Z-bars or no Z-Bars


 
Stefan H

Stefan H

TVWBB Guru
I have this Genesis 3000 Skyline grill which want to restore in the coming weeks. The z-bars of the top left shelf are rusted and the bottom shelf is a basket which is still good but which I want to replace with wood. Just from an aesthetics point. Additionally I want to replace the side burner with a shelf since I don't need a second gasser with a side burner.
Original non rusted Z bars are hard to come by. And I know that McMaster sells the aluminum ones. But I am afraid that these will scratch fast when painted black.

So instead of using Z-bars I was just thinking of placing the wood slats on top of the frame. I know it looks a bit different but I don't mind.
Similar like what was done on the bottom shelf on this grill:
http://i.imgur.com/gzplM.jpg
The pic is from this post:
https://tvwbb.com/showthread.php?38383-My-Genesis-1000-rebuild-(its-a-redhead-now!)

I want to do this with all three shelves. The bottom one and the two top ones. My only concern actually is the top left shelf. Since the wood sits on top of the frame I wonder if it might get too hot from the firebox or if it would be ok if I keep at least 1" clearance. Weber used the heat deflectors and I still have one. But it is not high enough for wood on top of the frame.

Just wanted to get your thoughts on running wood slats on top of the frame. Plus it gives me 1/2 more working height... lol
 
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Wasn't RC-Planebuyer making stainless ones for a while? They are probably too expensive for a flip but for a one you want to use, it might be worth it.
 
Yes RCP makes stainless Z bars. But with shipping they might not be cost effective. I have also thought about just laying the wood on top of the handles as in the photo above. I see nothing wrong with it but your concerns about heat on the left side are warranted. I would design the shelf on that side to provide about an inch of clearance from the cook box. I have accumlated several Z bars over the last couple years. Some are in good shape, others will need extensive stripping/grinding and repainting however. But, if push comes to shove, I would just do what you are proposing.
 
Why not simply mount a piece of flat steel stock on the underside and screw the slats in from below? A couple of screws into the rails then, the appropriate number of holes for the slats. Drill it and paint it before mounting either part. Mounting them on top would look... Odd! At least that’s what I’d do. But, I’m just nuts or, at least what my cabinetmaker buddy says! As well as most folks I know for that matter.
 
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I would vote for z bars, especially on the top. I could fab up some inexpensive z bars for you next week if you wanted. They wouldn't be perfect, but certainly passable. I used them on the skyline I did. You're right that they would scratch easy, that's pretty much true of anything that's stripped and painted.
 
I have 304 stainless z bars (from my friend who used to own a sheet metal shop, not rcplanebuyer). They are susceptible to paint scratches but at least I know they will never rust. I also used 316 stainless screws - even better material for rust resistance. Next time more prep work on the z bars with primer:eek:!
 
Jon, You might want to consider leaving them bare. That shiny silver on black might look kind of nice. I bought a set of the Z bars for the bottom rack from RCP a couple years ago and I left them plain and I thought it looked good.
 
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