"J" Code


 
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Kendall Cook

Kendall Cook

TVWBB Super Fan
Found a J Code 18.5 on CL today for 25.00, a little pricey but they are getting harder to find around here. I was surprised by the condition, it was in really solid shape and the handles were in perfect shape. That is unusual for a grill that has spent 25 years on the Gulf Coast. Anyways, trying to build my collection back up after selling out most of it last year. Still need an old 22.5 three vent and an old 26.75 three vent to get back up to par. If you know of any around Houston or Galveston give me a shout.
Thanks

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I have seen discussions around here about these grills. This migh be a Sears grill, not a Weber. I don't exactly recall but there is something different about it. You can see that pronounced rib around the middle of the bowl. Also on the vent it doesn't say Weber, and it has a strange screw holding it on. I'm sure someone here will know exactly what it is. Maybe I'm wrong it could be Weber.

Brian
 
As far as I know, Weber is the only one with the date code system, the rib is what holds the top grate in. Let me know if anyone knows of another grill using the letter codes
 
Ya'll had me second guessing myself so I called Weber and had them look at the pics. For what it's worth, they assured me it was one of theirs.
 
You called Weber at 7:00 at night? Wow, who knew they were open that late. If it is a Weber I would be curious to know when they changed the shape of the bowl. Most of the bowls I see don't have that lip. When did they use that lip and when was it removed?

Brian
 
I hope I am misunderstanding and you are not insinuating that I didn’t call Weber, actually it was 8:44 when I called and spoke with Debbie, they are open 'til 11:00 PM Central Time, give 'em a call some time
 
No not at all. That is great service. I have talked to them pretty late myself. I didn't know they were open til eleven, but I do know they are open late. I wish I could find the thread that talked about those grills with the rib on them.

Brian
 
I don't think its a genuine Weber. It doesn't say weber anywhere. A "J" code is from 1987.
I have seen unmarked vents with no markings on grills.
I have never seen a real Weber bowl that had that rib on it.
I vote for a Weber clone that was sold at some store like Sears or Wards.
I also don't trust the folks answering phones at Weber. Unless you get an experienced long term employee, they could easily be mistaken.
My 2 sense.
 
keep in mind it's an 18, not a 22.

jumbo joes all had that rib didn't they?
also, i have a smokey joe that has the rib as well.

if it was a 22 with the rib, i'd say it's a sears or a happy cooker or something.
but it's an 18.

there are a few oddities though.

the unbranded vent on the lid. Odd that it doesn't say Weber. Also odd that it's attached with a screw instead of a rivet.

the legs and ash pan are NOT 1987 issue. In 87 the ash pan had cutouts AND a folded rim. (at least the 22 version did)
 
I agree with both, I wouldn't take anyone's word at Weber. They just work there they aren't historians. It's just someone's wife answering the phones, to her it is a job not a compulsive obsession. I am skeptical because the vent says nothing. Who knows, someone may have replaced the vent and that's why the screw is different. I'm pretty sure by 1987 they were stamping Weber on the vents. I know we have seen some non stamped vents but they usually seem to be very old. 1987 isn't that old. As I said there was a thread here two months or so back, and it was all about these 18"'s with the rib. I just can't find it and I can't remember what they said about them. The Jumbo's do have them, but as we know the majority of the 18"'s we see don't have the rib. That all being said it was a great deal and looks to be a great cooker. I can tell you I'm sure it will perform well no matter who made it. You got a great deal on it. One way or another it is unique. I wouldn't feel bad about it or anything. It's gonna serve you well.

Brian
 
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