How to Restore an Old Smoker

In this video, I show all the steps I take during an Oklahoma Joe's smoker restoration. Char-Broil, Oklahoma Joe's and Brinkman all use to make these battleships which were much thicker steel than the new ones you find for sale in retail stores. Rusted smokers can be found for sale from time to time, and restoring them is a great way to save money on a great offset smoker. If you're wondering what all might be involved in how to restore an old smoker, then enjoy! This full build even includes steps to add a rust patina--thanks for watching.
Best,
Shane
paynecountyrust.com/
Big Rock Foods/Payne County Rust is an Oklahoma-based seasoning and sauce company currently located in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I'm Shane Lansdown, the owner, and I love showing others how to cook, bbq, grill, smoke, craft and build. This KZread channel is my way of giving back all the knowledge and experience that others have kindly shown me over the decades. I really hope you all enjoy these videos, and please stop by my online store at paynecountyrust.com/ if you're interested in purchasing any of my products used in these videos.
Here's a list of some of the hardware I use in these videos--I don't currently have any affiliate-contracts or sponsors--these are just my honest favorites. I don't include links because products can go on/off shopping sites, and the links are excruciatingly long:
PK GRILL: The model I cook on is "The Original PK Grill and Smoker"
WEBER SMOKER: Weber 18" Smokey Mountain Cooker
INSTANT-READ MEAT THERMOMETERS: GAISTEN Meat Thermometer (Amazon)
TONGS: OXO Goodgrips 16" (Amazon)
LARGE SPATULA/TURNER: Mundial 8"x3" White Handle Turner
FOOD-GRADE SPRAY BOTTLES: Bar5F Plastic Spray Bottle
BLACK NITRILE GLOVES: KingSeal Ultrablack Nitrile Exam Gloves (Amazon)
LESS EXPENSIVE BONING KNIFE: UltraSource 6" Boning Knife
MORE EXPENSIVE BONING KNIFE: Victorinox Fibrox 6" Boning Knife
CHEF'S KNIVES: Victorinox Fibrox 6", 8", 10" Chef's Knives
LARGE DIGITAL SCALE: LEM Products 1167 330-lb Scale
MEDIUM DIGITAL SCALE: Bakers Math Kitchen Scale - KD8000

Пікірлер: 110

  • @noahkraft6453
    @noahkraft6453Ай бұрын

    Amazing restoration project!

  • @chrisrogers8128
    @chrisrogers81282 жыл бұрын

    I’m gonna be honest. I didn’t think I would like the rust look and thought it works look awful. But man was I wrong. That looked fantastic! Great job. You have a real talent.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man, and thanks for watching my videos!

  • @Iam-BruceLee

    @Iam-BruceLee

    Жыл бұрын

    was also a bit worried but man that came out amazing!

  • @bobsmith1101
    @bobsmith11012 ай бұрын

    Wow! That's some fine craftsmanship son. I learned a lot too. Inspires me to stay choochin' on my projects. Good video and presentation.

  • @coreygraves8531
    @coreygraves8531 Жыл бұрын

    Damn, you learn something every day. Nice job.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Corey!

  • @sanjuancb
    @sanjuancb2 жыл бұрын

    That rusting technique is super cool!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Cody! It's a fun process for sure!

  • @quailstreetcoffeeroastersm6674
    @quailstreetcoffeeroastersm6674 Жыл бұрын

    wow! wow! wow! amazing end result, thanks for sharing.

  • @christophercottrell8227
    @christophercottrell8227 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding. Just through two videos, I’ve learned new things. Your designs are point on. I personally like your poultry watering design. It’s borderline genius for ducks.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Christopher! I've worked through a lot of flawed designs before arriving as a good duck-watering system!! :) Thanks for reaching out!

  • @davedriggs461
    @davedriggs461 Жыл бұрын

    Absolutely beautiful

  • @mark929rr5
    @mark929rr5 Жыл бұрын

    super impressed. very clever process. simple as well. well done.

  • @johnwatz4955
    @johnwatz495510 ай бұрын

    Enjoyed your video, just refurbished a small Pitts & Spits stick burner but I didn’t have any welding experience & so I had to hire one for a repair to the firebox. Liked creativity on the grate & your exterior, didn’t know what to expect. Great job, you have spurred some ideas.

  • @davidavila7134
    @davidavila713410 ай бұрын

    Wow. Amazing work. Thanks for the video. You makes me want to go buy a mig welder.

  • @mr.termite1134
    @mr.termite1134 Жыл бұрын

    Wow! This...all of this was amazing! Great job! Definitely stealing that angle iron idea for all of mine!

  • @MikeFLHT
    @MikeFLHT2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this! Love this video of your super restoration of this great smoker, that you made even greater.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @OKIEBBQ
    @OKIEBBQ2 жыл бұрын

    Wow! This is the best video I've ever seen! Makes me proud to be an Okie. Super work!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for THAT! Glad you enjoyed it man!

  • @stevejohnman68
    @stevejohnman682 жыл бұрын

    great job .looks very cool.

  • @jofieh.5302
    @jofieh.53022 жыл бұрын

    Wow that thing is SICK !

  • @ajsironworks3937
    @ajsironworks3937 Жыл бұрын

    Wow. That’s really cool. Never thought of restoring those smokers. I build them but I like that idea. Good work

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks AJ!

  • @JackDingus

    @JackDingus

    Жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust Would you build a grate like that for me? I live down in Shawnee. I am currently restoring my fathers old smoker. I really love that 1/2” barstock grate that you built.

  • @larryshaw5297
    @larryshaw5297 Жыл бұрын

    Outstanding

  • @shanegailley8291
    @shanegailley829111 ай бұрын

    Beautiful

  • @Rbouch
    @Rbouch2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video…..great job of restoration……the finish is awesome!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot Robert, I'm glad you like it!

  • @justinransbottom7378
    @justinransbottom73782 жыл бұрын

    Overkill as usual!!!! Great job Shane! Fred is SUPER HAPPY!!!!! Can't wait for meat pictures from Fred! I am a proud owner of Shane's Oklahoma Joe's Smoker Restoration myself! I'm still just as happy today as I was they day I received it! Great work and great video!!!!! Love it! You'd be lucky to ever find as good of friends as Fred and Shane! Great men in everyway!!!!!!!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton Justin, I'm glad you're now an expert BBQ'er... your 'Q is incredible!

  • @ianharris8706
    @ianharris87062 жыл бұрын

    Wow,,,, how cool is that, great job!!

  • @barnee27
    @barnee272 жыл бұрын

    This is a work of art. I wish there were businesses that would do this to existing smokers. Like if someone bought a used Oklahoma Joe or even one of the thick gauge steel Old Country BBQ pits from Academy and they could get someone to overhaul it. Beats paying $4k for a custom pit if you’re just wanting a simple and somewhat smaller sized pit for the backyard.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Matt!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Matt!

  • @Trumpetmaster77
    @Trumpetmaster772 жыл бұрын

    amazing work! good job!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the compliment! And thanks a ton for watching my videos!

  • @bingostar9207
    @bingostar92077 ай бұрын

    Very cool!

  • @wayneprater8960
    @wayneprater89602 жыл бұрын

    Shane I love it that’s pretty sweet, we’ve talked about your process multiple times but as the say a “picture” is worth a thousand words. Love that video and I’m glad you made it. (Finally lol)

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @pOLYkNOCK
    @pOLYkNOCK2 жыл бұрын

    Wow brother, you got skills! Love the video!

  • @mikesingleton2661
    @mikesingleton26612 жыл бұрын

    Really good job.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a ton!

  • @waynehere1277
    @waynehere12776 ай бұрын

    Nice rebuild. We use the angle iron grates as well in our Maple syrup evaporators, but we flip the open end up. The old ash left in the angle part will help insulate and have less warpage. However, we run the temp quite a bit higher, like around 1800-2300 degrees. :)

  • @arturovasuez0785
    @arturovasuez0785 Жыл бұрын

    I just discovered your channel, amazing job!!! Great videos

  • @Buford_T_Justice1
    @Buford_T_Justice12 жыл бұрын

    That was amazing!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks--glad you enjoyed it!!

  • @johnmanzo9329
    @johnmanzo9329 Жыл бұрын

    Love it

  • @the600cc
    @the600cc Жыл бұрын

    Nice. I like it

  • @charlesduncanmckinley920
    @charlesduncanmckinley9202 жыл бұрын

    Very cool! Nice work.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Charles! They're a blast to restore!

  • @charlesduncanmckinley920

    @charlesduncanmckinley920

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust i bet.

  • @bak3rdud3
    @bak3rdud3 Жыл бұрын

    nice custom mod, Fred is lucky.

  • @Finechug
    @Finechug9 ай бұрын

    This video is great 👍🏻.Just bought a big Kingsford pro offset smoker on Facebook marketplace for 50 dollars and it has rust. Had to take it apart in pieces to get it in the back of my truck.

  • @codygillespie3369
    @codygillespie3369 Жыл бұрын

    Sick I’m picking up one tomorrow for 125$ been waiting forever for a 1/4 inch smoker for that price looks amazing

  • @HR-oc9iv
    @HR-oc9iv2 жыл бұрын

    sweet!

  • @africanroots_kingjoseph
    @africanroots_kingjoseph2 жыл бұрын

    😳 You did a awesome job on that smoker. Someone just gave me a used NexGrill "22" Charcoal Barrel this week. The info I found online says it's a Grill / Smoker . I look forward to cleaning up my used NexGrill grill / smoker . I just start following your channel .

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks man, welcome to BBQ!

  • @davepxxxv
    @davepxxxv Жыл бұрын

    Fred is a lucky guy.

  • @richardhubbard2963
    @richardhubbard2963 Жыл бұрын

    Very nice Sir

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @philhenderson5748
    @philhenderson57482 жыл бұрын

    SWEET 👍 👍

  • @robertbolding4182
    @robertbolding4182 Жыл бұрын

    I like to spray with copper spray paint plastic sculptures and then I use the salt and peroxide and vinegar spray to patina them and they look like bronze age bronze. You might try spraying one of your cookers with copper spray paint and then doing the patina trick on that .

  • @TomSlickery
    @TomSlickery2 жыл бұрын

    Bad ass👍

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Brute!!

  • @IsaacFNghost
    @IsaacFNghost2 жыл бұрын

    Hell can I be your friend next? Haha 😄 maaaan this turned out absolutely beautiful

  • @jimoliver601
    @jimoliver601 Жыл бұрын

    First time on your channel. Really enjoyed your video. Thank you so much! Which model Lincoln MIG do you have? Easy to learn on?

  • @digitalayon
    @digitalayon2 жыл бұрын

    I little info on this unit. This was made by Joe's brother Roger after the sale to Charbroil. These were made for Brinkmann. OKJ also purchased some to meet orders while the factory was being tooled.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the info! I've found this article very helpful as well! www.reddit.com/r/smoking/comments/cg7arz/history_of_oklahoma_joe_smokers_how_to_spot_an/?

  • @EssexCountyPhoto
    @EssexCountyPhoto Жыл бұрын

    Greetings from Essex County, UK! Absolutely beautiful smoker, well done. I had a Landmann Grand Tennessee for a couple of years, but the hinges literally rusted through and became "glued"! I've invested a bit more in a new OKJ Highland, it's a lot heavier, perhaps not up to your standards, but seems decent enough. The black paint is peeling off already, not sure if I should start using BLO already on the weak areas, or wait until it's entirely rusty... I use avocado oil on my cast iron skillets and pots, as advised by Kent Rollins from Cowboy Cooking, could I use that oil to seal the outside of my offset smoker? In advance, many thanks for your help. Best regards, Manny

  • @nicktaylor665
    @nicktaylor6652 жыл бұрын

    Very nice work and GREAT VIDEO. After watching your video I went in search of one of these smokers. I got lucky and found one. Found a Brinkmann that looks exactly like the Oklahoma Joe in your video. Now I’m gonna try your rust patina finish. I also wanna make the firebox grate and grill grate like yours. What are the measurements for both of those grates? Thanks again!!!

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Nick! You'll just have to measure your chamber to be sure!

  • @holdenjarvis6600
    @holdenjarvis66002 жыл бұрын

    The finish is great, does it keep that shine and do you frequently re oil it?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    It seems to hold about 50% of the sheen, but should only need a re-oiling every few years--especially if you cover it!

  • @BK33REVIEWS
    @BK33REVIEWS Жыл бұрын

    Dang that's an original

  • @williamstraney9127
    @williamstraney912711 ай бұрын

    This is awesome. I have two questions thoe What do you use to season the inside of the cooker? Are the half inch steel beers half inch diameter? I'm from Australia so I struggle with this made up measuring technique 😂

  • @mitchellnguyen9248
    @mitchellnguyen92482 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video man! Love the finish! Why do you mix the boiled linseed oil with mineral spirits?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    I was always told to thin linseed oil with spirits so it would dry faster! Thanks man!

  • @mitchellnguyen9248

    @mitchellnguyen9248

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust gotcha. Thanks for the quick reply!

  • @tonychilds884
    @tonychilds884 Жыл бұрын

    Fred must be a good friend...lucky man:) How do you tell if it is an old style Oklahoma Joes? Can I look for an identifier to know if it is before New Braunfels bought them out? Thanks and great job...

  • @fabiancardoza9211
    @fabiancardoza9211 Жыл бұрын

    Awesome video man! What's an alternative to sand blasting, pant remover?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Fabian, I'm not sure! If you contact your local sandblaster, they may have an alternative. I've tried mechanically removing old paint with wire wheels and grinders, but it's terribly difficult.

  • @andresd.8919
    @andresd.8919Ай бұрын

    Will this process work on 11gauge steel (old country smoker) And if u skip sandblasting step?

  • @shanegailley8291
    @shanegailley829111 ай бұрын

    Can I ask how high and how far N did you go on your thermometers on the lid?

  • @woraschkrutze4517
    @woraschkrutze4517Ай бұрын

    is there a reason for letting it rust or is it just for the looks?

  • @driverkpk
    @driverkpk2 жыл бұрын

    How long after sandbalsting did you coat it with oil etc? Getting ready to send mine off for sandblasting wondering how long it can sit without coating or oiling?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    Жыл бұрын

    If you're going to force-rust it, then it can sit indefinitely!

  • @michaellocy4750
    @michaellocy4750 Жыл бұрын

    So does it have to be bare metal

  • @kenmay1261
    @kenmay12612 жыл бұрын

    You don't by any chance sell those 1/2" bar stock cook grates, do you?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Not at this point, but it's been rolling around the back of my head!

  • @chazresko4336
    @chazresko43362 жыл бұрын

    Can you do this to mine?

  • @christopherjacob6209
    @christopherjacob62092 жыл бұрын

    how does that finish hold up to the heat?

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    Heat is no problem--linseed oil polymerizes under high heat, so it gets rock hard. Rain and sunlight will degrade the properties eventually, but a re-coat every three or four years is no problem!

  • @IsaacFNghost
    @IsaacFNghost2 жыл бұрын

    My neighbor moved and left my a very large side by side smoker that wasn't taken care of at all and it has very rough rust on the outside. Is there anyway to get rid of it and then re coat? Should I sand it? With what grit?

  • @irishpirate6779

    @irishpirate6779

    Жыл бұрын

    you can buy cheap wire wheel or polycarbide abrasive wheel at harbor freight, fits on drill. they make about 4 different sizes, small ones nice to get into the nook and cranny areas on smokers and grills. makes for easy work on removing surface rust.

  • @brayansantos2518
    @brayansantos25182 жыл бұрын

    Where the video of the reaction?

  • @garyhawthorne1678
    @garyhawthorne16782 жыл бұрын

    what can i do to patch by fire box

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    If the firebox is cylindrical, then you can measure its diameter and ask your local metal yard if they'll sell you a piece of pipe that size. Then you can cut it in half and nest the pipe-half inside your firebox!

  • @garyhawthorne1678

    @garyhawthorne1678

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust thanks

  • @charlesduncanmckinley920
    @charlesduncanmckinley9202 жыл бұрын

    Oklahoma Joe's made them that way till charbroil bought them. They are made with to thin of metal for what they charge now.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    I agree! Here's a neat reddit thread about them: www.reddit.com/r/smoking/comments/cg7arz/history_of_oklahoma_joe_smokers_how_to_spot_an/?

  • @charlesduncanmckinley920

    @charlesduncanmckinley920

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust very interesting read. My first one i was misslead into believe it was one of the last ones made in America. After reading this, I now know other wise. But it was still better than their newest ones. Thank you for sharing.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    As long as the steel's thick, they're worth cooking in IMO!

  • @charlesduncanmckinley920

    @charlesduncanmckinley920

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@PayneCountyRust but, the steel isn't thick.

  • @PayneCountyRust

    @PayneCountyRust

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@charlesduncanmckinley920 I agree, they were only good, thick steel for a bit, then they started using aluminum foil to construct them! 😂

  • @cu0ngpitt
    @cu0ngpitt Жыл бұрын

    the linseed oil is apparently an "old trick" ive never heard of until i watched your video. I have two questions I see that some ppl say you need to bake on the oil to let it harden but you simply left the smoker in the sun? Do you put the oil on the inside as well or just coat the outside?

  • @D70340
    @D703402 жыл бұрын

    Just to clear up the facts, the early Brinkmann offset smokers that were made from 1/4 inch metal, those were all built by Oklahoma Joe, for Brinkmann. BassPro was the main seller of the old Brinkmann`s. These days, Oklahoma Joe is just a name used on all the latest smokers under that name. Joe no longer makes them. And the newer ones aren`t nearly as rugged as the original OJ`s. They are very poorly constructed anymore. Some are even made from thin sheet metal today. We`ve become nothing more than a throw away society. Nobody cares about quality anymore. Alot of these big box stores sell chinese made junk offset smokers. So if you come across an old 1/4 in steel made smoker, BUY IT!

  • @earlsanders5999
    @earlsanders5999 Жыл бұрын

    I need some work done how can i reach you?