Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Gas Grills & Electric Kettles => Topic started by: Hogsy on January 02, 2013, 02:38:20 PM
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Started to restore the old kettle gasser I bought a couple of weeks ago today
Remember these kettles had no lid vents , so working out the age of them isn't easy
I pulled the whole thing apart, and while cleaning part of the internal ignition I noticed a letter stamped into it beneath the rust
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/95E43A6A-B562-41D8-9F0F-2438F5E55BD2-221-0000000CA4C8398A.jpg)
I then pulled the same part out that Brian sent me and noticed it had a different letter stamped into it
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/D99D4807-66EB-44FF-A225-C29AE36E284F-221-0000000C9E8C4062.jpg)
Could this be the date code for the kettle gasser?
The manual that ED posted had all the parts labelled with numbers , so i don't think its a part number and this is the only part I could find with a letter stamp
Anyone else out there care to take a look at theirs?
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Hogsy
is that the Venturi or burner tube? I will take a look at mine and let you know.
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Pretty sure it's the Venturi stack or part no 22 on the schematics list you posted on another thread
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I am not for certain, but I would think that would be the Gas Kettle's date code. I thought Weber dated all their grills, charcoal or gas (kettle and genesis etc)
Craig
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I think the date coding started in 1979. Weber gassers were built as earily as 1971. It is that 8 year period that is in question.
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The only thing I can think of on dating a '71-'78 gasser is by the vent tabs, maybe? ??? Still puzzles me that the gas kettles didn't appear in the catalogs in the early '70s.
Craig
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The Weber time line introduces the 22.5 gas kettle in 1971. But they don't appear in the Weber catalogs until 1974 or 1975.
The 1973 catalog has a young Mike Kempster lifting a cover off what appears to be a gas kettle, kind of like a teaser.
The earily gas kettles (pre 1979) had model numbers beginning with "GK" (gas kettle) and serial numbers "GG" (?). Weber made the gas kettles until mid 80's, maybe 1985 when the Genesis came out. So, the question is did Weber use date codes on gas kettles prior to 1979. If so, how are they deciphered. They could have been just serial numbers without any direct corresponding date codes, just a chronology sequence pattern.
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I don't care what anyone says there is not a forum that has the kind of knowledge or collections that this site has....
Brian
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I don't care what anyone says there is not a forum that has the kind of knowledge or collections that this site has....
Brian
I concur, Brian. And it gets better and better each and every day. ;)
Craig
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Beginning to think its not a date stamp
Here's another pic of a Venturi tube out of my other gas kettle
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/D2952E60-0FDD-4D9E-8180-B2E36D7CEB25-846-0000011161535C71.jpg)
Ok to clarify
The first photo is a part from a kettle that Brian sent over to me .Stamped A
Second photo is the same part from a gas kettle with metal handles and no lid vent. Stamped B.
Third photo , same part from a gas kettle with wooden handles and 4 vents in the lid. Stamped A
This is doing my head in, 2nd photo is the older kettle therefore should have the A stamp not B
I was thinking maybe the A part might have been for the US, and the B part for OZ , because of the different gas certifications but why then would I have 2 kettles one with A stamped and one with B stamp
The mystery continues.......
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Hogsy, I did not get to the gas kettle this weekend. This week the weather looks better.
I am real courious how mine are stamped now. I really thought you were on to something with the A and B. I see another number printed on the last picture you posted. Do the first two pictures of the Venturi tubes have any numbers printed on them?
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Hogsy, I did not get to the gas kettle this weekend. This week the weather looks better.
I am real courious how mine are stamped now. I really thought you were on to something with the A and B. I see another number printed on the last picture you posted. Do the first two pictures of the Venturi tubes have any numbers printed on them?
Unfortunately they don't
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I'm posting this for Golly who was kind enough to share
Thanks Cobber
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/gaskettle1_zps07b5493e.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/GgtKgt2_zpsdd90ff07.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/6_zps8331f0d0.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/5_zpsa9c1512b.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/3_zpsd9485c05.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/4_zps7f1da9ef.png)
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Golly also sent me these photos of two different gas kettle instruction labels
Both kettles are the 'Deluxe' model featuring the igniter and tank scale and the only difference between the two is one is green and the other chocolate. The instruction labels are also different
If you look at the serial No. the first letter is the same.
But the numbers are different???????
The Green Kettle
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/0AFA0C89-93BC-418C-8450-7C61D996E50B-184-000000156572B0B5_zps13f74581.jpg)
The Chocolate Kettle
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/7F675775-96D6-481C-BD71-2A3A5BE6E106-184-000000156D60D23F_zps7c449000.jpg)
And the serial numbers from my two chocolate gas kettles
The first from the kettle with brackets attached to the lid and metal handles
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/FCAE09B1-8B51-42EB-AE11-BFC6EA327DC2-184-0000002F5815055A_zpse307e552.jpg)
And this , from my gas kettle with timber handles and vents in the lid
I think this model was the base model , there's no igniter and no tank scale
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/FCAE09B1-8B51-42EB-AE11-BFC6EA327DC2-184-0000002F5815055A_zpse307e552.jpg)
Interesting that both Golly's Gassers have the same first letter in the serial No.'s and there different colors. And my two have the same first letter, are the same color , but have different lids and one has metal bowl handles and the other timber.
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Here's some pics from the 1981 Weber catalog
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/1_zps99db60d3.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/2_zps01e5a49d.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/3_zps2a9b2bb7.png)
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The black gas kettle on the cover of the brochure is different than the ones in the brochure. Things must have been changing quickly in the beginning of the gas kettle line. Thanks for the picture.
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Hi,
Here's another one for the mix...
http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/dazzo16/library/kettle%20gasser
S/N G47451 - my new toy.
Some rust to deal with, but the Target Burner fired right up and burns pretty even. The kettle also came with a full 1994 tank (boom).
Need to repair/replace the Indirect baffle.
Haven't seen any pictures that show the same steel base.
I have some questions if you don't mind...
The lid doesn't have any louvers. Instead, it looks like there should be some (missing for some reason) standoffs that hold the bottom of the lid (I'm guessing) a little lower than the top of the bowl. Anyone have any pictures of a lid like this?
Also, the rock grate I have is a standard 22 1/2 charcoal grate, and just fits on the supports, maybe a inch gap between the grate and the bowl. I'd say it's to let the heat flow around the baffle and up without any lava rocks getting in the way. Does that sound right, or should the grate be a bit bigger?
If anyone has any additional insights, I'd be happy to listen.
And thanks for this thread, it's been a big help!
-Rick
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Hi Rick
Thanks for the pics and info
That's 4 gas kettles we have with the serial code starting with G and they all seem to be the standard model the deluxe models serial code start with A . Of the 4 , 2 have metal bowl handles with
Lid brackets (no vents in lid) the other 2 have 4 lid vents and timber handles,
The holes in your lid are from where the brackets use to be
Here's another thread with your model gas kettle
Have a read and feel free to ask any more questions
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/hogsy-where's-this-gasser!/
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I know its been over 20 days but I just wanted to add some more pics to this from the 1977/78 catalog for future reference. The last pic says NEW, so to me that means these gas kettles were released in 77-78 or that deluxe model with igniter and tank scale was new to market
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/14_zpsf6198942.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/15_zpsbdae66b6.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/12_zps35d45249.png)
(http://i1165.photobucket.com/albums/q585/joelhogston/16_zps12876c42.png)
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Thanks for the catalog Hogsy. That 77/78 catalog shows mine.
The tank scale, with a different base and louvered lid, looks to have come along a couple years later.
And it's portable 8)
(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b505/dazzo16/kettle%20gasser/20130621_115945_zps819bed5c.jpg)
Somewhere, there's an old hardware store, with an old box of electric igniters that were never unpacked and sold (sigh)
Hmmm, I wonder if I need new lava rocks to recharge and revitalize my gas kettle?
"Round is better than square in gas any barbecuing" ;D
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So Kettle Gasser Aficionados, what was the final year that a kettle gasser was made?
The Genesis was introduced in 1985. Was 1984 the final year for gas kettles in the U.S.?
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So Kettle Gasser Aficionados, what was the final year that a kettle gasser was made?
The Genesis was introduced in 1985. Was 1984 the final year for gas kettles in the U.S.?
You can still get a gasser kettle now by using the gas kit.
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You can still get a gasser kettle now by using the gas kit.
Not in the U.S.
I mean, unless somebody shipped it across the ocean .... but who would do that?
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Was 1984 the final year for gas kettles in the U.S.?
I vote yes.
Mine is an earlier model. Most the later ones seem to be in OZ, along with all the woks :o so our friends there may have a better idea.
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I know this will probably make me sound like a grumpy old man, but I LOVE that Weber would include schematics, parts numbers, etc. with their grills. To more modern eyes, it might look like an admission of weakness, but to me it was a clear statement of longevity: you will have this grill for the rest of your life, and you will eventually need some parts. Call us when that day comes.
LOVE it.
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You can still get a gasser kettle now by using the gas kit.
Not in the U.S.
I mean, unless somebody shipped it across the ocean .... but who would do that?
I have one that was shipped across the ocean. :) I just need to take a look at the gas connection, I heard it was different, but haven't used it to find out yet.
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Yeah Yeah Yeah. Back to the original question about the final year that "Kettle Gassers were made in the US". Not this Australian Conversion Bidness.
You have a guess Shaun?
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84
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84
What do you think the lid looked like?
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Vented
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Vented
Where?
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This is the gasser in question.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img818/1383/5pcs.png)
And here is the F code 1984 daisy wheel vent.....
(http://imageshack.us/a/img266/2991/zh5z.png)
Interesting huh? Have you ever seen a non F code gasser with a daisy vent? Do you think the last gassers sold had normal lids to avoid a special lid production run for few sold at the end?
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Someone correct me if I'm wrong (which I'm sure they will), but that's not the original lid.
That year should have the louvers (4) around the edge.
Is this yours G$ ?
Do you think the last gassers sold had normal lids to avoid a special lid production run for few sold at the end?
Although, you never know with the way Weber thinks sometimes.
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Dazzo now you see why I am asking the question.
I believe the lid is original. I will be having a closer look Friday.
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Yeah, and all my lids fit the gasser just fine too.
I still say it's wrong. ::)
Hey, let's call Weber support and ask them. ;D
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Hmmmmm.
Very interesting! ;D
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Nice find G$
That's a first for me and I'm tending to think its the wrong lid too
The gasser lids also had higher lid handles and I believe the louvered vents were to prevent a build up of volatile gasses under the lid
Anyone have an 84 or 85 catalogue?
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Hogsy, I have not seen an 84 catalog, but I think the manual that you posted in this thread was revised from 1984 and it 'shows' the louvered lid.
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Hey G$, not to muddy the waters any further...
Oh Hell, who am I kiddin', let's muddy it up!
The first pic is my DU 22.5 lid with a centered top handle. (http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/jcnaz44/IMG_20131010_094923_762_zps813c38c1.jpg)
Next up is my AT 22.5 lid with a centered top handle. (http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/jcnaz44/IMG_20131010_095009_319_zpsd1e64588.jpg)
And finally, the F'er . (http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/jcnaz44/IMG_20131010_095057_660_zps84c6ce80.jpg)
Handle is offset by about an inch and a half...
:o
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And he's got a daisy wheel vent lid sitting on his gasser too!
;D ;D ;D
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Now I see what you mean JC. That definitely looks "off set". I am more inclined to believe this is possibly the original lid.
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I know that this pic shows a MBH, (http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r637/jcnaz44/IMG_20131010_110804_zps694f887b.jpg)
But it IS a daisy wheel vent on a gas kettle that I found at webernation.
The handle appears offset to me also.
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is there any way to know that the above pic is not an electric kettle?
I've never seen either of them up close, so I don't know what the buttons on the front do.
kind of looks like a cord coming out the front, like in this pic...hard to tell though cuz its dark
(http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq142/A_Tame76/red%2018%20electric/016.jpg)
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i think the yellow is electric JC.
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Yes I think that it is too.
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well well well
i see what you mean G$
all the gassers i have like 6 have the vented lid
hogsy has on with the spacers to lift the lid
but one with a daisy im yet to see one
id be on the side of a non original lid but more than happy to be wrong
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Seems like the vents are a safety issue, so it seems like that would be one area where they wouldn't want to skimp and face a lawsuit of an exploding kettle, since the daisy vents can be manually closed...
i'm leaning towards a replaced lid as well. could be as simple as some kid 30 years ago was fooling around and switched the lids on the floor models between an electric or charcoal and a gas kettle ???
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Seems like the vents are a safety issue, so it seems like that would be one area where they wouldn't want to skimp and face a lawsuit of an exploding kettle, since the daisy vents can be manually closed...
I guess the boys from OZ don't sue when they install the Weber LP conversions, or does the Aussie conversion include a lid modification?
I should be able to take a better look at this rig Friday, pending an on time delivery from the pony e'K'spress.
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Fair point G$, I just had a read through the gas conversion kit manual and all it said was ' be sure to leave all vents open when cooking'
Maybe it is the original lid and we're skeptical because we haven't seen one before , but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist
Looking forward to some more pics and your assessment
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Seems like the vents are a safety issue, so it seems like that would be one area where they wouldn't want to skimp and face a lawsuit of an exploding kettle, since the daisy vents can be manually closed...
I guess the boys from OZ don't sue when they install the Weber LP conversions, or does the Aussie conversion include a lid modification?
I should be able to take a better look at this rig Friday, pending an on time delivery from the pony e'K'spress.
don't you know they're not as sue-happy down there? ;D jk, good point.
since weber made specifically designed lids for the gas kettles, i see this as either you prolly got a rarer kettle with a lid where weber was using up inventory or ran out of vented lids and pushed out some gas kettles with a daisy lid, or it was just a simple lid replacement at a later date. i will be on the lookout for any other gas kettles with daisy vent lids.
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Yeah Max, we may never know. The only reason I find it even plausible that the F code vent on this was original is because it was the final year of gas kettle production here. Adding to that the handle that seems to not be centered. <Shrug>. I will see if any clues lead me one way or the oher when it is in my hands, but we just may never know. I figured this was the right group and thread to try to solve the mystery.
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well well well
i see what you mean G$
all the gassers i have like 6 have the vented lid
hogsy has on with the spacers to lift the lid
but one with a daisy im yet to see one
id be on the side of a non original lid but more than happy to be wrong
How many of those gassers in OZ have only one bowl handle?
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None, they all have two
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my red gasser has one bowl handle
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my red gasser has one bowl handle
What year is that one Golly?
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not sure how to determine the year exactly
but i think it had the handle WEBER THE ONE THE ONLY
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Anyone seen a serial number higher than G55737?
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Yep, that one I just picked up is G58903.
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/12/eme3esuh.jpg)
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Missed that thread while on vacation. Nice redhead. So that one had no ignition and tank scale.
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Correct..... (http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/12/7yzuqemu.jpg)
(http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/10/12/erupeba8.jpg)
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base model had no ignigtor or tank scale
note: 1 bowl handle on TBS's redhead
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I don't know if there was any consensus about the originality of the lid on G$'s gasser, but I bought it from him yesterday and this is what I found.
(http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/null_zpsd6c5ebf1.jpg) (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/BigRix/media/null_zpsd6c5ebf1.jpg.html)
The handle is most assuredly off set as is the vent.
(http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/null_zpsa1386a18.jpg) (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/BigRix/media/null_zpsa1386a18.jpg.html)
(http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss208/BigRix/null_zps21bfef19.jpg) (http://s576.photobucket.com/user/BigRix/media/null_zps21bfef19.jpg.html)
The difference is about an inch.
The speckled finish on the bowl and lid also match.
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Yup!! The lid is definitely NOT a regular kettle lid!
;)
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Some of the pics in this thread are not showing up.
Were there electric kettles shown that had similar lids?
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Just a point of reference, I have an older kettle gasser with the lid standoffs (no louvers)...
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/free-gas-kettle-milpitas-ca/msg17357/#msg17357 (http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/free-gas-kettle-milpitas-ca/msg17357/#msg17357)
Something I noticed was that the flame goes out if there is no venting (my lid was received with the standoffs removed - why would someone to that!)
Anyway, I would assume that your vent would need to remain open for the fire to burn.
Just something I noticed, that's all.
My advice, get an original Weber wok and use it as a wok burner - works great 8)
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Bump!!
This topic would be handy in the new gas section
Edit:Thanks Troy