PBE Gummi, I looked at your thread on the red Performer and saw where you cut the handle off for the ash sweeper. Is that handle seriously the only think heeping you from pushing the sweeper nut back into the kettle and removing that whole assembly?
Also, the bracket that holds the ash ring on... how is that attached, and does that just come right off once the handle is cut off? Based on your photos and description, it looks like that handle holds everything together and merely cutting it off makes everything fall/come apart. If this is the case I may be able to salvage the bracket and rebend it to hold the ash ring or at least use it as a template to make a new one.
Last, in the link just posted for the Mr Heater regulator, is the end on it with the ruber o-ring the end that simply clips into the burner tube? That would make things so much easier, though if I ordered a new regulator assembly from Weber, it should just have the new style end on it, enabling me to use a 5, 11, or 20lb propane tank, correct? Given that this stuff can cost $50 or more I don't want to play trial and error, unlike a few nuts and bolts.