New Braunfels Offset Rehabilitation Project

[AZFirstTimer]

Hello!

This is my first post on the site although I have been lurking for quite some time. I look forward to one day building my own 120gallon reverse flow offset stick burner with insulate firebox, laser cut handles, and a bitchin’ black enamel paint job with chrome accents.

But until I hit the lottery, quit my job, buy a fab shop, and get to work cutting and welding, I am limited to a preconstructed cooker.

I bought a Rusted up New Braunfels offset smoker. I got into it and starting cleaning and became more and more sure that I wasted $25. The bottom of the cook chamber is rusted to hell and probably needs replaced before it’s safe to cook on.

If you guys could look through the pictures and give me some advice on a direction to go in I would be much appreciative.

My inclinations with this pit are to
1. Sand and paint
2. Build a baffle/ choke the throat considerably
3. Rebuild the grates
4. Extend the exhaust
5. Solid weld firebox to cook chamber
6. Latches and gaskets

[AZFirstTimer]

Additional pictures

[Dirtytires]

I cooked on one of those for many years and have mixed feelings. I was able to put out some descent food but it was a huge learning curve and difficult to use. It took me well over a dozen cooks to get a good feel for it. With that said, it will work but I do not recommend putting any appreciable amount of time or money into it.

Clean it up, put any old grate in it and fire it up a half dozen times. No amount of make-up is going to make it work better so see if you can cook with it and it’s worth saving.

I found lump charcoal,in a basket and using the minion method of lighting works best in this style. I got 4-5 hours of pretty steady temps with little adjustment. Real wood is a nightmare. Also a few firebricks in the cook chamber next to the firebox will cut down on radiant heat and allow it to be more usable but expect the first 12 inches near the firebox to be unusable grill space.

If you do decide you like it and you are anywhere near Phoenix, I’ll make you an awesome deal on my old one as I don’t use it anymore.

Welcome to the board!