Bad threads on the gas connection of an AD Performer

[mike.stavlund]

I'm finishing up a restore on a buddy's green AD Performer (am I right to call this a 2nd generation?  It's the kind with a thermoset table and gray frame and faceplates). 

Seems like the brass threads where the 1lb propane tank connects to the regulator are bunged up... it's quite difficult to get the threads started, and every half revolution it gets really hard to turn.  Visual inspection suggests that the starting threads are quite flat. 

I'm thinking that I could replace that female brass connection, since it's shaped like a nut on the outside and must be a standard kind of connection.  But Weber will only sell the whole hose, regulator, and brass connection assembly for $30, claiming that they want to ensure that the connection is airtight.  I've made plenty of natural gas connections, so I'm not too worried about that (but please tell me if I should be!) and was wondering if anyone could give me some guidance with this issue.  Is there a simple fix?

Thanks!

[mirkwood]

I do believe the AD (2010) Performer is a 3rd gen Performer.
http://weberkettleclub.com/grills/weber-performer-history/
Look about 3/4's of the way down the page.
You could try unscrewing the nut but be prepared to buy
a new regulator assembly if it trashes the valve, I don't
recall seeing any replacement nut assemblies anywhere.
If it does unscrew without destroying the whole valve
you might look at replacement pieces where ever you
can find Coleman lantern or stove propane connectors.

[Red Kettle Rich]

I gotta believe that some place that works with propane like an RV place could rebuild the gadget

[pbe gummi bear]

Mike, I believe those threads at 1"x20 size. You would only need to get a bottom tap of the same size to clean out the threads. However, you may need to get a special one that has a hole in the middle so it doesn't hit the orifice plug thingie in the middle. Does brass threaded part come off the regulator? Is there a bottom brass lip inside of the fitting?