Klose Smoker Restore

[highergr0und]

So I've been looking for a cheap stick burner for a while, perusing FB groups hoping to get a OK Joe or Old Country pit for like $100. Happened upon an ad giving away a big, heavy smoker for free with "needs a little work". Count me in.

Turned out to be a Klose 20x30. I'm super pumped since this is a $1700 smoker new. Firebox is fairly rusty but in solid shape with no weak spots. Ash pan is rusted out and a sliding ash/debris shelf in the main firebox was rusted out.

Few questions for those experienced

I'm not into putting hundreds of dollars into sandblasting, etc. If I sand down the rust the best I can with course grit will it cause any issues? Thinking of trying to paint but may flake off. Will applying oil stop further rust?

Is that pull out tray needed? I may just have someone weld the little door back on. It has a drain at the bottom and I can clean from the inside.

This pit has holes for a rotisserie. Can I simply fill those holes?

Thanks for any help

 

[smokeisgood]

Spray that firebox down heavily with cleaning strength vinegar and let chemistry work for you. Scrub it with a wire brush a little, wash it off, let it dry, coat with cooking spray and light that puppy up.

 

[WeberWho]

Congrats!

Do you own an angle grinder? You can mow down the rust with a flap disc. A drill and a cupped brush will help get into smaller areas. You then can prime and paint the outside of the smoker if you're looking to rehab it.

 

[mcyork28]

I restored a Tejas offset a few years ago. I used a Ospho on the outside which helps get the rust off. I wouldn't use it on the inside though.

https://www.amazon.com/Ospho-605-Me...dchild=1&keywords=ospho&qid=1621964018&sr=8-2

https://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=265363

 

[Greygoose]

Nice score !!!

 

[crainiac]

We’ll done! I just bought the same one in slightly better shape for $200. Been working on the rust between copious rain with a grinder (flap wheels and wire wheel) and sandpaper. I’m not going to repaint, thought I’d try boiled linseed oil.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[16Adams]

Your my hero right now.

Good catch and looking forward to progression photos