Finally got a new/used smoker after having started out years ago on a weber bullet type smoker and most recently relying on a mini weber charcoal grill. I carefully kept up on the mini but it was less than efficient too say the least. The bullet got rusty and messy and I got tired of dealing with the operation of this type. It was a pain in the butt but it was free.
I came upon what appears to be a dated Oklahoma Joe or similar but appears bigger than the Longhorn. Measures 19.5x40 and the firebox is big at 19.5x20 totaling 1170 sq inches of cooking space. This sucker hasnt been maintained at all but I paid $100 cash and think it was a good deal.
Today I set out to begin restoring it and went at it with an angle grinder with a large wire wheel. Took alot of rust off but there is some pitting on the warming plate above the firebox. The inside was not maintained and while the cooking chamber is just rusty at the bottom, the bottom of the fire box is flaking quite a bit. Any recommendations on the firebox? I am worried about rust between the cooking chamber and the firebox and am thinking about grinding off the bolts, restoring both chambers separately and then re assembling them with new hardware??
I am planning to remove the rust from the inside and outside with the grinder. I was going to wipe it down with acetone or alcohol and prime it with a couple coats of 2000 degree primer and follow up with some rustoleum 1200 degree flat black. I was going to use oil on the inside. Should I use oil on top of the new paint to keep it from peeling or just keep it clean and dry?
I appreciate any recommendations or suggestions! Thanks!
QProject
I came upon what appears to be a dated Oklahoma Joe or similar but appears bigger than the Longhorn. Measures 19.5x40 and the firebox is big at 19.5x20 totaling 1170 sq inches of cooking space. This sucker hasnt been maintained at all but I paid $100 cash and think it was a good deal.
Today I set out to begin restoring it and went at it with an angle grinder with a large wire wheel. Took alot of rust off but there is some pitting on the warming plate above the firebox. The inside was not maintained and while the cooking chamber is just rusty at the bottom, the bottom of the fire box is flaking quite a bit. Any recommendations on the firebox? I am worried about rust between the cooking chamber and the firebox and am thinking about grinding off the bolts, restoring both chambers separately and then re assembling them with new hardware??
I am planning to remove the rust from the inside and outside with the grinder. I was going to wipe it down with acetone or alcohol and prime it with a couple coats of 2000 degree primer and follow up with some rustoleum 1200 degree flat black. I was going to use oil on the inside. Should I use oil on top of the new paint to keep it from peeling or just keep it clean and dry?
I appreciate any recommendations or suggestions! Thanks!
QProject