My new Skyline - A blackout edition

[Jon Tofte]

Probably my favorite restoration was the “Frankengrill” Skyline I did back when I lived in Florida.



It was as close as I am likely to get to a @MarkCuda ”no expense spared” personal grill. When we decided to move to Indiana to care for a relative - and then had the seller of the house we had under contract default - I knew there was no way to bring this gem with me. I sold it to my boss - and friend - and headed north. At least it found a good home.

The first personal use grill I made after getting here and doing some road trips was created from merging a 2-burner Skyline with a late Silver A. It has been an amazing cooker and put me back in the Skyline Club!




This year, my last grill of the season is another Frankengrill Skyline. Instead of sporting dark oak, this one is a “blackout” edition. Hats off to @DannyG for getting his beautiful one completed first. We actually collaborated, trading a condiment basket I had for some of his black durawood so that I could do bottom slats on mine. (I actually think the wire rack on the bottom ties in better with the Skyline “look”, but mine is a little bit a tribute to my much missed first Skyline.)

As I did on my first one, I used both an end handle and tool holder from a Silver grill. I spray painted these black with Krylon Fusion satin black.

 

[Tim Campbell]

That's gorgeous, John.

 

[Jon Tofte]

CONTINUATION

I put a set of Dave Santana “rcplanebuyer” flavorizer bars over a cleaned up set of original Weber 304 burners with the center burner that has holes on both sides and uses the old plastic spider guards.



Old style cast iron grates were a welcome gift from @Bruce who salvaged them from a grill he picked up.





I used original knobs and igniter that were dyed black by @Bruce at a get together he, @MarkCuda and I had at @LMichaels home.

My hood, like most Skyline hoods, had a lot of white speckles from the dreaded “Weber fade.” I figured this was a perfect opportunity to try the “Pimp Your Grill” metal restorer again. While it did pretty well on my horribly faded Flat Top lid, it was amazing what it did for this much better piece:



I guess it remains to be seen how long this jet black look lasts.

I opted for the Weber handle light with LED bulbs installed. I know these don’t last forever, but this was another nod to my original.



When I did my first Skyline, I wanted - but passed on due to cost - a TelTru thermometer. They no longer make the direct replacement for older Genesis Weber grills, but I found this one on eBay that at least fits and was at a good price. The probe is too long and it only registers up to 500 degrees, but it is still cool. If it fails, I have a Weber one in my parts bin.



Finally, here is the badge installed that an artistically talented woman at my church painted for me. The white lettering ties in with the pin stripes and helps bring contrast to the blackout look. My first Skyline was the only other grill I did this on.



Oh, and in spite of setting the new modern baseball record of 121 losses in one season , I still installed the White Sox badge (with matching Chicago skyline) that previously adorned my first Skyline.

 

[Steve Hoch]

Nice, very nice. Jon, how does the condiment basket attach to the silver b tool holder? Did you have to drill a hole in it?

 

[Paul Warner]

Gorgeous!!!

 

[Bruce]

Museum piece or cooker?

 

[Paul Warner]

for sale??

 

[Jon Tofte]

Nice, very nice. Jon, how does the condiment basket attach to the silver b tool holder? Did you have to drill a hole in it?

Steve,
The tool holder end piece I used already has the hole to use for a shelf or condiment basket. Unfortunately, it comes in a little short to securely hold the old Skyline basket. I tried gluing on some plastic washers to no avail. My next idea is to use very large washers (forgot the name) painted black and drilled with two small holes to then screw them on to the end piece. This should shorten the distance from the end piece to the frame and keep the condiment rack secure.

Thoughts?

 

[Jon Tofte]

Museum piece or cooker?

for sale??

NOT a museum piece.

I would consider selling, but it would be very hard to do.

Replacing my little 2-burner Skyline is the obvious choice, but I love using that gas-stingy thing, and it has never let me down…

 

[LMichaels]

Absolutely gorgeous work

 

[Bruce]

Well, figure out what you think it is worth. Then add $100 to the price and list it. It sounds like you would not be disappointed if it doesn't sell real quick.

 

[Steve Hoch]

My next idea is to use very large washers (forgot the name) painted black and drilled with two small holes to then screw them on to the end piece. This should shorten the distance from the end piece to the frame and keep the condiment rack secure.

I'm sure that would work. I would probably look through assorted junk for something that might be easier to work with. I can't think of anything off the top of my head that would be better though.

 

[Josh Dekubber]

Jon that looks fantastic!!
Very nice work as usual!

 

[Richard S]

Simply incredible! I am so blown away at what you restorers can do!

 

[Jon Tofte]

Thank you guys for your kind words.

I forgot to post a close-up of my Weber “white letter” wheels. I thought it would be something different to try and went along with the blackout theme:

 

[Bruce]

Nice customization

 

[Cody Bratton]

Steve,
The tool holder end piece I used already has the hole to use for a shelf or condiment basket. Unfortunately, it comes in a little short to securely hold the old Skyline basket. I tried gluing on some plastic washers to no avail. My next idea is to use very large washers (forgot the name) painted black and drilled with two small holes to then screw them on to the end piece. This should shorten the distance from the end piece to the frame and keep the condiment rack secure.

Thoughts?

Beautiful restoration. I love the custom letters on the wheels. Very nice touch!

Fender washers is usually what I see oversized washers called. Care to take a pic so I can see what exactly you’re referring to modifying? I am always curious as to the details of the stuff I’ve yet to see in person!

 

[Dave in KC]

Another gorgeous grill resto, Jon.
I can't decide if I like it better than the
original with the beautiful wood though.
Coin flip, I guess.

 

[Jon Tofte]

Beautiful restoration. I love the custom letters on the wheels. Very nice touch!

Fender washers is usually what I see oversized washers called. Care to take a pic so I can see what exactly you’re referring to modifying? I am always curious as to the details of the stuff I’ve yet to see in person!

Yes, that’s what they are called. I will take a couple pictures when I can get time to try out my plan.

 

[Joe Anshien]

WOW - Spectacular job (as always)!

"My hood, like most Skyline hoods, had a lot of white speckles from the dreaded “Weber fade.” I figured this was a perfect opportunity to try the “Pimp Your Grill” metal restorer again. While it did pretty well on my horribly faded Flat Top lid, it was amazing what it did for this much better piece:"

By any chance do you have a before and after shot of the hood. Would love to know how much of a difference "pimp your grill" makes and how long it will last.