Just bought a 1996 WSM, and it is in ROUGH shape...


 
C

CBunger

New member
New poster here; just bought my first WSM after looking at them for quite a long time. This was at an estate auction, and while I knew it was a WSM I didn't have a great chance to look its condition, other than to see that the outside was in decent shape. Well, turns out it had been holding water for who knows how long. After a thorough cleaning, it looks a lot better, but there are two holes that have rusted through; one in the bottom portion of the cooker, and one in the water pan. They are both slightly smaller than a dime, so they're not big holes, but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to repair them.

I've searched through the forums, and really the only suggestion I've seen is to use ThermoSteel. I am fine with trying that (only about $10 for a little tube) but wondered if anyone else had any other suggestions.

Oh, and I got the cooker for $30. So I can afford to put at least a little bit of money in it and still have a pretty great deal :)

Thanks!
 
There is a heat resistant tape that they wrap car mufflers in that have holes in them. It's pliable when it's applied but hardens like a rock when heated.

Called Tiger Patch and it's good to 1900o so your WSM should be good to go.
 
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What about using a stainless steel washer that covers up the size of the hole along with a bolt and lock nut.
 
Trail B. said:
What about using a stainless steel washer that covers up the size of the hole along with a bolt and lock nut.
Click to expand...

A problem with this might be, depending on the size of the hole, there will be rust just outside of the actual hole as well. Might be so thin it'll just break off more of the bowl.
 
Len Dennis said:
A problem with this might be, depending on the size of the hole, there will be rust just outside of the actual hole as well. Might be so thin it'll just break off more of the bowl.
Click to expand...


That's mostly the problem; I am afraid if I use something other than a patch-like solution it'll make the hole even bigger. I think the Tiger Patch might be the way to go now that I have been looking at it on Amazon. They've got a smaller roll of it at O'Reilly so I may pick some up tonight and see if it gets the job done. I appreciate the suggestions!
 
The water pan can be replaced.
& so can the charcoal bowl.
Kinda depends on how much you paid for the cooker & your threshold of pain.
Myself.... I'd ditch the water pan because I don't use one. Or you could wrap it with tin foil & do the flower pot saucer routine.
If the heat resistant tape doesn't work, you could purchase a new charcoal bowl from weber.
If time is no problem.... charcoal bowls occasionally are for sale on ebay (just don't hold your breath).
 
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