500 gallon RF/grill build

[buschwacker]

I have been gathering maerials for this project for a long time, and got started this winter.  I'm slow to complete it for lack of free time that is why I haven't posted until now.  I have taken pics along the way and share with you as I go.

Here is some of the materials I strated with.  Most of it is used and from the scrap yard

 

[2bears]

Keep the pictures coming, What are the springs for? The metal "V" ?

 

[buschwacker]

The springs I am using on the doors rather than counter weights.  You will see in next  post with pics.  The "V" just something on the table, not for the build.   It is an enblem off a old truck I saw at the scrap yard.  I thought it was cool so I brought it home. 

 

[Bearcarver]

This is gonna be an interesting build!

Glad to see you're putting a V8 in it !

Nothing I hate more than a 6 cyl smoker!  

Bear

On edit---I posted the V8 comments before you mentioned it was nothing, but I still think it would be nice somewhere on your smoker build.

 

[oldschoolbbq]

Looks good,but what Army are you gonna feed

 You could get 2 cows in there

I can get only one in mine!

Have fun and...

 

[buschwacker]

 

More to come later.

 

[2bears]

I like the pre-load on the doors. The only concern I would have with that is going down the road will doors open from rough roads? Maybe a door latch to hold it down?

Looks like your moving right along on the build.

 

[alelover]

I think a smoker with a V8 is a definite must. Can't wait to see more.

 

[solaryellow]

I like your spring idea. I might have to incorporate that into my build as well. Nice job!

 

[Fife]

WOW what a build ya got going on. Good Luck

 

[tom37]

Nice build !! 

I also like the springs for the door assist. My only question is, do you plan any kind of safety method in the event the spring either breaks or comes off?

I had a similar spring on my shop press break and fly. Lucky for me it wasn't pointed at my head, made one heck of a gouge in the ceiling. 

Maybe a smallish cable thru the center like the garage doors use could work out for this. 

I am eager to hear other ideas on this, since I really like the spring idea. 

I'm sitting here thinking, (I know its dangerous) but I still do it.

If a guy had the correct size dom tubing, pieces that would slide into one another.

Bend them both to the radius of the tank. Place the spring inside, and let one slip inside of the other as the door opens and closes.

I know it sounds crazy but this is the kinds of things I dream about at night. 

 

[bebeq]

I swear I just took two springs exactly like those to the salvage yard!  Do you cook for A LOT of people? 30 is usually my top number.  I can't imagine filling that cooker!  I like the rig with the wheels, too. I never would have considered a propane tank for a grill. What did you clean it with so it won't explode?  Yeah, I'd definitely look into securing that door and those springs.  You know how "suit happy" peeps are getting! :)  Crazy creativity, though!

 

[solaryellow]

Maybe a smallish cable thru the center like the garage doors use could work out for this. 

I am eager to hear other ideas on this, since I really like the spring idea. 

I'm sitting here thinking, (I know its dangerous) but I still do it.

If a guy had the correct size dom tubing, pieces that would slide into one another.

Bend them both to the radius of the tank. Place the spring inside, and let one slip inside of the other as the door opens and closes.

I know it sounds crazy but this is the kinds of things I dream about at night. 

Now that is a good idea Tom. Would the DOM have to be bent to the arc of the tank or the arc of the door? I am thinking the arc of the door for people like me who built offset hinges.

 

[Bearcarver]

Buschwacker,

This is a fun build to watch---Keep it up!

Tom, That's a great idea. 

Very interesting!

Bear

 

[hardslicer]

holy 'smoked' cow!  that is going to be a whooper.....I love it......great pics, good luck!

 

[SmokinAl]

Looks great so far. Man that thing is huge!

 

[buschwacker]

I divided the tank tank in the middle.  Smoker on one end and a propane grill on the other.  I have never seen this tried before, but i'll see if it is going to work.  My firebox is where I am hung up at the moment.  The tank I have for my firebox I worry about being to small, it only will be about 25% of cook chamber volume and everybody recomends 1/3.  I am looking around for something bigger and trying to stay under budget.  If I have to build a square firebox and buy 1/4 in. plate at retail, I'll have to shell out more cash that I would like to.  The first sheet of 1/4 plate I found at scrapyard and got for $70.  That was all they had at the time. 

Here is my helpers.

I hope to get a lot done this weekend.  Maybe finished all but painting

 

[Bearcarver]

I'm shouldn't even let Mrs Bear see your little guy holding that little Pup !!!!!

But I wil, because I'm a nice old Bear!

Bear

 

[smokin john]

I like your smoker, my son and I are gathering parts to start our build.

 

[boykjo]

nice build