Bandera save - pron heavy

[CtTradArcher]

I picked up this Bandera off of CL. At $90.00, I probably paid too much. But they are hard to find and I got the seller to throw in a single burner propane stove that was in good shape.
Wish I took more photos before disassembly that included the original legs and wheels. They were totally shot. The firebox was rusted through in the typical spot.
The first 7 pics show the rust, the plate to fix the rust, my Hobart Handler 140 (which I love), and the plate welded to the firebox.
More to come...

[CtTradArcher]

Next I fabricated new legs and assembled for fit. Also did a quick burn. Just had too...

[CtTradArcher]

Time for paint

[CtTradArcher]

And then reassemble. I still need to attach casters and a shelf. I am going to hinge the shelf as I saw another member do. Will make is easier to get in and out of the basement door.

[CtTradArcher]

Question for fellow Bandera owners on aging of this unit. The door emblem says New Braunfels - Made in U.S.A., but the thermometer say Oklahoma Joe - Made in China.
What gives?

Either way, cannot wait for my first cook!

[Randy3269]

It looks like someone replaced the thermometer at one time or another. I believe the unit you have was made in the US. Nice restoration!

My .02
Randy

[SmittyJonz]

Cool Deal! Hey I paid more $80 for worse.........


http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182124

[retired trucker]

Excellent work on a great smoker! It should last longer than the original, as the new owner will have more respect for it than the previous owner did! I had one that I allowed to rust out and like a fool, did not take care of it. (To my defense, I did not know much about these smokers then, Pre BBQ-Brethren) I have since regretted my stupidity and wish I had another one.

Congratulations on a great find and a great restoration. :clap2::clap2:

Blessings, :pray:
Omar

[THoey1963]

Nice job...

[thunter]

very nice! :clap2:

[AaronPo]

What a transformation! Great job brotha, now get some meat in that thing and show us some pr0n!!

[bassmaster16]

Nice restoration job.

[sliding_billy]

Hell of a nice job.

[CtTradArcher]

Thanks all! I hope to season it later this week and then do my first cook using cherry and maple splits.

I love this stuff!!!

[bbqgeekess]

Nice :)

[Enrico Brandizzi]

We say in Italy "you have gold hands" meaning you are really capable!

[CtTradArcher]

We say in Italy "you have gold hands" meaning you are really capable!
Thank you Enrico!

[fingerlickin']

Beautiful man. You should be proud to cook on that thing. :thumb:

[ButtBurner]

very nice job.

[funugy]

Very nice. Amazing transformation. One of these days I gotta learn to weld.

[campdude]

That is a very nice job you did. It's made in the USA. As someone else said, the thermo has been replaced at sometime in the past. The pic of the NB emblem makes me think it's around 10 to 15 years old. The emblem was different 15 to 20 years ago. Make fire and enjoy!

[RevZiLLa]

Better than new!