Bringing Life to an Old Grill: Advice needed

[funkadelic73]

My wife-to-be (in about a month) has an old charcoal grill (1972) that used to belong to her grandfather. It's something she's held onto for sentimental reasons (he died a few years ago), but it's just been taking up space in the garage.

She talked about getting rid of it, but I think I might be able to make a small propane grill/smoker out of it:





(The pics are too large to post here)

Is this a worthwhile project? I've never done anything like this before. Anyone know of any links that might help guide me through a project like this? At a glance, do you guys think this ol' sucker can take low & slow?

The actual body of the grill is in good shape, although it shows some rust. The "ash pan" in the bottom is rusted through, but could be replaced easily (it slides out, and a cookie sheet could take its place).

Thanks in advance for any help y'all can provide.

 

[richoso1]

If you enjoy restoring projects, then it's worth it. If you're not into the time needed to restore it, you might consider the investment on another smoker.

 

[funkadelic73]

It'd be my first shot at something like this. I'd do it as a labor of love for my woman.

 

[walking dude]

when my pics are too big, i use my software that came with the camera.......to resize. I do my editing such as cropping, and enhancing, then save in a folder on my desktop, as best for web option, then i use imageshack. Then i copy the link and post in my post..........

 

[mrsb]

I think it's worth a shot just because it was her grandfathers! Although I would have no idea where you would even begin. Congrats on the upcoming nuptials from a local!

 

[pineywoods]

Since your soon to be wife is attached to the grill personally I think it would be great if you tried to restore it back the way it was originally if shes held onto it there is a reason and changing it may not be the best use. Restore it to its former glory and buy yourself a new smoker would be my advice

 

[douglaslizard]

i think it could be done if you have the time and tools.and what a great wedding present to smoke some food for the reception on her grandfathers old smoker

 

[roadrunr]

that actually looks like an old brinkman. my cousin has one from around 75-78 looks much like that, same color paint too.. if thats what it is, its a gem in the rough

 

[ryf]

Is your wife to be OK with the idea of a restoration (not because you talked her into it) I would go so far as give her time to think about it, as whatever you do most likely will not be able to be undone..


that said, my parents used to have an old electric stove that was that color, like a dijon mustard yellow. I believe those are ceramic type paint, but its something you can probably find and work with if you only use it on the outside, as you can heat it with the grill to bake it on.... ALSO, you can get alot of exhaust coatings colored in many shades, its waayyy expensive, but if you're trying to make it like new, it might be a way...go look at the $1400 grills at lowes, those have some wild colors, if you can find out what kind of paint they are, it can be bought, its probably in a brochure somewhere.

If you are not willing to drop serious dimes, I don't think it'll be properly respectful to grandpa to be painted black or grey, IMO. so I would walk into this carefully, I respect what you are trying to accomplish, but these things hold more value to some as lawn ornaments ugly than as a servicable grill if it means changing it.

if serious dimes are out, scrub it LIGHTLY with wet fine steel wool, and replace the wood and clean up the bottom bits as you can, and leave it weathered looking but serviceable/usable. this might be the best option if your on a budget.

whatever you do have a good time, and take your time, proper paint prep is the easiest thing to skip and the only thing that matters for it to look nice for long.

 

[garyt]

Id fix her up and replace the wood, would be nice to have and means a lot her, this isn't the only place where points are helpful

 

[bmudd14474]

By the looks of the pictures it would be a labor of love. Looks like alot of rust and thinned out metal. Im sure when its done you will be pleased. or you will be pleased with the new one you buy

 

[jbchoice1]

that's what I'd do... just clean it up and get some new grates... use it to cook on... there could be forces at work that would give you great results if you just fire it up and let the grill do the rest...

 

[funkadelic73]

There is a lot of rust, but it's just surface rust (and not even close to all the way through). I think the light scrubbing with steel wool will take most of it off. The "shell" of the grill is pretty heavy-duty, and looks like it's got another decade of use in it at least.

I think I'm going to start small (like all of you suggested). Try to knock of some of the exterior rust, degrease the inside, replace the wood, and swap out some of the older screws/nuts/bolts. I like the weathered look, if I can get most of the rust off of it.

As I progress, I'll post pics. Thanks for all the advice!