The black MT I picked up at the meetup was a little rough, and was not a candidate for a museum-quality restoration. Still, a couple hours and some elbow grease works wonders. The one-touch system will have to wait, but I plan to run this wide open - searing steaks and such. Not a big deal. Had to get new grates, and am trying out the gourmet system I picked up recently. I can swap it to my performer depending on what's cooking. I'll get a new grate for this one eventually. Handles were toast, but I had a set from another project. Sorry for not taking a pic of every step along the way. I was trying to get it done before I had a visitor. Anyway, here's a quick look at today's fun:
The brace is solid, just needs a new set of wings.
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/9195317704_7f543cd5e7_b.jpg)
Had to hack off the handle - it was frozen solid.
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/9195320822_1c3d40ac81_b.jpg)
Top nuts came off the bale, but the bottom bolt had to be drilled out.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/9192529067_6f6f61d5bf_b.jpg)
All together for tonights cook.
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/9192520013_46933e320f_b.jpg)
That grate system is nice!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9195308676_1257f7da73_b.jpg)
My granddaughter Lizzy ran up to it and thought it was funny she could see herself in the kettle.
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3807/9192508583_cca6cc11ec_b.jpg)
Great job. Turned out fabulous
Outstanding work! Someday I'm gonna finally find an MT for the stable. The sear grate system is an awesome accessory.
Looks fantastic Marty, gotta love that black Master-Touch.
What is going on with the OT system, why are you not replacing it?
Nice, Marty! You missed a spot under the lid :P
Very nice. An MT to be proud of!
Holy Cow...that doesn't look like the same grill when I picked it up!! Super job!
Great clean up!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
Great job Marty!
Missed a spot? How about a hundred spots? I gave myself two hours to see what I could do, but I'll get back to the details, including the one touch, someday. Maybe. I'm not sure I'll find the elusive system for the old style OT. The front leg is a problem too, and I had to rig things up front with zip ties to get it back in business. Like I said, this one might not be worth too many new parts, but I agree it looks pretty good now, and is certainly functional. Not all restores have to be show-girls.
Just giving you a hard time, Marty. The MT looks great esp in black. Ill see if I can snag you a OT assembly. Can you snuff a fire with just the top vent open?
OT, I see you are a fellow wood-burner. I hope it will be awhile before I have to start up the old F3CB, but with this past spring being so long, cold and wet, I'm not too optimistic.
Looks great. Are those Wavy lines under the lid a reflection of the grate ? I wish I had some extra handles like those laying around.