From Drab to Fab - Putting together a "How-To" Restoration Guide

[Val Deale]

Pretty easy on those grills. I wire wheel or brush all the gunk off of the nuts and then get a socket on them to remove.

Thanks Steve! Is it the same with the emblem? Or is the Emblem on a Tinnerman style flat push cap?

 

[Bruce]

Most emblems are push nuts. Some however have the thread cutting nuts.

 

[Val Deale]

Most emblems are push nuts. Some however have the thread cutting nuts.

Thanks Bruce. Once I get the black gunk off the inside I should be able to see what I have. Is it easier to clean the inside of the lid with the aluminum sides off? I was going to clean the inside with a razor scraper, some 0000 steel wool and Simple Green. I also bought some degreaser but I plan to use that on the aluminum sides and outside of the firebox before I paint. The inside of the firebox I am planing on using a wire brush cup on a drill with a handle.

 

[Bruce]

Sounds like a good plan Val.

 

[Steve Hoch]

Or is the Emblem on a Tinnerman style flat push cap?

Yes, I use a razor blade to get under those to loosen them up along with a small flat blade screwdriver. You can get new ones to replace them at Ace hardware if needed.

 

[Cody Bratton]

Thanks Bruce. Once I get the black gunk off the inside I should be able to see what I have. Is it easier to clean the inside of the lid with the aluminum sides off? I was going to clean the inside with a razor scraper, some 0000 steel wool and Simple Green. I also bought some degreaser but I plan to use that on the aluminum sides and outside of the firebox before I paint. The inside of the firebox I am planing on using a wire brush cup on a drill with a handle.

I’ve found that the initial razor scraping of the inside of the lid is easier and more stable with the lid end caps still on. I also think it helps protect the outside of the porcelain from getting nicked up.

 

[Val Deale]

Thanks! Another newbe question - this sounds stupid but when I eventually take the lid aluminum end caps off to de-grease and repaint, how do I remove the bolts if the heads of the bolts are round. I understand the inside nuts are hex but what do I use at the other end to hold the bolt while I take the nut off?