OTS to OTG upgrade


 

Dwain Pannell

TVWBB Hall of Fame
A while back I replaced my OTS food grate with the hinge grate and gave the OTS grate to my son for his UDS build. The other day as I was sweeping out the OTS I noticed one of the sweeper padles was bend. I checked it out and it needed replacement (The "H" style sweeper is a direct replacement for the "bolt" style). So, since I was ordering anyway, I decided to get the high capacity ash system as seen on the OTG. I also added a thermometer for kicks.

Before:



The goods:



I had to cut the old system off:





The new system:





After:



The thermometer:

 
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I added the ash system about two years ago and I love the thing. I am getting ready to change out the sweeper because one is bent. I also have to get my lid and bowl back to round. Any pointers?
 
I added the ash system about two years ago and I love the thing. I am getting ready to change out the sweeper because one is bent. I also have to get my lid and bowl back to round. Any pointers?

I had to use a dremel tool with cutoff wheel to cut the sweeper rod near the bolt. Is wasn't budging with wrench and pliers ...especially when I twisted the thumbscrew right off.

I'm not sure how to correct the out-of-round bowl and lid.
 
Nice upgrade.

I had to use a dremel tool with cutoff wheel to cut the sweeper rod near the bolt. Is wasn't budging with wrench and pliers ...especially when I twisted the thumbscrew right off.

I'm not sure how to correct the out-of-round bowl and lid.

I put mine on flat surface to see where the gap was. The put the lid on the side and give a small push. Put back on flat surface and see if there is no more gap.
 
Thanks for the tip. I will have to borrow my wife's Dremel that I got her for Christmas. Also, where did you find those lights on your deck posts. The wife wants some now. What year is the kettle you upgraded?
 
I will check our store. I assume they are solar powered. Mine is from 2000 and was knocked over repeatedly by a black lab which explains the roundness issue. It will not seal at all so it is either fix it or replace this year. I am looking forward to the crimson color coming this year. It is the color of my alma mater.
 
Nice work Dwain. I have an OT silver as well that I am about to give to my sister (found a used performer) and when I went to clean it up for her, I had the same problem with the vent/sweeper. I was able to clean it up and fix it but had I known you could order the whole system I would have just done that whole thing

Looks good
 
Well done Dwain.
The thermometer is it fairly accurate? I was thinking of adding one to my performer...
 
Dwain; nice job on the upgrade!

I also have a OTS and am considering an upgrade by adding the high capacity ash catcher. From whom did you order these parts? I suppose I could call Weber, but I don't see where these replacement parts are offered on line.
 
Well done Dwain.
The thermometer is it fairly accurate? I was thinking of adding one to my performer...

Who knows. It's the stock Weber branded thermometer. LOL

Edit: you guilted me into boiling a pot of water. It's 11* low.
 
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Dwain; nice job on the upgrade!

I also have a OTS and am considering an upgrade by adding the high capacity ash catcher. From whom did you order these parts? I suppose I could call Weber, but I don't see where these replacement parts are offered on line.

Ereplacementparts.com

Sweeper: 90993
Ash catcher 63093
 
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Did the porcelain coating chip off when you drilled the hole for the thermometer?
How much did the whole conversion cost?
 
Did the porcelain coating chip off when you drilled the hole for the thermometer?
How much did the whole conversion cost?

As any good southern boy would do: I used duct tape. It did not chip as I increased drill bit sizes to fit.

I think all three items plus shipping was ~$55. I think online Home Depot lists the Silver for $99 and the Gold for $149 so it's a wash.
 
Nice job Dwain, the ash catcher is so much better I have to wonder why it's just not a standard item for the kettle along with a therm.?
 
When a did my upgrade I was able to get the ash catcher off amazon . It was through a reseller that was hit or miss with stock.
 

 

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