Please help with first restore project.....

[GoAnywhereJeep]

Hey gang...  Looking to do my first kettle restore.

My first kettle purchase ever was a 1981 Chocolate colored kettle that I purchased new for my mother (mother's day or her b-day - don't remember anymore) who tasked me with the family BBQ chores as a teen. I think i would like to find and restore one of these.

My question to the forum (after looking at the old brochures) is whether it was likely that I purchased an 18 or a 22 back in the day... All I remember is the approximate year and the color. It was definitely my least favorite color (remembering that blue might have been available at the time).

I probably picked it up at a local hardware store here in Northern California before the internet, fidonet and even home despot.

Thanks in advance!

[pbe gummi bear]

How big was your family and approximately how much food did you fit on it at one time? An 18" will have a hard time keeping up with more than 4 people. How tall are you? An 18" is noticably short if youre >6ft. Last but not least, brown 18.5" kettles are more uncommon these days so it's likely you had an 22. Since this was in the Bay Area, one of the local members may even own it today.

[Grillagin]

I think a 22 would be most likely.  If it helps, here's what my 1983 22" brownie looks like.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[pbe gummi bear]

Here's another way to tell: do you remember that the side handles look like? The older 18's had a flat bent metal strap, the older 22's had a more ornate metal handle, and the newer 18's/22's had wooden side handles (after '83). Like this:

My two 22's and my 18" got the 22&18" for free and the 22 MBH was $4

More brownies here:

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?action=post;quote=324083;topic=6063.150

[GoAnywhereJeep]

I probably purchased it at Dale Hardware in Freakmont back when the KOME spot on your radio dial was cool.

From those pics, what i do remember is that it had those funko springy clips to hold the ash tray in place and i picked up a light denim looking cover for it.

[GoAnywhereJeep]

How big was your family and approximately how much food did you fit on it at one time?

Completely irrelevant brutha. I bought what was available (in stock at the brick and mortar before brick and mortar was known as "brick and mortar") and what i could afford. Did not give a crap in 1981 if it could feed anyone beyond my single mom and younger brother.

Yeah....  it would be great if the same one still existed out there in Weber land (somewhere around freakmont, ca). I think i sold it in a garage sale in MilPitos ~1992.

[1buckie]

@GoAnywhereJeep

I have a "C" code 1981 Brownie, in reasonably decent shape,,,,

It's a 3- wheeler (3 independent bottom vents) all parts are there, a few chips & heat blowouts, but not bad at all....$85

I'll get some pics a little later today if you'd like....

[GoAnywhereJeep]

@GoAnywhereJeep

I have a "C" code 1981 Brownie, in reasonably decent shape,,,,

It's a 3- wheeler (3 independent bottom vents) all parts are there, a few chips & heat blowouts, but not bad at all....$85

I'll get some pics a little later today if you'd like....

Sure, pics would be great. Thanks.

[1buckie]

@GoAnywhereJeep

Got unexpectedly busy.....I'll see if I can stick some up tomorrow early.....

[GoAnywhereJeep]

@GoAnywhereJeep

Got unexpectedly busy.....I'll see if I can stick some up tomorrow early.....

Don't worry. I'm in no hurry as i am only just starting with this.