Ahh, yes. Just scraped some of it off..It's definitely some old grime!
I feel the same way about anything I get that I cook on, WNC. I like it to be "new", so to speak.
I found the ash catcher, but it's got some metal wiring they used it looks to hook it up, and is missing the connecting top part. If I can't find a top part for sale, I'll just get a new one (Or complete used one)
Great day out here in Maine, I'll be cleaning it off and show the updates.
Edit: Sprayed it down good, in and out with the hose after disassembling it. It has some rust holes and rot near the leg struts, but other than that no rust on it. There are some dents and dings. Drying off now, then cleaning out more thoroughly with a razor. I'll then put it back together and take pictures.