Eric Aarseth
TVWBB Super Fan
Motivated by Rich Langer and his success at this conversion as well as the parts list that he posted [<span class="ev_code_BLUE">I've searched and searched and can't find those posts</span>], I took advantage of the Weber free shipping, ordered the parts and converted by OTS to a one-touch improved silver (aka the OTIS).
Slideshow of Upgrade
Ash catcher: Right now, the only thing I may improve is cutting a small slot into the three legs to match the slot in the leg bracket (attached to kettle) so that the ash ring (bracket) tabs are held by more than the thickness of the leg bracket.
Other upgrades:
(1) Lump mod - added a second charcoal grate to help prevent the smaller pieces of lump from falling through.
(2) Charcoal/Lump baskets - I used the charcoal rails, but with the crisscross of the double charcoal grate they don't lock in as they do with a single grate.
(3) SS 22 1/2" hinged grate - I made the regular grate work, even during indirect cooking, but the hinged grate will make it much easier, faster and less of a balancing act to add fuel or smoke wood.
Chris, as requested by Rich, maybe you could include this modification in the "Operating Tips and Mods" section. If you do, I nominate two name options: "the Langer Mod" or "the OTIS".
Slideshow of Upgrade
Ash catcher: Right now, the only thing I may improve is cutting a small slot into the three legs to match the slot in the leg bracket (attached to kettle) so that the ash ring (bracket) tabs are held by more than the thickness of the leg bracket.
Other upgrades:
(1) Lump mod - added a second charcoal grate to help prevent the smaller pieces of lump from falling through.
(2) Charcoal/Lump baskets - I used the charcoal rails, but with the crisscross of the double charcoal grate they don't lock in as they do with a single grate.
(3) SS 22 1/2" hinged grate - I made the regular grate work, even during indirect cooking, but the hinged grate will make it much easier, faster and less of a balancing act to add fuel or smoke wood.
Chris, as requested by Rich, maybe you could include this modification in the "Operating Tips and Mods" section. If you do, I nominate two name options: "the Langer Mod" or "the OTIS".