Found a Weber Performer at an estate sale. Bought it for $30! Now I need to restore it. Appreciate any advice re rust issues, et cetera.

[SmokingSteve]

There was an Estate Sale about 2 blocks from my house last weekend. I went on the first day and saw this Weber Performer available for $150. I went back Sunday afternoon as they were finishing up and was told everything was 1/2 off of 1/2 half of the original marked price. The Performer was still there so I told them I was interested and they said I could have it for $30. So I pushed it home. (Really glad it had 4 wheels)!

Now I need to decide whether to buy replacement parts, or try to remove the rust on the grates and then get everything cleaned up. I think I am going to need to replace the ash sweep system as the handle is frozen. The green enamel is chipped on the lid and on the bowl.

I haven't cooked with charcoal for 45 years so this is a grand adventure for me!

[Smoker_Boy]

Great find!!

I think I would replace the food grate with a stainless steel one, assuming they make one.

[Panhead John]

Helluva good find and deal Steve! I’d try getting a wire brush on the grate as best you can, then spray it down with some Pam. But, I’d use it then as a spare and invest in an SNS Easy Spin Grate for your every day grilling. I used to have that same grate from Weber and I didn’t care for it myself. It was kinda heavy and that centerpiece always fell out unless you used 2 hands with it. The easy spin grate is a good quality stainless steel. It also has a hinged lid on one end so you can add more charcoal or wood….

[Grillin Dad]

+1 on hating that grate! One of the grate features of the performer (sorry, couldn't help myself) is a slot in the back side of the cart. The handle of the grate fits in the slot, allowing you to remove and hang the grate. But that's rendered useless by that stupid center portion, which always falls off. I replaced it with Weber's standard nickel plated grate, and love it. I specifically did not get the SNS grate because it doesn't fit in the slot. But I live in CO, where rust is unheard of

[fuzzydaddy]

Congrats! It's been a while, but I've used grillparts for Weber Kettle parts - an ash sweep and maybe more items and found their prices and selection to be very good. The link I provided is for their Weber Kettle page.

[Grillin Dad]

Congrats on the killer find!! I absolutely love my performer. It's got a bit of a learning curve, but it's a greater grill/smoker when you figure it out. Love the unique green color too!

After you get it cleaned up, I highly recommend a vortex and SNS insert. Vortex turns out great chicken parts and BB ribs and SNS is awesome for smoking.

[Smoker_Boy]

+1 on the SNS insert.

[Jfrosty27]

Killer deal. For that cost, heck, just buy a new grate and get to cooking!!!
I have one I bought used for more, heck way more than than and have enjoyed every minute of having it as one of my cookers. Go man, go!

[MsTwiggy]

I’m green with envy, seriously what a killer colorway!!! I second the easy spin and SNS accessory. I consider them essential. And you will probably want a chimney unless the lighting system on that is working. 🔥🔥🐿️

[SmokingSteve]

Thanks @Ms Twiggy! The included Weber Chimney is on the bottom shelf of the table. I really like the color too!

[STEbbq]

Awesome deal and love the color. The SNS grate would be perfect here as others have mentioned.

[Attjack]

Great color! Get yourself a nice new stainless grate. I got this one from SNSgrills. If it were me, I would consider replacing the plastic top with a wooden one.

[Purc]

Awesome purchase. Great color. I agree about the SS grate from SnS. I love mine.

[Mosca]

It’s perfect except the grate, and that is a cool color! Try WD40 for the ash sweep; that will free up. I personally wouldn’t bother with chips in the paint. I wouldn’t bother with the rust either; just get a new grate and you’re good to go. It’s a working tool, after all!

[wrgilb]

The grate is about $59 retail. https://www.acehardware.com/departme...-parts/8339228

[TripleB]

What a score!!! Kudos to you. As fuzzydaddy stated, go to grillparts.com. I've restored a couple kettles and gassers with parts from them.

Love the color!

[RonB]

Ya got lucky my friend. Great score!

[Skinsfan1311]

I love the color!