Craigslist SS Performer Repair/Restore Help Please


 
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LarryR

LarryR

TVWBB Diamond Member
I picked-up a 22.5 SS Performer on CRAIGSLIST today. After pointing out a couple issues with the grill to the seller he let me have it for $50 and even delivered it for me (nice guy).

From a cursory inspection it has a few rust spots, some chipped and rusted paint, missing the one-touch ash system and probably needs an new ash catcher assembly. Thought I'd post here to get some thoughts on how best to approach repairing this unit. Please keep in mind I'm not very mechanical and my tools are limited to a hammer, some screwdrivers and a wrench set so any repairs I do to it are going to have to be simple. Ed C. will be at my house in two weeks so I'm sure if there's something major that needs to be done he'd be happy to help me as long as it can be done in a couple of hours.

Many pictures posted HERE and a couple of the obvious need of repair pictures are below. Thanks in advance for any assistance guys.

PerformerSS001.jpg

PerformerSS008.jpg

PerformerSS013.jpg

PerformerSS016.jpg

PerformerSS017.jpg

PerformerSS019.jpg

PerformerSS021.jpg

PerformerSS023.jpg
 
Larry,
I have almost identical needs for my performer. I hope there is an expert to chime in. It would be nice to find the cheapest source for replacement parts.

The one-touch system on mine needs replaced. Also the ignitor.

Good Luck... That thing looks great.
 
I'm certainly no expert guys but I have rebuilt a few Performers.

For the paint on the kettle you can mask the pock marks off with some tape and hit them with the closest color match high heat you can find I've used I think duplicolor engine enamel brand before with good results.

I wouldn't worry about the rust on the axle you might just put a light coating of oil on it or maybe clean it and paint it black.

Ernie not sure what model year yours is but looks like Larry's is the older model that used the spreader bar to hold the catcher assembly- that piece I don't think can be bought from Weber anymore at least it couldn't when I tried some months back. I had a friend who is handy with metal fabricate a replacement that worked well. The rest of the assembly (ring and bowl) can be bought from Weber direct or various online vendors but it doesn't seem the prices are any better outside of Weber direct. You can get the replacment blades/lever/hardware retail I picked a set up at a larger Ace Hardware here in town for $12.99. To get the old set out you can hacksaw both sides of the lever where it fits inside that big blade nut and gently force it back through the bowl. If it's rusted real bad you may need to cut it out with a dremel but the few that I have done have just taken some time (and WD-40).

Before replacing the ignitor if the tube that inserts into the bowl is intact try cleaning it out and also take a look at the nozzle at the end of the hose where it enters the tube... disconnect it and make sure the nozzle is not clogged the hole is about the size of a paper clip end. If it is clogged clean that out also and see if that lets any LP through to the burner.
 
Originally posted by Tim M.:
Ernie not sure what model year yours is but looks like Larry's is the older model that used the spreader bar to hold the catcher assembly- that piece I don't think can be bought from Weber anymore at least it couldn't when I tried some months back. I had a friend who is handy with metal fabricate a replacement that worked well.
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Tim, thanks for the info. So are you saying I'm going to have to find someone to make this piece for me? May be too much effort and this baby may go back on CL. Thanks again.
 
May be too much effort and this baby may go back on CL. Thanks again.
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Larry,
Don't give up yet. Look for a newer Ash Catcher Ring, from a OTG. Or it can be ordered from Weber. -Part no. 63036. It has the mounting tabs on it. You'll have to to cut some slots in the leg mounts using a Hack Saw, Dremel, etc. Then replace the One Touch Cleaning assembly with a new one from OSH or Weber. -Part no.7409, and you'll be good to go. I've done this a couple of times and I swear, the hardest part is to cutting off the old sweeping assembly. When I get the opportunity, I'll take a couple of "after" pics a for posting. (There might be some on the Mod. thread already).
Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Larry,
I just got back from picking a OTG. ($20 CL score), so I'll post the before and after pics of the swap. Should be up sometime tomorrow.
 
if yer gonna dump it give me a call. the bracket shouldn't be that hard to make though.
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OK George. Problem is I'm I'm not in the least bit mechanically inclined, zippo! ****, I put the wheels on wrong on my OTG! I was thinking that this was going to be something I could tackle but I may have bitten off more than I can chew here; ****, I don't own a hacksaw or whatever that other thing mentioned was.

Mac, I'll look forward to the pics. Thanks!
 
Larry you may be able to salvage that part just concentrate on getting assembly off without cutting on that bar.

Maybe enlist friend's help? I'd do it for a few cold beers if I was just a *little* closer.
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The rest of that grill is in great shape if nothing else and you don't want to tackle the kettle keep the frame and look for another performer kettle bottom to drop in there...
 
i know i'm not that close but if i can help, let me know. not planning on going to fresburg soon but send it to me and i can fix/weld something up.
 
Originally posted by LarryR:
Mac, I'll look forward to the pics. Thanks!
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Here ya go Larry.
First the donor Ring from a OTG.
DSCN2919.JPG

The older style.
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The newer style.
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Mask off and mark your cut lines.
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And then using your tool of choice,
Hack Saw.
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Dremel (This one's cordless)
DSCN2995.JPG

6" Makita Angle Grinder (My Fav)
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DSCN2997.JPG

Cut a slot in each leg mount.
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Then install the ring onto the bowl.
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When your satisfied with the fit, (it might take a little tweaking on the mounting tabs) you can choose to use it as is, or detail it.
Here's one I did a few years ago to my OTS.
DSCN3005.JPG

If you or anybody else has questions, my email is in my profile.
Don't let that older mount discourage you from your doing your project.
If you feel this is more than you want to attempt, let me know and I'll see if I can get you a replacement piece copied from mine here locally and then mail it to you for cost.
Good Luck,
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Wow Mac!!! Very impressive! Great job with the wood handles. You have a real talent. It make the Weber look so much more expensive. Very nice. Thanks a bunch for posting that 1st class mod.
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Thanks Shaun,
I'm making matching Walnut dome and bowl handles to go along with sweep handle.
They're kind of Hybrid of old and new style.
More to follow In the Mod thread when I'm happy with them.
 
Thanks for all the tips and pictures guys. So if I'm understanding this correctly I need to find a used OTG and remove the ring and purchase the ash cleaning system. Then cut the rusted piece out, cut slots in the receiving end of where the legs go and assemble?
 
That's pretty much it. With the options being,
1: Buy a new ring from weber.
2: Have a new center bar made.
3: Have somebody else do the work for you.
(Note on #3, you loose out on the satisfaction of doing it yourself.)
Just out of curiosity, how bad is the center bar? Can you post a picture from the bottom of the bowl showing more detail of it? Mine had a lot of surface rust on it but was still sound enough to be reused. I just took a wire brush and wire wheel (On the Makita) and cleaned it up.
If you do decide to resell it, email me. I think I have a buyer for it.
 
slow down. i offered to make a bar or repair that one. i also offered to take it off his hands first.
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also, my understanding is that larry and tools do not mix. very explosive situation. i would rather see larry keep it while still keeping costs down.
 
Mac, I'm out of town, I'll post a picture when I return.

George, didn't think a thing of your comment. Bottom line is as you know I'm all thumbs and was hoping it just needed to be cleaned-up vs. the extent of work that needs to be done. I'm going to evaluate the amount of work required and whether or not I can hire someone off of CL to repair it for me; by the time I invested in tools and time (and frustration) to do this I myself I fear it won't be worth it. If I do end-up getting rid of her you'll be my first on my list.

Thanks again for the help guys.
 
My buddy Ed C. was here here for dinner last night and he looked at my grill and he thinks it's going to be a piece of cake to fix. His wife is helping my SO throw a baby shower so he'll be back in two weeks; he's going to bring some tools and help me repair it.

I'll be sure to post some pictures when she's done.
 
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