Smoker Questions

[Sully]

I live in an awesome neighborhood. I just took possession of a free smoker from a neighbor who had bought a new one. The brand on the thing is New Braunfels, and as far as I can tell, although I could be wrong, it's Black Diamond.

A few years back, with mixed results, I taught myself how to smoke on something of Farr less quality (judging just the weight of the thing, alone). So I wonder, beforw I begin, if I need to do any work on this. I'll post pictures to follow.

[Sully]

Here is the outside. Previous owner said he painted it recently, and put a new thermometer on it. A few spots of rust, but not too bad.

[WilliamTheIrish]

http://bbq.about.com/od/smokerreviews/gr/aapr072405a.htm

[WilliamTheIrish]

Review says its dc'd but is "legendary". Sounds like you got a great smoker.

[Sully]

Smoker box has a little more rust on inside, and some cracking

[KurtCobain]

I'm smoking about three to four packs a day. I don't recommend it.

[Sully]

A little rust in the meat chamber, but not too bad...

[Sully]

So I wonder, should I sand the inside and repaint it before doing anythibg, or just go ahead and roll with it.

Are there any (cheap) modifications I should make?

[Sully]

And what the hell is the propane tank for?

[TambaBerry]

And what the hell is the propane tank for?

Probably just to get the coals going

[notorious]

So I wonder, should I sand the inside and repaint it before doing anythibg, or just go ahead and roll with it.

Are there any (cheap) modifications I should make?

Don't use paint, even the low heat could cause it to put out toxic fumes.

[Sully]

Don't use paint, even the low heat could cause it to put out toxic fumes.

I was 7nder the impression there was a special paint for grills.

[FlaChief58]

I just inherited one too. I took a wire brush to the grates and insides. Washed everything put a coat of high heat paint on the outside, then coated the inside with cooking oil and cured it.

[srvy]

Those things were built like a battleship. I remember them being sold by Sam's club along with Oklahoma Joe's smokers 6 to 8 years ago. Always had my curiosity but got a weber smoker instead. I know people who had them loved them. SOS brillo pad the rust inside hose or high pressure wash it out spread cooking oil or a cheap can of cooking Crisco or lard heat and season and enjoy. The propane he must have added himself. Is the burner element with it.

[srvy]

manual

http://www.appliancefactoryparts.com/content/pdfs/135327-1.pdf

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[Buzz]

I had that same smoker and sold it a few years back. Yes, the propane tank is to light coals in the fire box. Modifications I made to mine was weld a drain valve on the end so I could wash and drain the grease out. I also moved the smoke stack from the upper back side to a few inches above the drain valve and made it taller for a better draw.

[philfree]

My smoker is 20 years old probably and what I noticed is that when it gets all heated up the rust don't look so bad.