Another 18.5" OTS to OTG upgrade

[Brian StL]

I know this is not a new topic here (in fact it's been covered here a lot in the past), but I've decided to upgrade my 9 yr old 18.5" OTS to a OTG. I bought the hinged cooking grate for this grill long ago. Just yesterday I orderd the OTG Ash catcher and ring from eBay. Shipping was less than I thought at about $8. I'll take pictures during this process once the parts arrive and I do this.

 

[John B]

Subscribing to this thread. I have been wondering about how to do this, so it will be cool to see it done.

 

[Brian StL]

Before the upgrade

 

[Brian StL]

Gold ash catcher ring installed

 

[Brian StL]

Inserted wooden dowels to strengthen the legs (also self tapping screws) and to solve the wobbly legs-falling-out problem

 

[Brian StL]

Upgrade complete

 

[Shaun R]

Nice job Brian, please share more info on the lid handle installation. Please share a part number as well. Thanks!

 

[glen jones]

You are really gonna love the gold ash catcher.Looks like a good way to strengthen those legs.

 

[Brian StL]

The handle was purchased from an online German Weber reseller for 14 Euros (=$18).
Here is the link
http://www.weststyle.de/Weber-...ills-2010::2867.html

Installing it was straight forward. I was a little hesitant on removing the stock handle because it was welded to the lid. I unscrewed the plasitc handle and then drilled out the spot welds from the top. The handle came off easy and the new one went right into the holes I drilled. Overall I'm happy with it. I cooked on it later that day and the heat shield really works well to keep the handle cool.

Bought the same handle for my 22.5 OTG. Plan to install this one in a few weekends. Also need to do the leg mod on my 22.5.

 

[Craig H]

Cool! Where did you get the black vent "handle"? I want to get one of those.

 

[Brian StL]

I also ordered the vetn handle from an online German Weber parts store...see link:

http://www.weststyle.de/Weber-...llueftung::2943.html

 

[Craig H]

Originally posted by C.Hill:
Cool! Where did you get the black vent "handle"? I want to get one of those.

j/k!

I just got one this afternoon in the mail and was curious how you got yours. Mine was a damper kit from ebay. $12 and i pulled off the black handle and stuck it on my existing damper. Definatly nice not to have to use my tongs to open/close the vent when the kettle is hot.