My BGE is like brand new again!

Chrisinkingwood

My dad got a medium BGE back in about 2006 and after he and mom died in 2010 and we sold their home I brought it to Texas. Been using it ever since but I was noticing this past year a lot of the metal parts were rusting really bad, the hinge, bands, the rolling cart and even the foldable shelves. Also the last time I cleaned it I saw that the lower internal ceramic heat box had split into 3 pieces, the ring above it had a crack. The cast iron vent top (old style) had taken a fall and was cracked but still worked, then the last straw was when I dropped the ceramic cap and it shattered. And the gasket had long since disappeared.  It is stored outside but under a big patio so doesn't get rained on but Houston is supper humid so I guess rust was just going to happen eventually.

So I started researching the cost to completely rebuild it or buy new. The estimated cost still was cheaper then another new BGE or even a competitor model. I ended up getting a new hinge and band assembly, had no idea they redid the design which I think is much better. I got the new metal rolling cart, comes with much bigger wheels than my old one. Got a new ceramic cap and a new cast iron vent although I probably could have had the old one welded. 

I had no receipt from when my dad purchased it or even know what store in Atlanta where he lived. So I went to my local Ace Hardware to see about ordering replacements for the broken interior ceramic parts, those 2 parts are around $350! The guy was real nice and said if they just wore out from use they are covered under warranty and he told me not to worry about not having the original receipt and he would take care of it. So 2 weeks later he calls me to say the parts were in. Before reassembling everything I did a thorough cleaning I filled it with lump and did a high temperature burn, then after it was cool I scraped out all the ash and creosote or whatever it is that was left inside. I power washed the outside of the lower and upper portions and scrapped and sanded the lips where the gaskets go. 

Did a reassembly, it took me half a day. I really like the new shelves which are like a teak wood or something, the old ones were cedar slats. And I see the interior lower fire box  has an open seam in it for expansion, my old one did not have that.  I even got a new larger easy to read thermometer for the top and also ordered the Kick Ash pan and basket. I let the Egg sit for 2 days after applying the gasket, it was a heavier duty one than the original kind and it seems to  have set up really well. 

So far I have cooked steaks, chicken and some salmon on it. Going to do some smoking as summer gets here. 

Ozzie_Isaac

Very cool, sentimental egg, and saved a few bucks by refurbishing.  Any pictures of the refreshed egg?

Chrisinkingwood

Well shoot, I knew I forgot something! I was a member of the forum many years ago, guess I forgot how it works! Will do in a bit, need to go take a few first! 

Chrisinkingwood

Here are a few, not in any particular order. But the first one does show how messed up the old firebox was, it was usable if I just stacked the parts in place. 

 


2. new thermometer I got on Amazon




3. Ready for some grilling! 



4. Getting a good sear



5. Butterflied leg of lamb for Easter. 

gmanrva

Egg and food look great!!

Ozzie_Isaac

Awesome!  That looks brand spankin new.

caliking

Welcome aboard. And, great setup you have there.

I think the Houston area dealers have been pretty damn good re warranty claims, parts, etc. 

WeberWho

Welcome back! Sorry to hear about your parents. What a great way to remember them while cooking on the BGE. Your egg looks great along with the food. It sounds like you have a great dealer. Stick with them and throw a few bucks towards them on future purchase. Win/win for the both of you!

lousubcap

Welcome back and continue to enjoy the journey.  Above all, have fun.
Great restoration project. Nailed those cooks.  

StillH2OEgger

Great work re-habbing that BGE! It looks great and the backstory must make cooking on it all the more rewarding.

Chrisinkingwood

Thanks all, it's good to be back and catch up on what is going on. I had to dig in my computer files but here are a couple from when the beginning when it was at my dad's house. He was close to 85 when he bought it and I did most of the grilling as his eyesight was on the decline.  

We weren't real smart back then as we had it on the deck, I think some sparks burned a few marks so I put ceramic tiles under it. Those were the old style shelves which were not as good. Also the stand was lighter weight and had smaller wheels. 

loco_engr

thanks for this post . . . egg and food look great!

RyanStl

Looks like new again.