that are used for fast drilling.  The shorter the bits, the better. Also never use a hex biits on a impact driver because of the excessive wobble.  A sharp step drill bit to enlarge hole to target size. If you have a rotary tool, use it to shape the hole into a slight oblong shape. File can also be used instead of the rotary tool. You don't need to make the hole into  an "eyeball" shape. Just dismantle the burner assembly and insert from the inside of the bowl.

Ok, very clean, looks cool.  But how tall are you? Forgive me, but it doesn't look to be the most ergonomically correct grill.  My back aches just thinking about bending over to use it.  Nice work none the less.

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Quote from: Jeff on March 17, 2018, 02:15:31 PM
Ok, very clean, looks cool.  But how tall are you? Forgive me, but it doesn't look to be the most ergonomically correct grill.  My back aches just thinking about bending over to use it.  Nice work none the less.

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I'm 5'6" but i prefer my arms pointed almost straight down  instead  of horizontal  position. while holding the tongs etc.   All 4 of my gen2 are 24 1/2" and 3 ssp at 26".

Wow. You are an artist. That's way out of my DIY league. Respect


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Incredible job man I love that kettle in the performer setup


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Quote from: Bertman on March 17, 2018, 05:40:49 PM
Wow. You are an artist. That's way out of my DIY league. Respect


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Thanks.  Actually this mod is very simple and basic that everyone can execute. It's nothing more than drilling holes and some cutting/grinding.

LE Red with her older American half-sister Grass Green getting ready to perform on the grass.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180323/f687cec9b706f9da361243cf14c8785a.jpg)

LE looks great in a performer cart.


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Quote from: mhiszem on March 23, 2018, 01:34:21 AM
LE looks great in a performer cart.


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Yeah they turned out much better than I've ever imagined especially that it costs $99. Not necessarily the deepest hue of red but at least it transforms into a darker red while under high heat. I actually suspect the color will eventually turn into a darker or deeper shade of red after each use. I've been monitoring the color in comparison to my N code ssp and it seems the lid color on the LE is getting close to the darker red on the ssp.

More info on what you do for the ignition wires and gas hardware to a Gen 2? Just picked one up myself. Looks like you bought new assemblies and used wire loom.

Quote from: DynaGlide on March 25, 2018, 05:16:57 PM
More info on what you do for the ignition wires and gas hardware to a Gen 2? Just picked one up myself. Looks like you bought new assemblies and used wire loom.

Those are all existing assemblies that came with the performer table. The high heat wire loom came from a scrapped Genesis.

Wow!!!!  Great mod @Jules V.   I have had my Red LE since November and still haven't cooked on it.  Also have a newer Copper Premium that I haven't cooked on.  I'm not necessarily trying to keep them mint, I just have enough grills so not need to dirty up the new ones.  One thing I've noticed about the taller new grills is that they are top heavy and will fall over when rolling them around easier than older grills.  I think I am going to do your mod to put my Red LE in one of my SSP's.  I already have Zavod custom handles and bale rollers on it, so it would look awesome in my SSP frame!!!!

Quote from: MikeRocksTheRed on March 26, 2018, 08:16:57 AM
Wow!!!!  Great mod @Jules V.   I have had my Red LE since November and still haven't cooked on it.  Also have a newer Copper Premium that I haven't cooked on.  I'm not necessarily trying to keep them mint, I just have enough grills so not need to dirty up the new ones.

Thanks Mike. But as I've mentioned before, my LE is actually a very basic  & straightforward mod, a majority of us here can execute. Mostly drilling and a some cutting/grinding etc. Aside from that I'm very happy with the outcome. Had such low expectations of the LE but now has become my  favorite daily cooker along with the grass green. The grill came of the box almost flawless except for a small enamel run inside the bowl. Unlike the majority of the members here, I'm not a collector. One thing I require of my bowls and lids is that it needs to be flawless.
If you ever decide to mount the LE into a frame, just send me PM if you need some tips. Wanted to mount the LE on the ssp at first but i already have a red N code  ssp so i decided on the gen2 hybrid.

Hey Jules I know you have said or shown before but do you use normal stainless nuts and washers in the inside of the kettle or do you use a split washer or any locking type hardware?  I would like to re-work one of my tacos.


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I'll PM you the details later.

Quote from: HoosierKettle on March 26, 2018, 09:02:39 AM
Hey Jules I know you have said or shown before but do you use normal stainless nuts and washers in the inside of the kettle or do you use a split washer or any locking type hardware?  I would like to re-work one of my tacos.
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I just use a ss 1 1/4" fender washer and bolt inside the bowl. Don't have to worry about the bolt coming loose because if you'll be able to make the bolt very tight without having to worry about damaging the porcelain. The key here is to slightly deform the washers to follow the contour of the lid. Place the washers on a 2"x4" and very gently tap the center with a ball peen hammer.  Make some adjustments if necessary. Also make sure to sand and polish the washers to eliminate any sharp/jagged edges that may come into contact with the lid. I don't use a split washer because it will put too much strain toward the center of the large washer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/95d190c32a2515534dd2bff02461354a.jpg)
1" fender washer placed between taco shell n lid. Trimmed and rounded on the outside to keep flush with the taco shell. You'll see it on the next photo.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/15050db532d6c027d82643f35ed72edb.jpg)
This is how it look like with the trimmed washer.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/2de7fbbffc1a0f37b098e4ef78f90336.jpg)
Washer is barely visible and doesn't look out of place.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/c98d9785ad4a1665c478bb7e17ae78d6.jpg)
1 1/2" fender washer to spread out the strain created by the nut n bolt.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180327/8958cabfd832f0636e81a79636e4125e.jpg)
This photo is for reference only. It's not the actual carriage bolt. Trimming one side allows the bolt to be installed very close to the vertical portion of the strap. Just trim enough material as necessary until the bolt slides in the strap hole and sits flush.

Thank you.


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Minor updates. Tool holder, weber badge and retractable propane tank hose.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180424/8fb894e23b6d3cafc1101680f5a2d10d.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180424/73250ca93cd9802643db85e5e2489f4e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180424/a45410a593daafe3a120d0487af55477.jpg)

Just today I was wondering how to coil up a hose like that.

This is what I want to do w my new LE red but don't have a damn cart....
Poses a slight problem...


Vinny

Quote from: Vinnybaggadonuts on April 25, 2018, 03:21:44 PM
This is what I want to do w my new LE red but don't have a damn cart....
Poses a slight problem...


Vinny

Come get some
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180425/2de9364c84636d3f5a2c9faca037e793.jpg)

Quote from: Bubblehead on March 14, 2018, 01:16:51 PM

Quote from: Jules V. on March 14, 2018, 09:19:50 AM

Quote from: Bubblehead on March 14, 2018, 07:55:53 AM
I really dig this mod.  I had thought about it myself but remembered there were no more bowl mounts to be had.

Congrats on a really sweet grill!!!  Well done on the conversion!

Bowl mounts are everywhere. You just have to make them yourself out of a 11 or 12 gauge ss plate.   It's just pia and time consuming  if you don't have the proper tools.  Fortunately i have access  to bowl mounts. A local wkc  member who wants to remain anonymous made a bunch of sets for me.

Anyone happen to have a template?

Why not just grind off the tabs on a donor bowl?  That's what I plan to do. 

Quote from: Jules V. on March 26, 2018, 09:12:12 AM
I'll PM you the details later.

JUst curious why the midget?  Do you sit and cook?

@zavod44

Quote from: Jules V. on March 17, 2018, 02:24:14 PM

Quote from: Jeff on March 17, 2018, 02:15:31 PM
Ok, very clean, looks cool.  But how tall are you? Forgive me, but it doesn't look to be the most ergonomically correct grill.  My back aches just thinking about bending over to use it.  Nice work none the less.

I'm 5'6" but i prefer my arms pointed almost straight down  instead  of horizontal  position. while holding the tongs etc.   All 4 of my gen2 are 24 1/2" and 3 ssp at 26".

On Facebook's Weber Kettle Fans' group there's another version based on Jules' inspiration: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weberkettlefans/permalink/796297597235053/

Note the use of Unknown BBQ's kettle brackets (I didn't realize they made them ... ) http://unknownbbq.com/kettle-brackets/

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 26, 2018, 06:14:36 AM
@zavod44

Other than being short, i have some minor elbow issue in my right arm so i have much less fatigue if it's pointed straight down instead of bent at the elbow at a 90 degree position. The sweet spot for me in terms of the tabletop height  is 27".  All but 1 of my ssp are 27" high or low for that matter.  The LE is currently at 27 1/2". Grass green is even shorter at 24 1/2"  as I'm planning to add a drum stacker.  Couple benefits of lowering the frames and eliminating the casters  makes the frame very stiff and stable. I also use a stainless threaded rod for the axle in order to add nuts on both the inside and outside of the frame's legs. It will not rock side to side or front to back.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/eb3efeba0fe58fdf19dc32a770e1cd1f.jpg)

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 26, 2018, 07:01:56 AM

Note the use of Unknown BBQ's kettle brackets (I didn't realize they made them ... ) http://unknownbbq.com/kettle-brackets/

Don't buy unknown. Nothing beats the brackets from @qwesthunter. Made of 1/8" mirror finish stainless.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/07f4f4111e24047cf4543ffd50597729.jpg)

Nice to see others getting into the bracket business! I looked at the unknownbbq version, and it sounds like one size fits both 22.5 and 26.75 bowls. I suppose you could make it work that way, (I know. I tried.) but it's a compromise I was not willing to make in the end. Glad I'm not competing with either of these guys though. Hope the market is big enough for both. I sold maybe 35 sets over three years here. If they can cover costs at $30/set, more power to 'em.

Quote from: 56MPG on April 26, 2018, 10:40:22 AM
Nice to see others getting into the bracket business! I looked at the unknownbbq version, and it sounds like one size fits both 22.5 and 26.75 bowls. I suppose you could make it work that way, (I know. I tried.) but it's a compromise I was not willing to make in the end. Glad I'm not competing with either of these guys though. Hope the market is big enough for both. I sold maybe 35 sets over three years here. If they can cover costs at $30/set, more power to 'em.

I sell the brackets for $30/set. I have designed them so that they will work on 18.5", 22.5"and the 26.75"bowls. These are made from 304 stainless and can be used on any performer table as well as custom tables. You would have no issues with any application as the bowl tabs form to the bowl. You can check them out on Facebook at R shack bbq or message me. And a big thank you to @Jules V for promoting them as well as using them.


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Quote from: Jules V. on April 26, 2018, 08:38:41 AM

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 26, 2018, 07:01:56 AM

Note the use of Unknown BBQ's kettle brackets (I didn't realize they made them ... ) http://unknownbbq.com/kettle-brackets/

Don't buy unknown. Nothing beats the brackets from @qwesthunter. Made of 1/8" mirror finish stainless.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180426/07f4f4111e24047cf4543ffd50597729.jpg)

Thank you for the support @Jules V. So neat seeing your builds come together


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Quote from: Jules V. on April 25, 2018, 03:27:16 PM

Quote from: Vinnybaggadonuts on April 25, 2018, 03:21:44 PM
This is what I want to do w my new LE red but don't have a damn cart....
Poses a slight problem...


Vinny

Come get some
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180425/2de9364c84636d3f5a2c9faca037e793.jpg)

Where's is this gold mine at???


Vinny

Quote from: Vinnybaggadonuts on April 25, 2018, 03:21:44 PM

Where's is this gold mine at


Vinny

A few miles northwest west of west Chicago...approximately 2000 miles

What the hell???!!!!

Lol


Vinny

Quote from: Vinnybaggadonuts on April 27, 2018, 11:40:12 AM
What the hell???!!!!

Lol


Vinny

Hey Vinny—stay out of my secret honey hole...lol


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FINE!!!!!

The search continues....


Vinny

Quote from: Vinnybaggadonuts on April 27, 2018, 12:15:03 PM
FINE!!!!!

The search continues....


Vinny

So many performers for sale under $50. So just buy 1 and sell the lid and bowl for $50.02 that way you'll end up with a free frame and also get your 2 cents in.

Haven't found anything around here... yet


Vinny

Beautiful build and it looks easiest enough for a guy with my skill set... haha. I have a recently acquired a H code brownie that will be going into a Gen 1 cart I'm getting Tuesday from local member @spacemanspif... this will be my first performer and I am not sure how far I will go in on this mod. Also thanks to @qwesthunter for brackets.
I'm excited about this build and look forward to posting its progression. @julesV I'll more than likely reach out through process.

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Quote from: inkaddictedchef1 on April 28, 2018, 04:38:04 PM
Beautiful build and it looks easiest enough for a guy with my skill set... haha. I have a recently acquired a H code brownie that will be going into a Gen 1 cart I'm getting Tuesday from local member @spacemanspif... this will be my first performer and I am not sure how far I will go in on this mod. Also thanks to @qwesthunter for brackets.
I'm excited about this build and look forward to posting its progression. @julesV I'll more than likely reach out through process.

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Mounting a bowl into a performer frame may sound daunting  but actually it's a very simple process. If it's your first time drilling holes in a kettle,  try to get a damaged lid or a bowl and practice drilling holes in it so you'll know what to expect before you actually start drilling away on your prized kettle. Just send me a PM if you have any questions.

Quote from: Jules V. on April 28, 2018, 07:00:02 PM

Quote from: inkaddictedchef1 on April 28, 2018, 04:38:04 PM
Beautiful build and it looks easiest enough for a guy with my skill set... haha. I have a recently acquired a H code brownie that will be going into a Gen 1 cart I'm getting Tuesday from local member @spacemanspif... this will be my first performer and I am not sure how far I will go in on this mod. Also thanks to @qwesthunter for brackets.
I'm excited about this build and look forward to posting its progression. @julesV I'll more than likely reach out through process.

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Mounting a bowl into a performer frame may sound daunting  but actually it's a very simple process. If it's your first time drilling holes in a kettle,  try to get a damaged lid or a bowl and practice drilling holes in it so you'll know what to expect before you actually start drilling away on your prized kettle. Just send me a PM if you have any questions.

Awesome!

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Masking tape.. Measure twice... Start with a small drill bit, then progress to a larger one..
I like the idea of putting the bracket where the handles are but you would need to check that.

Quote from: Heyjude on April 29, 2018, 03:55:35 PM
Masking tape.. Measure twice... Start with a small drill bit, then progress to a larger one..
I like the idea of putting the bracket where the handles are but you would need to check that.

I'm planning on cutting the handles and doing a stainless steel plate over them like @juelsV did...

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Quote from: inkaddictedchef1 on April 29, 2018, 05:56:05 PM

I'm planning on cutting the handles and doing a stainless steel plate over them like @juelsV did...

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[/quote]
Since it's a ssp, the stainless strip wouldn't look out of  place. You can also use a copper strip or a painted version to match the bowl.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180430/856094d8a8118243d1d0fc0263c55f9c.jpg)
This one is on a gen2.

Hi Folks,

I just finished my mod this evening to my 2003. My SSP nearly met the scrap heap when I saw how much it was going to cost to replace all things rusted or worn. Since the LE had all the big ticket items all for $149 it wasn't too hard to convince the wife to save the old girl.

I used the wheels that came with the LE and upgraded the casters to the ones on the Gen 2. New burner, Weber logo and I was able to salvage the bowl mounting brackets from the old bowl.

FYI, because of the caster uplift I am no longer level. If it is too much I'll look into drilling new holes for the axel.

Best Regards,

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Quote from: lunchpirate on April 29, 2018, 08:17:17 PM
Hi Folks,

I just finished my mod this evening to my 2003. My SSP nearly met the scrap heap when I saw how much it was going to cost to replace all things rusted or worn. Since the LE had all the big ticket items all for $149 it wasn't too hard to convince the wife to save the old girl.

I used the wheels that came with the LE and upgraded the casters to the ones on the Gen 2. New burner, Weber logo and I was able to salvage the bowl mounting brackets from the old bowl.

FYI, because of the caster uplift I am no longer level. If it is too much I'll look into drilling new holes for the axel.

Best Regards,

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That's a great looking ssp. How about a quick intro?


You might be better off trimming the legs on the casters.   The new and existing holes  for the axle will be too close together  which compromises structural rigidity.

Welcome to WKC.

[edit!]

Well ignore what I typed if you read it. Place the grill not on carpet. It'll become even. The heavy end is sinking down into the carpet in that picture.

Thanks for the welcome and my apologies for the non-intro.  I got a little over-excited about the finished product.

There is definitely a lean because of the caster.  I knew that would be the case when I got them but thought I would be able to reduce it.  It is about 3/4" off on the bowl side.  But you are right, the carpet is exaggerating it.  I may just live with it if there are no performance issues.  I really don't want to drill a hole through two legs and try to get them perfectly aligned for the axel.  I really don't see that turning out well for me.  I probably shouldn't have went with the larger caster, but it rolls so much better.

INTRO:

My name is TomS.  I live in Raleigh, NC.  I've been a Weber owner for 15yrs.  I own a 2003 SSP, 2018 Gen2 E-310 & LE.

A few weeks ago I purchased a Gen2 E310 to replace my SSP, but when it came time to physically replace it I found it difficult to let it go.  After a lot of googling and finding WKC I decided to breath new life into by marrying the LE with the SSP body.

After 15 years of grilling, I'm looking forward to learning how I can smoke/bbq on my Weber.

Best Regards,

TomS.

Very nice looking updated SSP


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@lunchpirate great job breathing new life into that SSP!

Tom, all Performers use 2" wheels. I'm not saying "you're wrong" about anything.

I'm just trying to understand why the frame would not be level, since the LE's new wheels are the same 8" diameter as the originals. (As far as I know.)

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 30, 2018, 06:45:25 AM
Tom, all Performers use 2" wheels. I'm not saying "you're wrong" about anything.

I'm just trying to understand why the frame would not be level, since the LE's new wheels are the same 8" diameter as the originals. (As far as I know.)

The casters on the ssp are slightly smaller than the rest of the performers.

OK I'm out. I'm even more confused now.

Different part numbers? I thought they were all #6414, including old Genesis and Spirits.

Quote from: addicted-to-smoke on April 30, 2018, 06:51:11 AM
OK I'm out. I'm even more confused now.

Different part numbers? I thought they were all #6414, including old Genesis and Spirits.

Here's the photo.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180430/02b93871df028e2d9341891b0cac16ce.jpg)
When installed, the gen2 and newer casters sits almost 1/2" higher. Using the larger casters are a great idea, he just need to trim the legs just a bit shy of 1/2" and not 3/4".

@lunchpirate

Sorry if i got you confused about the introduction. You might need to redo it so you have proper introduction and all the great wkc members have a better chance of getting to know you. The intro goes here Introduce Yourself
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=63141&share_sfid=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fweberkettleclub%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Findex%2Ephp%3Fboard%3D2&share_type=sf


Also, just trim the legs on the casters by 1/2" and not 3/4". The frame should be level. You can not drill new holes for the axle as the holes will be too close together.

Quote from: Jules V. on April 30, 2018, 07:13:58 AM
@lunchpirate

Sorry if i got you confused about the introduction. You might need to redo it so you have proper introduction and all the great wkc members have a better chance of getting to know you. The intro goes here Introduce Yourself
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?share_fid=63141&share_sfid=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fweberkettleclub%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Findex%2Ephp%3Fboard%3D2&share_type=sf


Also, just trim the legs on the casters by 1/2" and not 3/4". The frame should be level. You can not drill new holes for the axle as the holes will be too close together.

Thanks JulesV. I'll post my formal intro there.

Here is a pic of the new and old caster just for clarity. I'll double check but I believe the differential is more than .5"  Thanks for the alternate solution of shortening the caster side. I didn't think of that.

Best Regards,

TomS.

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Quote from: lunchpirate on April 30, 2018, 01:23:42 PM

@lunchpirate

That caster doesn't look like it originally came with a performer. Prior owner might have replaced it with an aftermarket caster. Bigger casters actually work much better. Judging by the photo, it does look even bigger than the casters from the newer performers so the 3/4" you mentioned  should be dead on.

Those are the same casters from the new Genesis gassers.  I used a pair on my SSP build too.  This pic includes the caster insert, part number and website from which I obtained them.

Welcome.


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Hi Mr.CPHo!  You are correct!  I just purchased an E310 and through those casters would look great on my SSP.  I called Weber support and ordered a pair.  Thanks for the link!  Had I known they were local (to where I live) I could have saved a lot of time searching for those inserts!

Best Regards,

TomS.