Weber Kettle Club Forums

Grill Talk => Weber Kettle Forum => Topic started by: Raindog on July 02, 2023, 04:40:10 PM

Title: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 02, 2023, 04:40:10 PM
Maybe saved this from scrappers but now not sure what I should do with it. It's pretty beat up. Grates are thrashed, lid handle broken and held on with nuts and bolts, ashpan missing, 2 of the daisy wheels are not secured to kettle. The upside is the triangle and leg sockets are solid. The wheels have a few cracks but the caps are there. I have an A code black 26 in really nice shape so I didn't/don't need another but can't decide between restoring, selling/trading or parting out. What do you all think?

Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Mr.CPHo on July 02, 2023, 05:03:05 PM
Nice patina on that Fleetwood.  I hope you restore it or trade/sell to someone who will.  These old three-wheeler 26'ers are awesome for low-n-slow cooks.  Perhaps reattach the vents and cook on it at least once before you decide. 
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: JEBIV on July 02, 2023, 06:00:59 PM
She has good bones!

Sent from my SM-S918U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Zrschaef on July 02, 2023, 07:14:42 PM
I'd love to have something like that, where are you located?

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 02, 2023, 08:27:52 PM
Quote from: Zrschaef on July 02, 2023, 07:14:42 PM
I'd love to have something like that, where are you located?

Sent from my SM-G991U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

PM sent.
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Pezdogs on July 02, 2023, 09:51:26 PM
That's a nice grill, good save

Sent from my SM-S908E using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)

Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: bladz on July 03, 2023, 05:12:30 AM
Someone would be happy to add that to their collection.  Those don't come along very often.  If you don't have the time or desire to restore, it should be easy finding someone who does. 


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: michaelmilitello on July 03, 2023, 07:30:08 AM
Beautiful old 26.  I have it's brother.  Keep it.  Wonderful low and slow machine as [mention]Mr.CPHo [/mention] says. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: JEBIV on July 03, 2023, 09:30:27 AM
I say keep it, they are grate grills
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Craig on July 03, 2023, 09:41:30 AM
That being a thumbscrew era. I would lean on the side of restore it and keep as much original as possible.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 03, 2023, 10:39:26 AM
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Tips on freeing up the thumbscrews? 
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Craig on July 03, 2023, 11:22:28 AM
I've used PB blaster to free them up


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: LightningBoldtz on July 03, 2023, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Raindog on July 03, 2023, 10:39:26 AM
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Tips on freeing up the thumbscrews?

I have had to resort to heat and...........candlewax if you can believe it
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 03, 2023, 12:00:24 PM
Quote from: LightningBoldtz on July 03, 2023, 11:53:25 AM
Quote from: Raindog on July 03, 2023, 10:39:26 AM
Thanks everyone for the feedback. Tips on freeing up the thumbscrews?

I have had to resort to heat and...........candlewax if you can believe it


Really? Get them real hot and melt candle into threads?   I'll probably try PBB first but good to know for plan B. Thanks.
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: bladz on July 03, 2023, 12:21:44 PM
You may have to spray  a shot of PB Blaster everyday for a few days.  Give it time to do it's thing.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 09, 2023, 03:29:10 PM
Quote from: bladz on July 03, 2023, 12:21:44 PM
You may have to spray  a shot of PB Blaster everyday for a few days.  Give it time to do it's thing.


Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)

It took a few days like you said but the 4th day of soaking and lightly tapping using PB Blaster I was able to get all 3 free.  :)  Just hit the triangle with some 0000 steel wool and the grunge is coming off pretty easily so more gunk than rust on that. Not sure how to clean up the legs as they aren't what I'm used to with newer style legs but will search site for tips... thanks for input.
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Cellar2ful on July 09, 2023, 03:52:32 PM

@Raindog

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/cleaning-and-polishing-old-aluminum-legs/
Title: Re: Thumbscrew WW 26 What to do with this?
Post by: Raindog on July 09, 2023, 04:02:47 PM
Quote from: Cellar2ful on July 09, 2023, 03:52:32 PM

@Raindog

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/cleaning-and-polishing-old-aluminum-legs/

Ah thanks. They are steel for sure, after the magnet test. Anyone have tips on the steel leg restore?