Install hinge and gasket on new Performer lid?

[Mack Manning]

I'm restoring a Performer with a new lid. Should I take the opportunity to install a lid gasket while everything is clean? If so, which one?

My original lid bail is bent and the plastic rollers are melted. A new one is about $45 shipped. For an extra few bucks, I could buy a hinge. I really like the hinge on my S6. Should I install a hinge instead? Which one?

 

[LeeHarvey]

You’d want to close up the three holes from the old lid bail if you go the hinge route. Something to consider…

 

[Colin]

Can't tell you what to do Mack, just what I would do. On a Performer, I would not want a hinge because the newer style bail works so well. The felt gasket that is 1/4" wide makes a wonderful difference to the lid fit. It makes closing the lid sound like closing a fine car door, not a clanging sound. I think I used 'Lava Loc Fire' or something like that from Amazon. When you get it all done be sure to take pics, we would love to see it.

 

[John Vasiliadis]

I use Lavaloc felt gaskets on all of my kettles and it makes a world of difference in heat and smoke retention as well as the closing sound as Colin said