Performer U-Frame Help Needed

[Dave in KC]

I recently picked up a Gen 2 Performer.
The front U-Frame is destroyed, rust I'm guessing.

I can pick up this one

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/uframe-assembly-p-1477540.html

or one from Weber for about $80.

Has anyone had this problem and found a cheaper albeit, legit fix?
The plastic trim that holds the wire rack would hide any seams if
I were to try and replace the bottom portion of the pipe?????
Thanks in advance for any help you may have.

 

[Jon Tofte]

I changed one to having regular wheels on both sides, reinforcing the inside with PVC pieces that went well up into the tube for the axles to go through. Yours may not have enough metal for even that, but you might be able to adapt the concept to make a way for a regular axle to be installed.

 

[A Cleland]

I came across a $25.00 Gas Assist Performer a couple of years ago. It had been to the Beach. Had a lot of body cancer. We completely disassembled the unit, had everything sandblasted, and primed with galvanizing primer. Painted the entire frame, front and rear panels, and re-assembeld it. Still using it as of today with no rust through. I didn't have the complete loss of metal that the OP shows, but I would think that with some time, effort, and a friend at a local machine shop, that frame could be repaired and put back into service for less than the cost of a new one. And then you will always have a grill with character.

 

[Dave in KC]

Thanks for the suggestions. Fortunately, a fellow Weber fan has a donor
frame that I will be securing soon.