Late 90's early 2000's kettle question

[ndtechie05]

Hi all-
 New here. I have a Genesis but have recently decided to try out the Kettle. My grandmother purchased a black 18.5" kettle I'd guess in the late 90's to early 2000's. I need to replace both grates but my question is that the 3 vents on the bottom don't seem to have that handle to move them from outside the kettle. Is this something recent that they added? How would I correctly adjust the flow and cleaning? Thanks

[Heyjude]

Welcome to the site.. Those vents are affectionately called "3 Wheelers" around these parts.
They don't have a handle like the newer One Touch grills, just the tabs to move them. Do they turn freely? Hopefully they are a bit snug. If not, some type of lubricant will free them up. Typically, when cooking, you would adjust those prior to putting in your charcoal, but sometimes you need to make adjustemts while cooking. You take your chances or use ar ag or oven mitt to move them..
They do get hot.
Usually, I will only have one open and the other 2 closed.. It's easier for me when doing an indirect cook. If I want the fire super hot, I just open them all up.
Enjoy and  be sure to share some pics!
AJ 

[ndtechie05]

I think they move together. So they should move independently of each other?

[Heyjude]

Oh, you have a one touch.. Does it look like this or?

[ndtechie05]

Yes it does!

[Heyjude]

OK, how about the handle on the bottom? Is it rotted away?
This is a newer replacement, but the handles are similiar. 

[ndtechie05]

I honestly don't think the handle was ever installed. I don't ever remember seeing it. If I need new grates and the handle is it worth buying a newer model or is there an advantage to slightly older? Better quality? Made in USA?

[Heyjude]

If you need a new one touch kit, you can find them at Ace Hardwares, Amazon, or order direct from Weber. If you call them, they will ask you for the serical number. Its a letter code stamped on the top vent. That will tell them what year your grill was made. Tell them you are fixing it for theoriginal owner, (Grandma) They may send you oen for free! If not, ask for discount or free shipping. It never hurts to ask.

http://store.weber.com/parts/detail/charcoal/open-ash-catcher/1355

[Heyjude]

Well, all kettles are Made in the USA. At least I hope they are!

How is the rest of it? Handles in good shape? Old kettles are cool.
Is the charcoal grate that bad? If the one touch is good and all thats missing is the handle, you can just use a piece of metal rod, maybe threadeded and you can install a custom grip on it.

It all depends on your desire and ability to make repairs. 
reah out to some local members, they may have spare parts and are willing to lend a hand.
Thats what thsi place is all about!

AJ   

FYI, Parts cost as follows. If all else is good, its still chaeaper than a a new one..

Cook Grate 16.99
Charcoal Garate 9.99
One Touch Kit 9.99

[ndtechie05]

All else looks good. Handles in good shape as are wheels. Grates are missing completely. I believe the rusted a few years ago and I through them out. It's been sitting in the yard uncovered for many years. One small rust spot on the paint on the lid but that appears to be it. No rust on the bottom part.

[Heyjude]

I say rebuild it. Still a good grill!  Can you post pics of the underside where the one touch is? I can give you my email if you can send some that way.

[ndtechie05]

Sure I'll try and take some pictures tonight

[Heyjude]

Where is "Home" for you? AJ 

[ndtechie05]

PA

[Heyjude]

I'm sure that you have some local members near you.
Ok, whos in PA?