The Texas BBQ Forum

Hey Everybody!

New to the site and to smoking but wanted to show what I will be working with and hopefully show some progress. So I scored a Oklahoma Joe on craigslist the other day and it wasnt in the worst shape but it did need some work. I was able to clean it up and get it painted on my days off. Its as good as its going to get for now but HOPEFULLY it continues to get better. Also any tips will be appreciated since I am new.

Before









I forgot to take before pics of the inside but it was full of grease and caked with some rust. I used a copper brush with some soapy water and did my best.

Here is the clean up!

here is the after!

Next week I am going to order the handles from Horizon smokers and possibly the grates. I am going to try and make the grates on my own if I can do it cheaper and have the time. Also the bottom rack needs to be replaced completely, that thing is shot. So for now this is how it will stand.

I seasoned it with Peanut oil and just cooked it about 275-300 for an hour. I am going to try and cook it again since I did not have enough time but I also want to add another layer of paint. Again, any tips are greatly appreciated

Good job, keeping paint on them is important. She should be ready to go now. Won't be long an you will learn and know how it cooks and be putting out some good groceries for the family.

Ya done yerself Proud, Rick, now it's time to git'er greasy and rusty again

Rick, looking good! Since you're ordering from Horizon already, might not be a bad idea to throw one of these in:
http://www.horizonbbqsmokers.com/accessories-1/20-convection-plate

It looks like your pit is a 20" classic. It made a difference with my small offset and gave me more usable space on the cooking surface.

Keep us updated on your progress! And, especially, the first cook!

Thanks Fellas! Thinking of doing pulled pork for memorial day with some ribs. Im going go try and do a test run on the ribs on tuesday or wednesday.

TX1911 I am actually currently trying to make one out of some scrap 1/4" Aluminum my boss let me take. You think itll hold up? or is safe? it was free so I thought it'd give it a try

No clue, but my gut says it probably will work, just not as well. But, if the price is right, that's a trump card in my book!

So I decided to make my own diffuser and I'm super happy about it. It kicked my tail. Lol my boss let me have some scrap metal from work and I think it came out pretty sweet.

It's 1/4" aluminum, hoping that's ok to use?? Please let me know lol also I think I might have gone too small on the holes in the front but I'm gonna see how that goes. I also have a SS extension I can bolt on so it is flush against the wall. But I need to see it in daylight. Yes it's raining again. So sorry for the bad pics. I bent the aluminum up a couple degrees and I think ALONE it fits nice. But like I said I'll see when there is sun out.

Here is the starting piece (the holes are from previous use)




The final piece alone




With the extension





Please let me know what you guys think!
Thxs!

Nice work! Rock solid

Looks like you've done some good work. You'll have to let us all know how it works out for you!