Weber Kettle Club Forums
Grill Talk => Weber Grill Forum (Grills, Accessories) => Topic started by: Cellar2ful on January 17, 2018, 07:39:42 PM
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THE CHASE
Last Thursday before the MLK Holiday Weekend, I was frantically packing for a weekend trip with the wife. A last minute opportunity had come up to rent a beach house and we were to leave the next morning. Around 1:30 PM, I sat down to quickly check my emails. There were about 10 CL email alerts that I almost deleted without opening. This is the first one I opened:
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/11/DSC05443.md.jpg)
The add had been posted for about 1 hour when I opened the email. I call the number listed and the seller tells me the kettle is available. He says I can pick it up on Saturday. I know the only way I can secure this kettle is to pick it up immediately so I ask him if I can come right now. Saratoga being about an hour (45 miles) from my house, I figure I just might be able to make it there and back before the evening commute. I yell to my wife, show her the add and explain how rare a kettle it is. Without hesitation she says "Let's go". I tell the seller I'm on my way and he gives me his address.
My navigator(wife) and I jump in the truck and head out. Traffic being light, we make it to Saratoga in about 50 minutes. Turning onto the road for the address, we head up into the hills of Saratoga. The road is not divided, sometimes narrowing to one lane width. It leads to a dead end and a huge closed gate with no intercom.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/20180111_150052-1.md.jpg)
Attempting to call the seller I find there is no cell service. Back down the mountain we drive until I find a spot that has cell reception. I call and he says he will meet me at the gate. We head up the mountain again and meet the seller at the gate. He lets us in by manually unlocking and physically opening the gate. We drive though and up a small driveway off the main road inside the gate. The seller introduces himself as the caretaker for the Old Grandview Ranch. Apparently it is one of the most expensive homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, valued at over $100 million dollars. The owner is a world renowned art collector. Look at the photos in the below link and you can see why it is nicknamed "Hearst Castle North". I did not get to actually see the estate but could see some of the art scattered about the property.
http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/w-donald-heads-house-old-grandview-ranch/view/google/ (What you see in this photo is one property/residence with multiple art studios
http://www.aliatriphotography.com/Water-Features/Old-Grandview-Ranch-Saratoga/
Back to the kettle. The seller drags out the kettle and it is stunning. He had purchased it about 5 years ago at a local estate sale and had only used it about 3 times. I pay the seller, load it in my truck and hurry to get back on the road to beat the commute. We hit a lot heavier traffic on the way home but arrive around 4:30 PM.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/11/DSC05430.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05437.md.jpg)
THE RESTORATION
The triangle is upside down and it appears the wheels were installed with the white walls towards the inside. Probably been that way for 50+ years.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05442.md.jpg)
The lid vent and 1 bowl vent tab had been bent flattened.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05605.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/11/DSC05431.md.jpg)
The bowl vents and thumbscrews would not move. After spraying them with Liquid Wrench and letting them sit overnight, I was able to get the vents moving, the thumbscrews out and straighten the tabs on the vents.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05635.md.jpg)
From the looks of inside the lid and bowl, at one time this was a well used but well cared for kettle.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05618.md.jpg)
After a little cleaning, I found the bowl has a tremendous amount of yellow overspray inside. It almost looks like the speckle porcelain of an old offset handle SJ.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05632.md.jpg)
I would say the yellow orche color is very close to the stock Butternut Yellow Camaro color that was offered in 1967.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05628.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05642.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05598.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05629.md.jpg)
I will continue to update this thread as I complete restoration of the wheels, triangle, ash pan and legs. I realize how special both this kettle and my wife are. Both are keepers.
Thought this comment from @harris92 should be included in this thread as it assisted me in dating this gem.
@Cellar2ful
Your grill solves a mystery for me. About a 1.5 years ago, I got in touch with a couple contacts at corporate (they have strong knowledge of Weber history) and asked a question. The question was - "How many years did Weber produce the Ambassador?". They couldn't give me an answer. Well, with your grill we know the answer is at least three years (prob three to four). This is the fourth Ambassador I have seen. 1. Yours with the handle parallel to the vent (1961-62), 2. Two grills with the metal lid handle perpendicular to the vent (1963), and 3. One with a wooden lid handle (Arlington Heights 1964).
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What!?!? Dude! Amazing score and story! That looks beautiful! And only 40?! I’ll be following this thread closely! Congrats!
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I have been waiting for this story for a week! Simply beautiful Jim!
Congratulations!
Thanks for the write up and the pictures!
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Wow! Congrats again, great story...and I stand corrected that ochre is a beautiful color!
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Yowza! Amazing pickup, Jim! Congrats!!
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Simply stunning. Amazing score Jim!
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What an incredible find! Congrats!
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Holy smokes, that's an epic find! How cool is that? And the condition of the porcelain is amazing. Congrats on a beautiful grill.
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It shows there's still gold out there to be found!
Congrats on such a rare find.
What did Alvin call it again?
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Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats.
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It shows there's still gold out there to be found!
Congrats on such a rare find.
What did Alvin call it again?
I forgot about that. He called it an Ocra Winfrey kettle. (lol) @argentflame
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amazing story and epic score ! ,
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Oh yea that's beautiful. I love the weird green
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It shows there's still gold out there to be found.
I agree with @Heyjude On with the hunt! 8)
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Wow that's a beauty!!.Congrat's!!
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Holy Crap! Im really stoked for you! Great Story
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A beauty.
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I am stunned that is amazing. What a find.
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Straight from the 1962 catalog! A beauty....congratulations!
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Awesome find! I hope you made it to the beach house with that baby!
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Amazing!
It looks to be in incredible shape too, especially the porcelain around the lid handle.
Congratulations!
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That is incredible.
Great story too.
Congratulations
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Just damn
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Wow, what a find!
In incredible good shape.
Some new kettles look more rusty after 5 years!
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Incredible score!! Congratulations.
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That's amazing.
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Wow... that’s amazing.
Congratulations!!!
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Wow, congratulations! It's in beautiful condition. Also, you're wife is pretty special too.
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I’m Speechless!! That Ambassador is practically flawless! It’s good to see a score for the 2018 highlight reel come so early in the game. Also I nominate this for a spot in the 2019 Calendar. Congratulations!!!! Love that color!
HOLY GRAILS: 1950s era Black or Custom finish 18.5 or 22.5 Kettle, Brown Go Anywhere grill.
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Awesome score! Nice storey. Glad you had time to get it.
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@Cellar2ful I really want to see this on next years calendar?
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Well done Jim. That's the stuff that makes this hobby fun. CONGRATS and can't wait for more pics of this beauty.
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@Cellar2ful I really want to see this on next years calendar?
I’m Speechless!! That Ambassador is practically flawless! It’s good to see a score for the 2018 highlight reel come so early in the game. Also I nominate this for a spot in the 2019 Calendar. Congratulations!!!! Love that color!
Because this kettle is so special, I have a couple of ideas for iconic locations for a photo shoot. Completing a restoration on it is now my #1 priority. Well until something rare pops up on CL (lol).
Awesome find! I hope you made it to the beach house with that baby!
The thought had crossed my mine but I probably would have been cleaning it while I was there. My wife is very supportive and understanding with my kettle chasing but I did not want to press my luck. Besides, the beach house came with a black OTS Weber kettle. I just brought my own cooking grate and grill accessories.
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WOW!!! That’s is a beauty for sure. Great story and congrats
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Wow amazing score! I love that shade of yellow.
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1961 is my birth year. I'll give you double what you paid for it.
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1961 is my birth year. I'll give you double what you paid for it.
1961 is BEYOND my birth year, and I will triple that offer... 8)
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Amazing. Congrats on a Grate score Jim. Can't wait to see her cleaned up.
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1961 is my birth year. I'll give you double what you paid for it.
1961 is BEYOND my birth year, and I will triple that offer... 8)
OK Fine, I'll quadruple it and pay for shipping 8) :-* :-* :-*
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Wow! Congratulations
Tell us the truth though, you borrowed Harris's time machine right?(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180118/48a53823b3c2595cefccd55c975a0ace.jpg)
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Great story bud! What an amazing looking grill. Very happy for you Jim. How was the vacation?
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"Without hesitation she said "Let's go"?" Keep her! LOL. Wow what a find that grill looks great.
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Great story bud! What an amazing looking grill. Very happy for you Jim. How was the vacation?
I guess I can hijack my own thread. It was a much needed break for us. We have my Father-in-law from Oregon living with us during the cold winter months. He is a Congestive Heart Failure patient, on a walker and cannot be left alone for more than a few hours. With both my wife and I retired, we are not use to being house bound. The beach house becoming available on a 70 degree weekend was perfect timing. My Father-in-law loved sitting on the deck watching all the people with their dogs walk by. Of course having the neighbors performing yoga on the beach every morning didn't hurt either. I mean my wife being into yoga enjoyed watching them........
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/18/DSC05521.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/18/DSC05525.md.jpg)
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Oh my...
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What beach?
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This being the first real old kettle restoration I have tackled, I have been very apprehensive. It's not like you can call Weber and have them send a replacement wheel retainer cap for a 62 Ambassador. I first sprayed the wheel/axle caps with Liquid Wrench and let them soak overnight. The next day I was able to work the wheel caps off the axle by prying alternating sides using a common pry bar. I used a second pry bar as a base so as not to damage the metal rim or tire.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05649.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05648.md.jpg)
It took maybe 8 to 10 alternate prys with the bar to pop the cap off. They both came off in great shape. Now I (and you) know what the backside of one of these old caps look like.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05650.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05660.md.jpg)
Here is the dismantled drive train and the tools used.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05651.md.jpg)
The next step was soaking the thumbscrews and wheel caps in Evapo-rust for about 10 hours. Stuff works amazing! What didn't come off with Evapo-rust buffed off with #0000 steel wool.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05667.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05669.md.jpg)
Then the rust on the triangle was removed with a razor scraper and #0000 steel wool. I will probably hit the triangle with some Rolite polish before putting everything back together.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/24/DSC05652.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/22/DSC05670.md.jpg)
Right now the wheels are soaking in Evapo-rust.
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That is the original triangle!? Wow. Just a razor and steel wool? Any lubricant?
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That is the original triangle!? Wow. Just a razor and steel wool? Any lubricant?
Yes, original triangle. No lubricant. I have always used the steel wool dry on the porcelain and metals. Once the Eagles/Vikings game became a blow out last night, I started working on the triangle.
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(http://www.gifbooster.com/wp-content/uploads/3334/cartoon-man-looking-at-computer-monitor-meme_30.gif)
This is Jim on Craigslist!
@Cellar2ful 8)
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The wheels came out rust free after a 12 hour bath in Evapo-rust. Unfortunately, the years were unkind to the paint so they are in need of repainting.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05659.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05658.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05673.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05674.md.jpg)
The restoration guide only addresses painting white walls on the newer, plastic wheels. Don't think the Q-tip thinner method will work over fresh painted black paint. I did a search for painting metal wheels and came up with a couple of threads.
Any tips from folks that have tackled painting these metal wheels? I assume I should remove all the old paint, then prime and spray with black paint. Best method to remove the paint? Gloss or semi-gloss black? I also read about someone using vinyl stick on white walls from zavod44. You still make them Brian?
@harris92 @LightningBoldtz @zavod44 @SixZeroFour
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The wheels came out rust free after a 12 hour bath in Evapo-rust. Unfortunately, the years were unkind to the paint so they are in need of repainting.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05659.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05658.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05673.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/23/DSC05674.md.jpg)
The restoration guide only addresses painting white walls on the newer, plastic wheels. Don't think the Q-tip thinner method will work over fresh painted black paint. I did a search for painting metal wheels and came up with a couple of threads.
Any tips from folks that have tackled painting these metal wheels? I assume I should remove all the old paint, then prime and spray with black paint. Best method to remove the paint? Gloss or semi-gloss black? I also read about someone using vinyl stick on white walls from zavod44. You still make them Brian?
@harris92 @LightningBoldtz @zavod44 @SixZeroFour
those look great, I used the vinyl stickers back in 2013 on a 64 texan that I got. they were a lot easier than painting.
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Usually, I sand the wheels and use Rust-Oleum Semi-Gloss black paint (brush on). I use a small art brush. @Jeff gave me some great tips on masking the wheels to spray on the white walls. It took a while to mask but well worth it in the end. FYI, I sprayed on the white walls first.
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I've got a set of wheels in similar condition after an evapo-rust soak. My plan is to sand them down, mask, and re-spray with Rust-Oleum but I'm waiting for warmer weather for that. Brian sells whitewall decals that I am going to use as opposed to trying to paint it.
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Incredible! Love watching and looking for the updates!
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Man what a find!! Congrats!!
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Probably overkill, but I sanded the wheels down to bare metal. As expected, I found quite a bit of pitting from the rust. Notice the 4 spot welds that hold the 2 parts of the wheel together that sanding revealed.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05678.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05679.md.jpg)
Taped off the wheels by using small pieces of tape like step flashing. I tucked each piece between the wheel and tread with a very small screwdriver.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05683.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05685.md.jpg)
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05684.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05686.md.jpg)
Once the tread was taped off , I sprayed the wheels with 2 coats of Rustoleum primer/filler. Really filled all the pitting in the metal and provided a smooth surface for the finish coats.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05687.md.jpg)
I found using a Lazy Susan was really convenient for brush painting the wheels, especially the white walls. Placing the wheel on a Lazy Susan allowed me to hold the brush stationary while turning the Lazy Susan with my other hand. Free hand painting the white walls was like pin striping. Takes a steady hand.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05688.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05690.md.jpg)
The newly painted and finished wheels.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05692.md.jpg) (http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/28/DSC05691.md.jpg)
Now onto the legs.
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Wow. Looks amazing!
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Wow man, incredible!
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That's impressive work. Nice job.
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That is outstanding, Jim, great work...and great idea with the lazy Susan.
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Man you work fast, I was going to throw in my 2 cents but you're done now. Anyhow, I'll
put it out there for anyone next time... When I was into building models, I found this stuff http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Product_Code=MI-7&Screen=PROD
I was thinking you could spray the whole wheel side white, then "flood" the whitewall area with the micromask, trim as necessary and spray your black, peel off the mask when all dry and VOILA!
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Wow those look geeat
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Very nice work Jim. Very nice work.
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Wow Jim! Beautiful progress on the restore... cannot wait to see it finisged.
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Wow, incredible work on the wheels. Definitely some inspiration for the set I am working on!
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Bravo Jim! Those wheels like amazing now!
Are you planning on keeping the white walls facing the inside once you reassemble it?
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Are you planning on keeping the white walls facing the inside once you reassemble it?
As Sheldon from the Big Bang Theory would say, "Sarcasm"? No way I would be able to look at it on a daily basis with those white walls facing inwards. This kettle is in to good a shape to have the wheels installed incorrectly.
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Wow those wheels look so good!!
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Thanks for sharing, I’m gonna give your technique a try!
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I thought these legs were going to be a piece of cake restoring. Boy was I wrong. Nothing has come close to the time I had to put into sanding these fricken legs.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/03/DSC05730.jpg)
Once I sanded the surface crud off, I found the aluminum was really corroded. The outside of the legs were really bad. The parts of the legs that were facing towards the inside did not have the level of corrosion that the outside facing parts did. Maybe a combination of exposure to ash and acid rain?
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/03/DSC05749.jpg)
Lost count of how many times I sanded them down starting with medium grade sandpaper, then to fine sandpaper, then to #0000 steel wool and polishing them, only to find out the surface was still not smooth enough. I refused to give in and use a newer, better condition set of legs. But finally............
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/03/DSC05751.jpg)
The thumbscrews and leg sockets came out pretty good.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/03/DSC05757.jpg)
And here is Saratoga fully restored. Well, almost. I still have to get the rust off the J hooks of the ash pan.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/03/DSC05752.jpg)
When I first picked her up.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/01/17/DSC05437.jpg)
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What a beauty!!
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Phenomenal!
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Amazing story and restore. Definitely a keeper.
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I was so focused on cleaning the exterior of this kettle, restoring the wheels and sanding/polishing the legs, I completely forgot about the interior of the lid.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/28/DSC05616---Copy.jpg)
I thought it was going to be the usual, easy razor scrape then quick buff with steel wool. Nope. Nothing has been easy on this restoration. The interior of the lid has a really heavy orange peel, unlike the exterior that has no orange peel and is really smooth. I have never seen orange peeling on the inside of a kettle lid. Unfortunately, this created all kinds of nooks and crannies for the baked grease and smoke to adhere to. After twice scraping with a razor blade, then scrubbing with an SOS pad and Dawn soap, this is what it looked like.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/28/DSC05771---Copy.jpg)
What residue was left had to be removed with #0000 steel wool. Every little pocket of baked on residue took a couple of minutes of scrubbing with the steel wool.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/28/DSC05770---Copy.jpg)
Finally, after two days of tedious scrubbing.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/02/28/DSC05772---Copy.jpg)
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Wow! Amazing cleanup.
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That is a beauty. And at least for me, a very rarely seen kettle. Outstanding job on the restore.
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Wow, dedication right there!
I tend to hate doing the inside of the lid anyways ...
This ones coming along nicely!
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Beautiful job restoring this rare piece of Americana. Well done!
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The lid to me is always the hardest part, and a pain in the hands
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Nice job! I have several lids that are really stubborn and I've never gotten fully clean. I'll have to check out those SOS pads
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Easy Off Professional
Black plastic trash bag
A Few Days in the Sun..
Works wonders and very little scrubbing.
As for that lid, it looks like new!
They just don;t make kettles like they used to
Nice work as usual..
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I absolutely love the respect you have given to this Kettle, rare bird or not. Watching you restore this and have the patience for restoring some of the smallest details most would have given up on is really inspiring. That thing looks almost brand new! Keep up the great work!
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That cleaned up real nice, what a beauty!
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Pretty. Just pretty. And VERY nice work. 8)
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Love the story, amazing kettle, great restore!
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This is such an inspirational restore
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Sweetness
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Amazing work @Cellar2ful !
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This was the last step in the restoration of this Ambassador and the most frustrating. The J hooks of the ash pan were terribly rusted.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05767---Copy.jpg)
Once again I turned to @harris92 . He recommended I tape off the ash pan and use a gel rust remover. I remembered many years ago using a product called Naval Jelly. Couldn't find it anywhere. Come to find out Naval Jelly was bought out by Loctite and is now marketed under their brand name.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05768---Copy.jpg)
Following the directions, I applied it with a small disposable brush and let it sit for 10 minutes. It removed a little bit, but I could see it would require more time and multiple applications. I found I could leave it on for about 30-40 minutes. Any longer it would dry and then I had to reapply naval jelly to remove what had dried. It took easily over 20 applications of naval jelly. Each time I would remove the naval jelly with a damp paper towel. Found that easier than rinsing and drying as the directions recommended between applications.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05798---Copy.jpg)
Seeing how pitted the J hooks were, I decided to paint them. I taped off all exposed areas of aluminum and sprayed each hook with Rust-Oleum primer. This did not turn out well and led to a disastrous result. I must have applied it to heavily as the hooks ended up with drips. I decided to remove the primer while still wet with a mineral spirits soaked rag. The primer came off two of the hooks easily. By the time I reached the third hook, I guess it had dried and was more stubborn to remove. In attempting to remove the primer from the third hook, it pulled the rivet out of the aluminum, detaching the hook completely. I was devastated. I finished removing the primer from the now loose J hook, put everything away, called it quits for the night. Went to bed that night just feeling sick about it.
With a fresh start the next day, I looked at where the rivet had pulled out of the ash pan. Thankfully there were no tears or splits in the aluminum. The rivet pulled out cleanly, leaving a indented area. I found that by slowly rotating the hook and rivet head around, I was able to find an exact position that allowed the rivet to re-enter the hole. It was almost like threading a nut onto a screw. Once the rivet head was back through the hole, I came up with an idea. I placed the rivet head on the head of a hammer and used a smaller hammer to tap lightly on the hook side of the rivet. This flattened the aluminum of the ash pan enough that the rivet no longer would pull out. I did not take any photos of the J hook separated from the ash pan, nor the process of reattaching it. I was to upset the evening the damage happened and to excited the next day as I was reattaching it. This is after the repair. Can you tell which rivet was the one that pulled out?
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05820---Copy.jpg)
For now, I have decided to leave the J hooks as they are. If I decided at some point to attempt painting them again, it will be done with very small model paint brushes, not spray paint.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05814---Copy.jpg)
This is the ash pan as it looked when I picked it up from the CL seller.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05606---Copy.jpg)
And after with all the dents were pounded out, aluminum cleaned with #0000 steel wool and J-hooks cleaned of rust. The dents were removed by placing the ash pan over the bottom of a kettle that had the leg sockets removed. It creates a nice, round surface to pound out the dents with a rubber mallet. I understand a bowling ball can be used but I don't have one.
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/03/07/DSC05816---Copy.jpg)
The reason I included so much detail in this thread is that when I started this restoration, I could not find a detailed guide on how to restore one of these real old kettles. These metal wheel, J-hook kettles require more work. I hope this thread provides help to anyone taking on the challenge of restoring one of these. Thanks for taking the journey with me.
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True RRR! Beautifully done! Love all the details. Makes me want to go sandblast few rusty kettle parts.
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Well done Jim. I’ve really enjoyed reading along with this post and have looked forward to the updates. Great job brother.
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Amazing work!
I know that feeling of effin' something up during a restore...unfortunately mine wasn't fixable ☹️
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Wow. Just wow. I am in awe of your skills. Nice work
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Outstanding! Both the kettle and your dedication to it! Truly inspirational!
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Great documentation and work. Thanks and congrats on a job well done.
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Looks GRATE! I would leave the J hooks as is. They are a part of the story...
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Wow. That's a fantastic job! I'm loving this kettle story Jim!
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So cool, great dedication and work.
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