Got my 14.5" for $70 and here are my mods.....


 
Randall S

Randall S

TVWBB Fan
First thing was to drop the heat shield to the outside.

I used these from Ace Hardware
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Drilled a 3/16" hole 3/8" from edge. (Went 120 degrees for the other two).
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I went 1 1/2" from bottom section.
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I removed the legs to drill 3/16" holes.
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I installed all three hooks and evened them out. I then took one nut off at a time and installed a serrated washer, then tightened.
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Final base after install.
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I had leftover gasket material from my 18.5" WSM, so it fit my 14.5".
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I bought this at Home Depot.
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Wrapped and installed in place of water pan.
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Installed my plugs in anticipation of my PartyQ adapter.
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Nice mods Randall. I think I'm going to move my heat shield to the outside too.
 
Randall,

Great mods!!!

Using the J books is an interesting idea. When you tightened them up did it seem to make the WSM legs a little more sturdy, and flex less? May just be borrowing that awesome idea!!! Lol

One of these days I will order some gaskets for both my WSM's. Any suggestions on the best place to order?
 
Great deal on the WSM and nice mods!

If you plan on using lump, try getting a second charcoal grate and place it perpendicular to the first. That'll keep those small bits of lump from falling through. Then you can attach both grates to the charcoal ring with stainless hose clamps or wire. That way it's very easy to clean up & reuse old coals without even getting your hands dirty. You just lift the whole thing out by the top holes in the charcoal ring, shake off the loose ash over a trashcan, then put ring/grate combo back and top off with fresh lump.
 
Chris in Mi said:
Randall,

Great mods!!!

Using the J books is an interesting idea. When you tightened them up did it seem to make the WSM legs a little more sturdy, and flex less? May just be borrowing that awesome idea!!! Lol

One of these days I will order some gaskets for both my WSM's. Any suggestions on the best place to order?
Click to expand...

I'm sure it would add stability because all three legs are pulling against each other. However, I did not over tighten them.

As far as gaskets, I went here:

http://bbqgaskets.com
 
T MacGreggor said:
Great deal on the WSM and nice mods!

If you plan on using lump, try getting a second charcoal grate and place it perpendicular to the first. That'll keep those small bits of lump from falling through. Then you can attach both grates to the charcoal ring with stainless hose clamps or wire. That way it's very easy to clean up & reuse old coals without even getting your hands dirty. You just lift the whole thing out by the top holes in the charcoal ring, shake off the loose ash over a trashcan, then put ring/grate combo back and top off with fresh lump.
Click to expand...

Yes, this is my mod from my 18.5" WSM

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I lowered the handles so:

1. I can set it on the bolts rather than flat on the ground when I clean out the ashes from base.
2. The handles are flush with the charcoal ring so I can place the grate directly on top for searing purposes.

May do the same thing for the 14.5" even though I don't use lump charcoal.
 
Randall,

TY for the gasket link!!!

I did the same with the square u-bolts, but used exanded metal as my "second grate" (already had it). The u-bolts don't extend down though, great idea!!!

For this who used a second charcoal grate, where did you find it and how much do they run? May buy a 14" for a wedding gift and with the money saved, maybe a few accessories/mods.
 
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