Repurposing at its Finest: How to Make Your Own BBQ Grill from Car Wheels

In the mood for a good ol’ barbecue but don’t have a grill? Well if you have two car tire rims to spare then you can make what is being referred to as the “redneck grill”. Despite the tongue-in-cheek nickname, this DIY rim grill is actually pretty genius. And even if you already have the ultimate grillmaster 3000, you have to admit the novelty of making your own out of old car parts is pretty darn alluring.

Video instructions

Video tutorial by Thumb Nail Ranch YouTuber.

You use a circular saw to cut out a uniform shape on the deep side of either car rim so that when they’re placed together, you have a perfect little hole for the firewood. That’s followed up by some welding to keep the two rims stuck together for a long time to come. Next, you need a grill grid, so you can either go buy something specific or find a piece of grid and simply cut it to the shape and size so that it fits on top of your makeshift base. And that’s about it!

It’ not the most sophisticated grill ever, but it sure is inventive, rustic, a great way to repurpose old materials, and it certainly makes a fantastic conversation starter! You can also toss the grid and put a pot right on top it, or even scrap the cooking altogether and just huddle around it like a fire pit when times get chillier.

Just a note: the guy in the video is, without a doubt, a seasoned pro, but I’d recommend that you take a few more safety precautions than he did when doing this on your own! Protective gear is a must. You’ll enjoy your new barbecue so much more if you’re still in one piece after making it.