Need help with my new gas kettle

[blu082003]

Hi everyone, so I was just able to pick up this gas kettle. It was only a few hours away, I saw it on the marketplace this morning and was able to grab it. I have a few questions does anyone know how to age one of these? Also I'm pleased to say it works but I'm a little worried that the deflector, although not too rusted that it may start to rust more when I use it. Is there a way to reinforce it? That would be my biggest concern. I also am very naive on the gas kettle and would love any information on one of these thanks in advance.
-Kyle

[PKG920]

i remember i was at the san Jose flee market back in the 70S and just missed one of those grills brand new for $20.00 so i would say made in the 70s  nice find

[PKG920]

In the 1970s and early1980s, we brought that same kettle idea into the gas grill arena.  There were stand-alone gas kettles, post-mount kettles and gas kettles in a cart.  And so it began! from a weber site

[blu082003]

Thanks PKG I plan on finishing up the restore tomorrow I'll post a couple more pictures tomorrow. I was able to get it for 40$ so I'm happy with the find


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[JEBIV]

Sweet Gas Kettle Deluxe you have there ! I own several of these

[Golly]

mid 80's

[blu082003]

Thanks golly I've been looking through the site and it seems like you are the expert on these. Been a little delayed on finishing up the cleaning, but I was able to put a couple hours into it yesterday


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[oldvines]

I have one in black mounted on a post
The cooking capabilities of this is hampered by the fire diffuser combined with the lava rock . Woeful performance! 
I converted to natural gas tapped from house and replaced diffuser with a log lighter, tossed the lava rock for charcoal and created a ash collector ,it cooks great now.