@Rondo..
If you have ash catcher bar ..you can mod a 7444 ash sweep to work..fun part of removing the old ash sweep...dremel with cutting wheel...or sweating with a small hack saw..good time to buy dremel or rtx black and decker clone.
sounds like you have a hole in the top lid next to handle weld.
you can use a ss nut and washer/fender washer to seal up the hole.
and congrats on joining the ss performer club.
i find the non gas assist are more rare finds.
You may find that your bottom frame cross members are about the fall out from rusted star nuts...easily repaired.