Renovating And Converting A REALLY OLD Gas Braai (BBQ)

Hey everyone, who does not like a good old fashioned South African style braai (BBQ)?? At the ripe old age of 40 I finally have my very first braai, albeit OLD and needing a ton of work.

Job number 1: Sand all the wooden parts thoroughly, then remove for painting.

Job 2: Sand the WHOLE braai from back to front and top to bottom as this unit was in bad shape lots of rust from sitting outside and in the rain for years.

Job 3: Make a new steel tray for the bottom as the old one had rusted right through!

Job 4: take in to the gas specialists to get the burners cleaned and switches as well as seals repaired or replaced!

The plan with this braai is to make it very 'special' I really like a Woodfire, but the convenience of gas is unrivalled, so why not have both in one braai? That is just what I did. I removed two of the badly rusting burners and threw them away. The right side of this braai I will use for a wood fire and the left hand side for gas, what a novel idea right?

This unit had two wheels so in order to move it with ease one needs life the one side and move around that way. Another change I made was to install a jockey wheel on the side without wheels, this way I can easily move it around without having to lift the one side.

Today I plan to finalize the prepping work and start off with the paint job, I will varnish the wood with at least 3 coats and re-install. We have severe power outs in South Africa, this is going to be so convenient for me to be able to now cook whenever that happens, as well as to entertain friends when they come visit.

Be sure to stay tuned for volume 2 and the After pics coming in the next few days!

@braaiboy when are you going to take this 'bad boy' for a spin with one of your amazing weird and wonderful recipes?

Have a super cool Sunday!
Cheer$;)