Weber ranch resto

[Tommie]

Back story:

Picked up/saved this ranch last year from a garden centre near me that had a Weber YouTube cooking channel.

It was originally given to the garden centre by my friend who had it from new in the 80s; it was given to him by a work client from Texas after they went out for a meal in London and got talking about grilling. Long story short, The client made a comment along the lines of "you brits don't know how to grill," which started a huge debate over dinner. A few weeks later a pallet turned up at my friends house with a note saying "Enjoy!" He continued to grill on it for the next 30 years until he decided to gift it to the garden centre (well, he swapped it for an SSP and a few other bits!)

Sadly the owner of the garden centre passed away and his wife called my friend who originally gave it to them, and said if he wants it back it's going FOC or it's off to the scrap man. He's in his 70s and downsized, so he said it would make him happy knowing I had it. When I picked it up it was in a pretty sorry used state so I took it home with plans to restore it but due to the size and owning many kettles its stayed in my garage until now.



So far I've cleaned the lid, wire brushed off the grate, repainted some wheel inserts, repainted the handle straps and cleaned the ash bowl. I went there last night and took it apart to finally bring it home in bits. I'll post pics on my slow progress in here but it will be grilled on this summer!
















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[Tommie]

Does anyone know if these are the correct handles for this period? Thanks




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[larry4406]

Cleaned up nicely!

Those things are huge!

[ASpitzer]

Looking good! These grills clean up very nicely and yours looks like it is coming along and will be ready to grill on in short order. Enjoy!

[bamakettles]

Coming along nicely!  I believe those are period correct handles, although some nice Zavod handles would compliment.  (you know these very well)  I replaced all nuts, bolts and washers with SS on mine which I recommend.  Amazon sells some nice kits that have allen wrench type heads that complement the grill.  I don't see a charcoal grate.... might present an expense for you.  Can't wait to see you grilling on this beauty!

[Tommie]

Thanks all! I am no way finished with it, I haven't cleaned inside yet and I plan to get the frame re powder coated. The castor wheels are shot too so they're en route.

[mention]bamakettles [/mention] the charcoal grates there, just hidden in the pic. And yeah, while I quite like keeping some OEM I think his ranch handle set is tempting me!


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[Tommie]

And yeah, all nuts n bolts will be replaced with stainless!


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[bgilbert44]

Very nice score, Tommie! Just a heads up, the date code for the Ranch is located on the bottom vents on the bowl. You should be able to determine the exact year from there. The Ranch was re-designed to it's modern configuration around 1992 IIRC, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's from 1992-99.

[Tommie]

Very nice score, Tommie! Just a heads up, the date code for the Ranch is located on the bottom vents on the bowl. You should be able to determine the exact year from there. The Ranch was re-designed to it's modern configuration around 1992 IIRC, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's from 1992-99.

Cheers for the info, I'll look into the date when I'm next down at the garage!


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[Cabernet]

Tommie, how do the Weber wheel "caps"  come off ? Do they just pull off?
Cheers
Frank

[Tommie]

I normally use a plastic lever to pry the plastic cap off, revealing the star lock push fit washer thingy which holds the wheel to the triangle. I sometimes get lucky with removing this part, but often they get damaged so carry a few spares

[MacEggs]

Great clean-up / restoration so far!

[Tommie]

[mention]MacEggs [/mention] thanks!

Exciting times, the frame came back today, just a quick peek and finish looks great, then it made its way swiftly to the shed.

Managed to grab the bowl from the garage (both bowl and lid wouldn't fit safely in my small van at once with all my tools!)I'll try to assemble
Tomorrow night. Quick question- does anyone use any kind of quick release for the wheels? I'm thinking this will fit nicely inside my shed unassembled, I'm using wing nuts where I can to be able to take it apart easily!




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