UDS Restoration

[mrlederman]

Hi all,

Long time since I have posted anything, but I hope to get back in the swing of things as the weather gets nicer. To get going again, I need to do some work to the UDS. I know there is some rust on it, which will be easy enough to knock off and repaint; however, the hard part is one of the intakes (nipple) is rusted. I cannot take the cap off. Any suggestions for loosening that thing up?

Also, while my UDS is not the epitome of craftsmanship, it does the job just fine. However, despite everything not being airtight, I sometimes have trouble keeping temps up (I will extend the charcoal basket even more, but it is about 3 inches off the ground now). I was wondering if I am not getting enough pull from the bunge hole being open, so I was going to install a chimney. Is there a size exhaust I can fit in the hole that already exists in the lid?

Thanks for the help!

 

[chiefusn]

For the pipe nipple, I've had my caps seize up and I just use two channel locks. One to grip the pipe nipple and one to grab the cap. this all depends on how many threads you have showing. You might try and spray it with sometype of penetrating oil like PB Blaster or something as well. Spray it and then use a heat gun to heat it up. Sometimes a straight propane torch to the rusted area will help break it loose as well. Do you have it welded on or is it being held on by nuts? If it's nuts, might just want to remove and replace them.

I'm not using a flat lid but I want to say that 2" conduit fits right in the standard bung. Same threads and all.

Chad

 

[mrlederman]

Chad,

Thanks for the help. It's been nice weather, so I have been working on my UDS. I was able to loosen the cap some, but nothing as of yet. I would take off the conduits holding it in place, but that isn't possible because I cannot unscrew the one on the inside since it is on the same side of the pipe as the rusted cap.

I sanded some rust off of the inside and I will season it again before my next smoke. I will gather the exhaust and some more point to keep working on it.

Installing handles, anyone know which size hole I need to make in the top? I bought some basic handles from the store that look like a garage door or drawer handles. They come with screws, is this same to use? Should I worry about sealing the handle holes up?

Thanks!

 

[chiefusn]

Installing handles, anyone know which size hole I need to make in the top? I bought some basic handles from the store that look like a garage door or drawer handles. They come with screws, is this same to use? Should I worry about sealing the handle holes up?

I would just drill whatever size holes you need to match the handle hardware. As long as the handles are comfortable and have enough room so your knuckles don't touch the hot metal, then they'll be good. Don't worry about sealing up the holes. Unless you went crazy with a drill and have a bunch of gaps. As long as the hardware and the handle cover the hole, you'll be fine.

Chad

 

[mrlederman]

Should have reread my original post. Are the screws that come with the handle safe to put inside the top of the smoker? I had read a lot about using stainless steel screws and what not. However, since this is at the very top, think the screws that come with the handle (no idea what type) are OK?

Thanks!

 

[chiefusn]

Should have reread my original post. Are the screws that come with the handle safe to put inside the top of the smoker? I had read a lot about using stainless steel screws and what not. However, since this is at the very top, think the screws that come with the handle (no idea what type) are OK?





Thanks!

As long as they aren't galvanized or zinc coated you should be fine. If the package doesn't say, I would be safe and go get some stainless steel hardware to match what came with the handle.

Chad

 

[preston897]

As far as the pipe nipples go i had issues with mine rusting. You can get stainless steel nipples and caps for pretty cheap on amazon. Ever since i got them no more rust issues. Ill only use those on future builds