It amazes me how someone can trash such a sweet and expensive smoker. I am very impressed with the work you've put into it so far.

Exactly my thoughts.  An enjoyable read.

It amazes me how someone can trash such a sweet and expensive smoker. I am very impressed with the work you've put into it so far.

I don't do near as good a job of cleaning my pit like some on here do, but I would never let it get remotely close to as bad as the original owner of this pit.  What were they thinking?  Probably sold it because it was getting grease fires.

Awesome thread.  Will be following until the end product. 

 Great job and very interesting read!  I look forward to seeing the rest of the journey.

Man, I could not do that.  Excellent work.  Can’t wait to see the final product.

16 hours in and it should be ready to be assembled tonight

Competition cart before:

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After cleaning and ready for paint prep:

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Paint prep (rust was removed, chemically treated as well and then some basic primer before the removable primer went on)

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Remember I wanted to keep the original Yoder Silver so I am using a removable primer top coated in the Orange.
Technically it can just be peeled off at a future date!

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And now for the removable primer - it has a bit of a texture that I did not expect and was at 1st unhappy about but I actually don't mind it now that it is top coated.

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Finished and ready for final Orange topcoat

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While I was waiting for the primer coat to dry I tackled the wheels and side shelves.
Don't have any pics of the SS side shelves yet but they turned out well
Wheels removed, degreased, rust removed and then the wheel brackets were painted with a silver galvanized paint

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Cleaned up and rust free - didn't get a shot of the finished assembled wheels

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Bolts, again chemically cleaned then a quick manual clean on the wire wheel

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And finally, the orange Yoder top coat!

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Next shots will be the reassembled unit and a slow burn in to cure the paint.
Dan

I smile when I read this interesting post.

I am really looking forward to seeing the finished product.

OSU fans are happy with the color choice!  Nice job.

Loving this thread and following along.

I wish I had your motivation. Awesome work so far!

OSU fans are happy with the color choice!  Nice job.

While its not burnt orange... I would say its closer to a UT color... actually its really bright orange!

Wonder what’s under that cover

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Why did you go thru all that work in priming and painting, when yer just gonna remove it all?

Wonder what’s under that cover

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C’mon share it!