Traeger Pellet Grill Rebuild and Restoration

[@Jeremiah5120]

13:11 You need a bucket of Evapo-Rust!! Put anything that will fit in the basket and let it sit while you’re cleaning the rest of the grill. Does magic man!

[@NordicDan]

For spot areas on stuff too big to fit in the bucket, you can put some in a spray bottle to soak the area, clean it after letting it sit overnight, then repeat until the rust is gone. Just a bit more work than "soak and forget" but still very effective.

[@bbqplus]

I will give this stuff a try. Thanks!

[@kelvinlewis2089]

Appreciate your help. Thanks mate.

[@bbqplus]

No problem 👍

[@NordicDan]

I have an original Traeger (BBQ-125 model with the front hopper and stainless lids) that I've been wanting to break down and completely restore with a new Smoke Daddy controller and innards. Glad to have come across this video since it gives me a game plan for getting it done. Great work.

[@bbqplus]

I love my 125! Had a 124 that I sold and from the day after regretted it! Then I saw a 125 and picked it up. I upgraded to a PID controller and am I'm very happy. Still need to mitigate some rust and repaint it... but that time will come this spring/summer. I bought a cover that fits it perfectly from Smokin' Brothers.

[@bbqplus]

My 125 is used in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ7Jqppsmb56qbMsi=ZRA25emqC1NAXUn7

[@NordicDan]

@@bbqplus I love the front hopper layout of the 125. Makes it much easier to monitor and fill the pellets as I'm smoking. My only complaint was that I couldn't find any weather or thermal covers to fit it, so I got excited when you mentioned the Smokin' Brothers cover, only to see that all but the 72" covers are sold out! I might have to dust off the antique sewing machine in my basement and just make a cover and a blanket for it this summer.

[@rrrafedidit]

Have you guys been able to get your cover off the 125? Mine seems to be welded on there.

[@rrrafedidit]

​@@bbqplusAny idea how to remove the lid from the 125?

[@Kdlawman74]

Excellent! You provided the information I needed to get my Traeger back up and running, thank you so much.

[@bbqplus]

Glad it helped! Now go explore my channel and find a great recipe to cook on that machine!

[@garretbluhm9901]

Underrated! Thanks for posting, I'm going to tackle mine in the next few weeks

[@bbqplus]

Good luck! It is a great level of satisfaction to rejuvenate one of these!

[@RBRTriplets]

Hey, thanks for your video! I watched it last night & repainted mine today. It came out perfect, thanks again for your inspiration!! Happy Easter!!

[@bbqplus]

Max, glad the video helped and repainting worked out so well for you. Sure feels great when you give one of these some new life!

[@premrajendran7383]

Hey Jeff, the 520 has been primed and ready for paint. In your experience, have you felt the need to install grill felt at the edges to maximize smoke flow? I did that to an offset grill/smoker and it eliminated any smoke escaping from the lid or firebox. Thanks again for the advice and inspiration. These grills are well made and I love the idea of giving them a 2nd life.

[@Mikey62866]

Nice video, very good info here. Thanjsk for posting.

[@bbqplus]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@jbserious]

Exactly what I was looking for!

[@bbqplus]

Glad the video helped!

[@dalewilliams7484]

Thank you for the info and tips. I'll rebuilding my own pellet smoker this weekend.

[@bbqplus]

That's great. Save some $$$ and you will be proud of how it turns out! Good some great food on it!

[@KP-nf4lz]

Jeff, I picked a used Traeger from someone here in Birch Bay Village. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@bbqplus]

Thats great! I look forward to hearing what you cook!

[@10MTN303]

Thank you soo much for posting. Easily explained and appreciated.

[@bbqplus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DailyMTBRider]

Great job Jeff! Those grills look like new now!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks 👍 Lots of hard work, but totally worth it to give these new life!

[@joem4551]

I've had some luck w/ vinegar on the nuts/bolts and might save a few pennies, just picked up a used free traeger w/ the board fried in similar outer conditions, so hoping I can restore as well as these, thanks for posting!

[@bbqplus]

Yes, vinegar is great (and cheap!) To soak metal parts in. The rust remover is a gel based liquid so it "sticks" to the metal better. Good luck.on your restoration project!

[@Brianmlife]

I have acquired a pitt boss whiskey still which was free to me because the auger was seized up. I also got a trager with the stamped lid for free because a friend of mine did not have the time to mess with it, but he had the parts to get it working. both required a little bit of attention, but they both work now. I have also done some upgrades to both.

[@bbqplus]

I love hearing about people who fix things up and are able to get good use of them! Much better than ending up in a landfill :-)

[@Brianmlife]

I agree with you 100 percent. the upgraded board for the Traeger arrived today. the new board has inputs for meat probes. It also with an adapter to use newer temp probes. The advantage for me is now my pittboss and trager parts are interchangeable. the only modifications I had to make were making the temp probe holes bigger. and one new hole for to router the shorter wire differently.

[@TheGreaseBoxLLC]

Nice work!! They look brand new! If you ever get tired of the grease pail, we have the fix!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks! Where do you sell them?

[@TheGreaseBoxLLC]

Of course! We are a startup company so we have our product on our site!

[@moedeart]

Fantastic video!! I really appreciate it

[@bbqplus]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mcahill135]

Excellent DIY restoration!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks! These are a lot if work, but worth it to see them get new life!

[@ts6640]

Awesome video!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks for the visit! I have a lot of recipes on my channel of great things to cook on your pellet smoker. Hope they inspire you!

[@kioskete]

Nice Job!!!! They look amazing now.

[@bbqplus]

It is really satisfying to bring these back to life and see them used. Currently working in a couple Traegers from the mid 90's. I will post the details when finished.

[@kioskete]

@@bbqplus I will be pending on the results. Awesome Job you do. I came across this channel and immediately subscribed.

[@Bigtexbbq]

EXCELLENT video sir. Great work!

[@bbqplus]

Glad you liked it!

[@StanleyReece]

Thanks A Million for the videos!!

[@bbqplus]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@chrissheffer6823]

This actually looks like fun! Where do you find your Traegers? I really like what you did with the colors. Would be fun to do one like you did for the firehouse! Great work!

[@bbqplus]

I scan Facebook Marketplace for pellet smokers. Just after Father's Day is a good time as guys who's pellet grills have fallen into disrepair end up getting new ones and then they sell the old ones!

[@mchuck4191]

Thanks for the great video. I’m going to repaint one for my daughter this week. She wants it painted blue. Will one can of high-heat paint be enough for the lid on the pellet lid and the front lid. Just like your orange one?

[@bbqplus]

That should be plenty to cover with 1 can. I bought my red @ an auto parts store. Make sure to get the high heat caliper or engine paint.

[@mchuck4191]

@@bbqplusis the rust reformer ok to use on the lid? It’s not high-heat paint.

[@mchuck4191]

How did you prep the lid? Did you use the wire-wheel or sandpaper

[@kelvinlewis2089]

Jus picked up a second hand traeger, there is a bit of rust internal. Could i use a wire brush in there and vacum it up and just spray with oil to coat it ??

[@bbqplus]

@kelvinlewis2089 That is exactly what you should do! Never use any chemicals inside the cook chamber. You can also use a wire wheel on a drill or a grinder to make the rust removal easier. Before 1st cook, spray with vegetable oil... then wipe out with a towel to get rid of any particles. Spray again as a protectant.

[@premrajendran7383]

Just picked up a Traeger Heartland 520 for free. Everything works but it hasn't been cared for. So I'm tearing it apart, replacing the smoke stack, cleaning it and painting it. Your video was very helpful, so thanks and happy grilling!

[@bbqplus]

Congratulations! That is terrific. So glad that you were fortunate to get that grill and put the work into it. You will be rewarded with years of fun and wonderful meals!

[@premrajendran7383]

I’m at final paint on the Traeger restoration. What’s your recommendation for the first fire up to cure the paint? I have two coats of primer, 400 sanded, and about to apply my 3rd and final coat. 24-48 hrs. between all coats. Thanks for the info and inspiration. 👍

[@74ewtn]

When would it be acceptable to remove rust with the rust disolver gel instead of the wire wheel? In other words, when is the wire wheel definitely needed?

[@bbqplus]

I use the wire wheel most of the time. The rust disolver is great for small parts (nuts and bolts) and when you have a really pitted surface and need to get deeper into joints between metal parts that you can't get to with the wheel. I never use rust disolver inside the grill cook chamber!

[@theburningredbeacon9625]

Right on. Looks awesome 👌

[@bbqplus]

Thanks 👍

[@tonymcginley7292]

Fantastic video and great explanations! I just picked up the same model as is in the video for free in my neighborhood. The one with the label plate. Previous owner says the electronics don’t work so I’ll have to troubleshoot that. I plan on flipping this big girl, what’s a good price point for selling these big, older models in your opinion?

[@bbqplus]

Congrats on the project! You will have fun and a great sense of accomplishment. These 075s will bring around $400 if you are patient. The 070s @ $300. Fall is not prime selling season. Also depends where you live... bigger metro areas have more customers. Keep an eye on Facebook Marketplace while you are completing the resto to see what they might bring in your area.

[@bronsonschnitzel7493]

How does the after look where the powder coating was flaking off? Can you tell the difference between powder coated portions and the spray painted portions?

[@bbqplus]

Yes, you can see the difference. Option is to remove all rust and powder coat and then paint with satin for a uniform surface.

[@jamesa6272]

So what do you use on the inside of the grill? Just scrape everything and cooking spray oil / seasoning oil?

[@bbqplus]

You got it! Get rid of the peeling creosote and any rust with a wide putty knife... then cooking spray and heat it up.

[@waruaki1]

Great videos! I have a LIL TEX BBQ 070 Ser 9784 That I purchased up the hill at the family's dairy in Mt. Angel 19-20yrs ago. I was fortunate to have lunch at their restaurant downtown while I was there. I need a replacement auger motor but mine is hard mounted to an L bracket with two bolts going through the bottom holes of the gear box. Do you know if the newer style wobble mount motors will work as a replacement? Thx

[@bbqplus]

That is such a great memory! I am very jealous. Good job of hanging on to the grill all these years and taking care of it! I am thinking that it would be worth a try to order an auger motor from Amazon and give it a try. If it does not fit/work you can return it. You can jump in Facebook and shoot a message to Shawn Hensley... he knows EVERYTHING about Traegers and can source odd parts for you.

[@waruaki1]

Thank you, I appreciate your reply back. Subscribed @@bbqplus

[@bradjensen8139]

where did you get the retain clips or for the emblem?

[@bbqplus]

I have found them at a local hardware store and also on Amazon. Not sure what size... so I just bought a variety pack. OIIKI 300pcs 7 Sizes Internal Tooth Washers, Push On Speed Clips Fasteners Kit, 65 Mn Steel Black Lock Washers (7 Sizes) a.co/d/03d0R9CI

[@braddarcy4529]

Awesome. Thanks. Is the rust reformer okay for the parts that heat up?

[@bbqplus]

Hey Brad. I did a lot of testing and have not had any issues. Most of my cooks are around 225-250. The paint is on the outside which also may be a little lower in temp. If there was an area with direct flame and really high heat, i would be concerned.

[@braddarcy4529]

@@bbqplus Thank you sir! I appreciate the reply. The bottom of my grill is where I have the most rust. I’m going to use the reformer there. Thanks for the tip on the dissolver, too. Stuff works great. Cheers!

[@dawgdawg4037]

Does any grill have A replaceable auger tube on my treager the end of the tube is burned up like the burn pot?

[@bbqplus]

Unfortunately I have not found a source for these. You could bring the assembly to a local metal fabricator and have them fashion/attach a new tube. I would probably get a small sheet of thin metal from Lowes/Home Depot... bend around existing tube and fasten with hose clamps (or spot weld if you have those skills). Good luck!

[@brucemoss7281]

Where did you get the retainer clips for the Traeger Emblem?

[@bbqplus]

I first bought them at a small "have everything" local hardware store. Then, I bought a set on Amazon with multiple sizes. I think smallest tor second to smallest fit. OIIKI 300pcs 7 Sizes Internal Tooth Washers, Push On Speed Clips Fasteners Kit, 65 Mn Steel Black Oxide Finish Star Lock Washers (7 Sizes) a.co/d/8vBCowd

[@brucemoss7281]

Thanks

[@warfarewar8206]

How much did you pick them up for? And do you re sell them?

[@bbqplus]

I keep watch on Facebook Marketplace in my area. Sell some... give some away to friends... trade some for other grilling toys...

[@bsanmiguel]

can you list all the items you used? especially the paint items...

[@bbqplus]

Hey Brandon, here are the items I use for painting. I am dropping a video specific to painting on April 17th. Rust Dissolver: a.co/d/9PtJQbG Rust Reformer/Primer: a.co/d/9PtJQbG High Heat Max Paint: a.co/d/bPDzjrs (note this link is for flat black finish, I use a satin) Spray Can Triggers: a.co/d/6Y9aGgG

[@trurex007lee7]

Great process. You must have been able to buy them at a low cost. Not sure why anyone would want to sell their Traegger unless they upgraded. Do you know if that was the case? Do you have a source for used Traeggers? Mine is over 10 years old and could use some TLC, just finding the time is tough.

[@bbqplus]

Thx for watching. I am always scouring Facebook Marketplace for used pellet grills. The trick is to not overpay for them. Usually I find grills where someone has lost interest or ignored in the weather. Mostly they need SERIOUS interior cleaning, exterior rust removal and paint... but some have jammed augers or an electronic part that needs replacing. Since Traeger started in the Pacific NW, there are more of them up here in general.

[@trurex007lee7]

@@bbqplus Thanks, I’ll start looking, maybe I can find an upgrade to mine

[@terrycavaness8259]

Tips/Tricks on removing the wheels ?

[@trurex007lee7]

@@terrycavaness8259 My wheels are fine but if you’ve experienced issues replacing them, others may benefit from it.

[@terrycavaness8259]

In regards to the Rust-Oleum Rust Reformer... Do they make a heat tolerant version? I was under the impression Rust Reformer isn’t suggested for temps over 200f (93 c).... TIA...

[@michaelduvernay3111]

I just picked up an old Lil Tex Traeger for $40 off of FB Marketplace. Excited to get it refurbed. What's your thoughts on 3rd party internals? (i.e. rtd probe, auger motor, induction fan, hot rod & hot pot). Saw a set for under $50 and tempted to just swap them all out.

[@bbqplus]

I usually end up replacing the burn pot, hot rod, RTD and controller. Usually the auger and induction fans are in great shape. Make sure you upgrade the controller if the current one doesn't have a shutdown cycle. I buy aftermarket on AMZN and have had good success.

[@michaelduvernay3111]

@@bbqplus awesome. Glad to hear. Can't wait to see the end product when I'm done. Ty for the tips and awesome video.

[@michaelduvernay3111]

@@bbqplus I just noticed my controller doesn't have a shut down option. Do you have a recommendation on a controller you've used/like?

[@alanb4134]

Do you have link for the replacement clips that hold the logo nameplate?

[@bbqplus]

The size is M3. I just bought a whole kit of different sizes. OIIKI 300pcs 7 Sizes Internal Tooth Washers, Push On Speed Clips Fasteners Kit, 65 Mn Steel Black Oxide Finish Star Lock Washers (7 Sizes) a.co/d/goa5ccc

[@alanb4134]

@@bbqplus thanks for the response and link.

[@stevedrawdy2532]

Wish the powder coat was easier to feather. Unfortunately you can see the difference between the bare metal and powder coated sections pretty easily.

[@bbqplus]

Yeah, I agree. Short of sand blasting or sanding the whole thing... I have found this to be a good solution to make it look better than it was.

[@premrajendran7383]

I’m had a similar issue with my current restoration. I’ve been able to overcome it with additional coats of primer at the powdercoat transitions and sanding lightly with 400-600 grit. Some areas with heavy pitting due to grease fires may never look right. I remind myself that this is a grill, not a show car.

[@Eddie510s]

@@premrajendran7383thank you for the tip ! About to do mine ! I saw the difference on this video when putting it back together. Still hell of a job and looks 1000 times better . Awesome work and thank you !

[@Jackson-j6g]

Cool!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks! It is fun to bring these back to life.

[@thatsallfolks3115]

How many pork butts can you smoke at once in one of those 34’s?

[@bbqplus]

I can get 6 bone-in shoulders in there... 8 if they are small or boneless.

[@TheWhitetailrancher]

You crack me up. easy off is one of the most chemically caustic things there is. Might as well be using nuclear waste. BTW so is Rust oleum rust dissolver. TERRIBLY caustic!

[@bbqplus]

Thanks for the comments. As I emphasize in my video... thoroughly clean any surface. Easy Off is designed to be used to clean ovens, nothing that comes in contact with food. A pellet grill is really just an oven fired by wood pellets. The Rust Dissolver is only used on exterior parts, cleaned afterwards and painted. Thanks for watching!