Well, it took a little while (including some cold, late nights scrubbing by the porch light) but I finally finished restoring the Yellow "D" code 1982. At least I think I did (hence "newbie problems" in the title). Prior to doing the inaugural fire to burn off any chemical residue that may have been left from the paint thinner, laquer thinner, polishes, and cleaners, I sprayed the entire kettle with Crisco canola oil to prevent the battle scars from future rust. I think I now have reclean the whole thing as I got some wicked canola oil burn on the kettle now. Anyway, here are links to the two original threads that my brother Bob (B Que) posted and pictures of the entire restore from beginning to end. Can't wait to get the first cook underway (after starting the cleaning process over
).
First thread:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/another-painted-over-yellow-found/Second thread:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/painted-over-yellow-resto-progress-and-questions/Start of restore and how I basically found the grill (managed to get SOME paint off the lid years prior to taking these:
Starting to clean up nicely, but here is one of 2 major trouble spots on the lid:
Trouble spot #2:
Battle scars making themselves known underneath the not-so-black anymore:
Lid looking good and getting ready to stain the handle:
Freshly stained handle:
Bowl vents off, damage revealed:
Hardware cleaned up:
Once completely black dampers polished (notice the weird placements of the "D" code):
Clean and shining inside and out. Just need to put dampers back on and reassemble!
New toys for the Yellow (and maybe one the the WSM as well!). Thanks Bob (B Que) for the hook-up on the sear grate and griddle:
All back together (minus the ash pan...oops) and looking great!
Other view with the battle scar and slide-aside:
Close up of the "D" code for MartyG:
Looking awesome with the new grate!
Finally remembered the ash pan!
Complete kettle!
Trying to capture the awesome orange glow without flash:
Glow with the flash:
Houston, we have a problem:
Most of the grill now looks like this (great shot of the glow though):
Sorry for all the pictures, I am just really proud of this kettle. Unfortunately, it is now back to work with the steel wool!