Blue/Sidewinder/330/Restoration/Could Go Any Direction


 
Josh Dekubber

Josh Dekubber

TVWBB Platinum Member
So I picked up this blue sidewinder upon @DanHoo 's request and if he wants to swing by and pick up the lid and doors they're all cleaned up and ready for him. Kind of a long drive though lol.

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So if Dan doesn't pick them up these are my two options for this restoration:

Option A:
I build out one of my Genesis 330's with the blue lid and doors. Everything else painted black.
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Option B: I pick up this immaculate NG sidewinder in my area for $100 or less most likely. Convert to LP and build it out with the blue lid and doors. Everything else painted black.

Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/o1W1FSdsXRb

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Back in 2007 I bought a brand new sidewinder. Wasn't my favorite but they're kind of cool for nostalgia and Weber heritage. I know this is easily Larry's choice but I don't know that I could sell it as well.
Currently I'm leaning towards option A.
 
Oh yeah and did I mention the free blue sidewinder came with two free full tanks of propane and a new heavy duty Weber cover from back in the day. Also came with a set of solid SS grates in excellent condition
 
I love sidewinders and wish I had room to keep one. But, I think your Option B is the best choice since you have 330s with the sear burner. I think that with a sharp, and uncommon, blue color would make a great package. It will be interesting to see how the black firebox and cabinet sides pairs with blue. I tried it on a brick (not crimson) red sidewinder, and I was a little disappointed how it came out:

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If I had it to do again, I would not have painted the shelf ends and trim black and instead would have done them in silver.
 
Jon Tofte said:
I love sidewinders and wish I had room to keep one. But, I think your Option B is the best choice since you have 330s with the sear burner. I think that with a sharp, and uncommon, blue color would make a great package. It will be interesting to see how the black firebox and cabinet sides pairs with blue. I tried it on a brick (not crimson) red sidewinder, and I was a little disappointed how it came out:

View attachment 109482
View attachment 109483

If I had it to do again, I would not have painted the shelf ends and trim black and instead would have done them in silver.
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Black looks FAR classier. So sick of the gray and silver stuff
 
Jon Tofte said:
I love sidewinders and wish I had room to keep one. But, I think your Option B is the best choice since you have 330s with the sear burner. I think that with a sharp, and uncommon, blue color would make a great package. It will be interesting to see how the black firebox and cabinet sides pairs with blue. I tried it on a brick (not crimson) red sidewinder, and I was a little disappointed how it came out:

View attachment 109482
View attachment 109483

If I had it to do again, I would not have painted the shelf ends and trim black and instead would have done them in silver.
Click to expand...
That looks nice to me Jon!
I think black lid, doors and cart would be great also.
 
@Jon Tofte seems like everytime I have an idea of something to try. You have already done it. Not surprised with that stock pile of parts you have. Would be very interesting to see every grill you have worked on.
 
Cody Bratton said:
Will the chrome trim on the lid and doors also be black? I think that detail would be a real difference maker.
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I will definitely consider every piece other than the blue on the lid and doors for black paint. I'm really happy how well my high temp black plastic paint worked on my last project. I feel like painting the knobs black on that on made a big difference also especially with the flame on the sear burner painted red.
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@Jon Tofte it wasn't the lid hinge or the cookbox hinge that was broken. It was just the pin.
@Cody Bratton I think I figured out how some grill lid hinges break. The lid pins in the blue grill were completely seized. One in the lid hinge and the other in the cookbox hinge. Also thats how the pin broke. I was tempted to try to pry it out with a claw hammer or beat on it either would have likely broke the hinge.
 
Steve Hoch said:
You still got the broken pin out though somehow. I've never seen one broken before, just stuck real good. You can use a propane torch to heat up the surrounding metal to help get those stuck pins out.
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Thanks for the tip Steve! They are very stuck. I just took the lid caps off to deal with it later soaking in cutting oil I had. I didn't want to mess with it too much and risk scratching the blue lid. I also have 2 extra sets of end caps but I'd like to try to salvage them. Better to learn than waste them because I don't need them.
 
If the end caps are off, all you need is another pin of slightly lesser size. A small socket, and one of those fancy bench vices you have. Support the casting with the socket, and use the pin to push out the broken piece. Then no risk of breaking the casting
 
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