Hi everyone, spent the last couple days doing some research - I have had a dark green SSP for easily 15 years and see that the kettle is rotting out in the bottom beginning with one touch basket/leg mounts giving way. I found a Red SSP on Craigslist for $75.00 - pumped to have this well maintained beauty to replace the old one.
Its got some big dollar coin sized rust spots - all located on the opposite side to the cooking grate hooks. Since it has no rust on the bottom of the kettle, I'm wondering how this occurs.
I theorize that it was stored in varying temps with the cover on and condensation occurred there.
In looking through the forums, I don't see any way to repair - only to wirebrush it a bit and season like a cast iron pan.
Thanks for the wealth of info here and sharing my passion for real grilling.
Hello and welcome to the WKC from Eugene, Oregon. Rust'd out leg sockets/ash sweep can occur when the vents are open/closed rather than closed/open (with respect to the lid/bowl). Many theories as to how the grate-straps assist in the loss of enamel at the weld points. Just do a search to find a few.
SJ