Bandera Restoration - is it worth it?

[sknabnoj]

Brethren,
As I've done many times, I'm coming to you all to look for advice. This ad:

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=33502020&cat=&lpid=&search=smoker&ad_cid=8

Just popped up on my local classified. Looks like a bandera but I can't tell. Either way, looks like it's seen better days. For $75 do you guys think this is salvageable?

Any advice would be great... thanks all!

 

[tdwalker]

If you think you would get some enjoyment out of the actual restoration, than I say go for it. I would try to move the price point down though.

A few years ago, I picked-up a early Weber Performer (red-head) at a yard sale for $25. It needed lots of TLC and I soon found out that I wasn't enjoying the work to get it going again and gave up on it. Probably worth the $25.00 for the lesson learned.

 

[jstokes3]

Agreed. If you like to tinker then go for it. I am restoring an old Cimarron at the moment. For me, that is part of the fun and specifically why I bought it.

 

[sknabnoj]

Yea, I've been trying to figure out if I'll enjoy that. I love tinkering, loved building my UDS... I just don't know how to tell if a smoker is too far gone (if that is even such a thing). I guess I'll have to take a look and see how bad the rust is and what not.

 

[markdtn]

$75 may be a bit high looking at the rust. I'd be more of a $40-50 guy. Earlier ones have heavier shelves that would push me towards the $50. Looks decent for an old Bandera. If you like to tinker and do metal work, go for it! I made a lot of good food on mine before I moved up.

 

[SmittyJonz]

I paid $80 for much worse. http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182124

 

[slow-smoker]

If you like projects... I'd make sure the firebox isn't rusted through, and I would offer no more than $50.