The intent of this thread is to list preferred Weber parts, Weber parts commonality between models, proven aftermarket replacement parts and workarounds.
In short, all those Golden Nuggets that are now scattered across the Interwebz, now all in one place.
I'll start with a thermometer upgrade for a DR code OTS.
The Weber bezel part number is 63027.
This will lead you to 18.5 WSM but it is currently being used on all units with a 1-3/4" diameter face.
It is the lower profile, smooth bezel which I prefer over the higher profile, "fluted" bezel used in previous years.
This bezel has a blind tab that keys into an auxiliary hole on production models.
The Weber thermometers in turn have a tab that keys into the bezel.
This is great for production, but I'm not going to need this feature so I carefully snapped it off of the bezel.
I wanted to upgrade the thermometer from the Weber offering because of their reputation for inaccuracy and fogging up.
The logical choice for me was the Tel-Tru BQ100.
This therm has a "grill range" graduation of 150F - 700F, professional-looking face, 2.13" stem length, ±1% accuracy and requires just a 1/4" hole.
Best of all it's a Tel-Tru, arguably the best made analog temp gauges in the land.
I placed my new gauge in the OEM location (triangulate 5-1/4" +/- from each handle strap).
I used blue tape for layout clarity and drilled an 1/8" hole with a normal high speed drill bit.
Then I used a "step bit" (trade name Uni-Bit) to widen the hole to 1/4".
From there the rest of the install is intuitive.
There is a 1/16" + annular space between the bezel and the gauge.
To hold even spacing and simplify alignment, I used an 1/8" size Zip Tie cut into four pieces.
Spread around the dial at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock, these maintain perfect spacing and unify the two elements for easy alignment on the kettle lid.
Add a 1/4" cut (flat) washer to the underside and hand tighten the supplied wing nut.
I purchased the Tel-Tru BQ100 from bbqeqipmentstore.com and the bezel came from ereplacementparts.com
Please feel free to add any Golden Nuggets of your own to this thread.
Happy Grilling !
Edit:
This Tel-Tru was compared to a 63028 WSM gauge and both read the same, so you can get a good Weber gauge.