Lang 84 restoration

[/dev/bbq]

I've picked up a Lang 84 in somewhat rough shape and hoping to restore it for my use. Lots of rust, mostly surface on the firebox, but some scaling on the outside of the tank/cook chamber as well as the drip pan. Firebox grate is shot, and cooking racks are very rusted too.

I'm considering using a rust converter that has worked very well for me in the past, a "naval jelly" -type product consisting of phosphoric acid that reacts with iron oxide (rust) to produce iron phosphate (a hard metallic surface resistant to rust). Naturally, I'm going to clean up any residue, although both phosphoric acid and iron phosphate are used as food additives (in much smaller quantities!). This would be applied after some light sandblasting to remove any loose rust.

Does anybody have any experience with this technique, and/or would you recommend a different approach? Any/all ideas appreciated!

I'm also thinking of building a charcoal bin/basket and ash tray for longer times between reloading fuel (maybe a stoker or guru too), but that's probably another thread.

-ralph

[armor]

Look for someone to sandblast.

[Harbormaster]

I tried some of that commercially available rust converter on a firebox, and wouldn't do it again.
If I found a gem like that, I would invest in a thorough sand/media blasting and give it a good paint job outside and re-season the inside. Have some of the "too far gone" pieces fabricated new.
Then stay on top of keeping it painted, especially the firebox. I think some Lang owners hit the exterior of the firebox with some kind of fat after each cook, but I may be wrong.

[HeSmellsLikeSmoke]

Man, it just kills me to see a Lang in that shape. Glad someone who cares has her now.

[smokestack]

I picked one up in need of attention also- cleaned out the rust and scale on the reverse flow plate with a wire brush and scraper-also any scale in the inside and cooking racks-fired it up with a small fire and coated the whole inside with lard- your firebox could use some new paint - then a light coat of lard-give it a coat every time you cook-I coat the whole outside with lard(cooking chamber and firebox) when it starts looking dull and looses its shine-give it some elbow grease and you will be suprised at how well it comes back to shape -

[Norcoredneck]

To nosey to ask what you paid?

[cheez59]

Get yourself a twisted bristle brush and a 4-1/2 grinder and go to work. What you save in media blasting will more than pay for it. Then you can get the little crevases blasted for just a little money. Put several coats of some good high heat paint and you will be in business.

[Dr_KY]

Looks like a great project!!!!!!!!!

[Yakfishingfool]

The inside just looks thirsty, I'd do as above, small fire to get temps going then lard the heck out of it. Outside....media blast or sanding then a good coat of the high temp paint. Firebox....always going to rust. Scott

[Divemaster]

She does look like a great project!!!

I agree that you should save on the media/sand blasting. The fire boxes just seem to want to rust. What I've gone to is treating the whole exterier like a cast iron pan. I "paint" bacon fat on the fire box every other time I cook and on the rest of the outside when ever it needs it.
If you end up cooking in the rain, you'll find that you are going to need to coat the fire box right away or you'll be back to brushing, sanding, & greesing it again.

You've got a great cooker there and if you have any questions just ask us or give Ben a call down at Lang.

Good luck and keep us informed!

[rookiedad]

please post more photos when you get finished with the restoration!

[/dev/bbq]

Thanks for all the replies!

Just talked to a sandblasting outfit that will hit everything, inside and out, trailer, cook chamber, cooking grates, drip pan, chimney, firebox - everything, for $180.

I paid $1,900 (which I now think was a little high given what I've found underneath the grease), but after a gallon of high temp paint it will all be my labor from here on (will start saving those bacon drippin's!), so still coming out way ahead over a new unit.

And, I get a three day weekend to get it in shape!

Any thoughts on applying high temp paint in high teens / low 20's temps? Should be sunny at least.

[Divemaster]

Originally Posted by /dev/bbq

Thanks for all the replies!

Just talked to a sandblasting outfit that will hit everything, inside and out, trailer, cook chamber, cooking grates, drip pan, chimney, firebox - everything, for $180.

I paid $1,900 (which I now think was a little high given what I've found underneath the grease), but after a gallon of high temp paint it will all be my labor from here on (will start saving those bacon drippin's!), so still coming out way ahead over a new unit.

And, I get a three day weekend to get it in shape!

Any thoughts on applying high temp paint in high teens / low 20's temps? Should be sunny at least.

Tell you what I'll give you a cool $2,000 for it right now in the condition it's in...

[Ashmont]

Smoker envy Smoker Envy!!!!! Looking good

[Divemaster]

Originally Posted by Ashmont

Smoker envy Smoker Envy!!!!! Looking good

I would just have to explain to my daughter why the two of us need a fifth cooker.... lol