Ive often thought a 26" OTG in a Ranch-type frame would be a sweet set-up so I figured why not give it a shot. I ordered a Ranch frame, cut it to fit, and retrofitted the 26 to the frame. Very pleased with the final product. It is ROCK SOLID and will be my "go to".
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4820.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4821.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4823.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4824.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4825.jpg)
I'm speechless. Are you gonna add the second handle to the lid? How much was the frame if you don't mind?
Now THAT's a mod! Did you record the entire process? No doubt a few of us are going to want to replicate this. Me included.
Bravo, bravo !!!!
I say....why not?
Hey that's really clean looking Stu. Very nice....and now mobile!! One of the nicer functional mods I've seen in awhile. Bravo!
All you need to due is add a table to it. You're almost on your way to a 26 Performer!
That is awesome G.... looks like it came straight from the factory that way. WOW..... Nice job.... ............"2 thumbs up"
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Lol! Problem solved! Nice. How much was the RK stand? Is that the bottom frame and top frame kit?
WOW! Genius idea!
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That's great. I think I would consider adding a front handle from a newer OTP to assist in sliding the lid up/back onto the rollers. I've only had my 26er for a few months, but something like this has been on my mind ever since the first time I cooked on it. Nice work.
Thanks all. I just put it through its paces and no problems.
QuoteAre you gonna add the second handle to the lid?
No second handle planned. I thought about it but prefer it just like it is.
QuoteDid you record the entire process?
I didn't even think about it and truthfully, was a little concerned that it wouldn't turn out. Im planning to order another frame to replicate the results. The overall process is pretty easy and straightforward. Tools needed included only a hacksaw, drill, and an angle grinder. For those that can weld, the process would probably be easier. The middle part of each frame was cut to the proper length and the pieces were joined together with a square aluminum insert. I used some SS hardware to mount the bowl to the frame.
Quotelooks like it came straight from the factory that way
There are a few mistakes but they were covered or corrected pretty easily.
QuoteHow much was the RK stand? Is that the bottom frame and top frame kit?
Yes, bottom and top frame. I got them from Weber for right around $80. Considering a new leg kit is around $35, I didn't think that was too bad.
WOW ! That is sweeet Stu. Very nice!
Action shot!!!
We need a name for this. I suggest "The Granch"! (aka: Rancho Pequeno)
The"hobby farm" kettle. That's a cool mod!!
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Quote from: Big B on March 08, 2014, 02:49:36 PM
That is awesome G.... looks like it came straight from the factory that way. WOW..... Nice job.... ............"2 thumbs up"
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They should come from the factory that way. That looks great!
Very nice!
Simply awesome. Great idea Stu!
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I can't stop looking at that!!! A cheap fix to the ranch fantasy!
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I just may do this conversion, I'll for sure add another handle on the front.....It's awesome...
Quote from: toddmog on March 08, 2014, 04:36:41 PM
Quote from: Big B on March 08, 2014, 02:49:36 PM
That is awesome G.... looks like it came straight from the factory that way. WOW..... Nice job.... ............"2 thumbs up"
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They should come from the factory that way. That looks great!
I was going to say the very same thing, with the $300 price tag you would think it would be something that they could do.
Stu, this is pretty much amazing. It looks so clean and functional...just awesome! ;D
Thanks again.....amazed at the feedback. I forgot to mention another benefit....the 26" cover fits beautifully over the entire unit.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4826.jpg)
Also, as you can see, I removed the supports that hold the ash pan for the Ranch kettle. However, after cutting and reassembling the frame, I was surprised to find that the ash pan supports were in the correct position to hold an old style aluminum ash pan for a 26 very similar to the actual Ranch kettle. Therefore if you prefer the ash pan versus the enclosed ash ring/bucket, you could leave/use the supports.
Others have PMed....part number for the top frame is 85740 and the bottom frame is 85750. I ordered the steel rod for the wheel axle but see you can buy something similar at Home Depot.
WOW! That is amazing Stu! Weber should hire you for R&D. I believe that would be one of their best sellers. Hell, I would buy one tomorrow.
QuoteWeber should hire you for R&D
I like the sound of that.... :)
That is amazing. Love the ingenuity.
Great MOD Stu. Probably one of the best we've seen!
Excellent work.
+1 for the Hobby Farm.
That looks great!
inGenious! Now I not only want a 26er, I want setup like that! I have never seen a ranch kettle in person - how high off the ground is the grate level in your mod?
I fapped
Quotehow high off the ground is the grate level in your mod
Its about 30.5"
Just an awesome mod G!
Stu, you've outdone yourself and have raised the bar for sure. I see an influx of orders for Ranch legs in Weber's future. Outstanding work!!!
As for a name, how about "Fleetwood Ranch" or "Fleetranch" ?
Impressive work!
Did you price out fabricating a frame? Because ...
With the amount you paid for the framing ... very reasonable price,
I figure it would be cheaper doing what you did than fabricating something from scratch. :)
Well done! :) :)
Quote from: edhead35 on March 09, 2014, 04:45:11 AM
I fapped
Same
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By far one of the coolest mods ever. We need a full guide on this.
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I did not price out fabricating a frame....possibly could be cheaper, especially if you know how to weld. I enjoy tinkering on projects like these and figured the parts were accessible so why not. Some have asked so here are a few more details:
To start, I cut a piece of aluminum tubing exactly 8 3/4" (for measuring purposes) and centered it over the hole on the original frame, scored each end and made my cuts. Here's the resulting pieces.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4835.jpg)
Then cut a section of 1" aluminum tubing approximately 8" long then cut an equal length of thin aluminum 3/4" angle
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4829.jpg)
The square tubing was inserted into the frame and the angle was placed on the corners to make an almost perfect fit.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4830.jpg)
The frame pieces were slid together (these are the scrap pieces so the fit isn't perfect)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4831.jpg)
A 1/4" hole was drilled at the seam for the center bolt and two other 1/4" holes were drilled about 2" on each side of the center hole to hold the pieces together.
There was a question on how the bowl was attached to the frame. I used the 3/4" angle as a guide between the top of the frame and the bowl edge to allow the bolts to be at or just below the grate level. I also used a pliers to bend/mold the bolt phlanges to match the shape of the bowl for a better fit.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4832.jpg)
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4833.jpg)
I also removed the heat shield from the handle and added a wood handle.
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4834.jpg)
Very nice no-weld mod G !
Question.....
If you removed 8-3/4" from the center of each frame, why does it look like more than 4-3/8" from center in your pic below of the removed sections ?
Photo angle maybe ?
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4835.jpg)
Optical illusion, camera angle, not sure. I took two straight on photos and they both turned out like that. Heres a better shot...
(http://i1155.photobucket.com/albums/p542/brainbob/IMG_4836.jpg)
Tape measure is on the ground while the tubing "top" is closer to the camera. Kinda like when you hold a fish with extended arms - it looks bigger in the picture. But I agree, it does look rather different verses the measurement G tossed out there.
Stu - Friggin' awesome mod! Now all of a sudden, my 26'er sucks. lol
So nice! 26" ranch is the perfect size!