Here is the 26 that "with a K" picked up for me, and that AZ_Mikey transported. I did not want to spend a significant amount of time on clean up because it will soon get heavy use anyway. I did get the bowl spotless inside. I cleaned the sweeper assembly, and all the leg hardware was already in good shape and just got a wpe down. I took the thermo out and cleaned it, but i did not even take the lid bail off.
For whatever reason, the inside lid on this thing just did ot want to come clean, even after a few hours of oven cleaner. It is nothing more than cook smoke, but i have never seen such a persistent and even coating. I eventually just called it "good" and moved on. I did not even clean and polish the vent.
The last thing was the bent lid handle. I gave it a pull to straighten it out "left to right". The other direction reqired some gentle hits. I got it close to straight and then realized the bracket itself was a little bent. Not wanting to cause more chipping, I have called it good enough. It looks fine unless you look close and see the kink in the bracket itself.
Lastly, I swapped firepit handles on to it. I am not a huge fan of them, but they look best on the black kettles, and i think it looks pretty sharp.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img689/3151/jtcp.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img842/4125/0t00.jpg)
Here are a couple before shots:
(http://imageshack.us/a/img801/1329/shya.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img838/3783/mma5.jpg)
Lookin' good G$. I can't wait to see some food on it.
Hopefully put it in to action Saturday. Ribs? Whole chickens? Hrm......
That grill looks great! Love the handles on it, it really sets it off. Can't wait to see what you cook either!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
I also really like the looks of the handles.... Nice job!
As George Zimmer would say, if he were a member - "You're going to like the way it cooks. I guarantee it".
Nice clean-up G$!
Is that grass in Arizona?!...damn, I was I could have a big cactus like that in my yard....grill looks beautiful
Quote from: tattooedant on September 10, 2013, 06:04:29 PM
Is that grass in Arizona?!...damn, I was I could have a big cactus like that in my yard....grill looks beautiful
Haha, big? That one is small. He is a baby, 30 years old maybe?
These guys are big:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/6861604194_f770b71536_z.jpg)
That turned out nice, G$! I agree with you on the fireplace handles against the black. They do look sharp.
Looks great! Carefull, those handles don't take heat! I have had the same deal with some of my lids... Bowls turnout awesome! Even with a blade and chemicals, I give up...
Interesting Greg. I figured the handles would work if they could withstand being at the top of the fireplace. I will keep an eye on them. Do they turn black when heated?
Great job Gerd!
Quote from: G$ on September 10, 2013, 07:29:19 PM
Interesting Greg. I figured the handles would work if they could withstand being at the top of the fireplace. I will keep an eye on them. Do they turn black when heated?
I will take a picture of mine. They are not pretty. after a couple of fires. I have resented to not using the lid on the fire place.
Hey G$ or anyone with a newer 26 what's the height difference between this and a 22.5? Is the 26 taller by much? I've grown used to lower profile a smaller kettle has but any extra would be nice.
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."
Taller, not sure by how much. Will look in the AM.
That looks nice!
That turned out really nice. I like the contrasting colors of the handles too. You did a good job with the rust around the handle on top. Can't even tell in the close up pic where you painted it...how did you go about that part of it?
Quote from: Chasing_smoke on September 10, 2013, 08:11:00 PM
Hey G$ or anyone with a newer 26 what's the height difference between this and a 22.5? Is the 26 taller by much? I've grown used to lower profile a smaller kettle has but any extra would be nice.
My MasterTouch measured 29" to the top of the bowl lip. The 26er measured 32.25" in the same manner.
Quote from: Jeff on September 11, 2013, 06:52:06 AM
That turned out really nice. I like the contrasting colors of the handles too. You did a good job with the rust around the handle on top. Can't even tell in the close up pic where you painted it...how did you go about that part of it?
I just cleaned it and then hit t with some oil. :)
I was prepared to spray it with black bbq enamel which I have found matches the jet black perfectly and have used to paint handles before, but since it was not very visible, I opted to leave it for now. Rusting here is not too much of an issue, and to be honest, the next handle change on this guy, if there is one, will be to remove and remount one any way. For now though, we are good to go.
My MasterTouch measured 29" to the top of the bowl lip. The 26er measured 32.25" in the same manner.
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Thanks so much G$!
"my kettle is more powerful it will do almost anything."