I'm overwhelmed with work and other obligations (some due to the 3-hours of driving I invested in getting this thing home), so I am champing at the bit to get a better look at this Performer and see what she needs. I've parked it right outside the kitchen window so I can perv at it whenever necessary, but I'm working toward a day when I can bust out some tools and get to work. In the meantime, a few photos:
detail of some damage (shotgun?):
Homemade aluminum ash can bracket, courtesy of the former owner. Solid and substantial and long-lasting.
Out of focus vent (that's an 'EO' = 1995).
Some lid damage-- the edge of the lid has a few substantial scrapes, too.
"Squirrel damage", according to the former owner.
Newish grates, but those coal baskets are rusted pretty thin.
By the looks of the (undistorted) bottom grate, I'm guessing the burner hasn't been working for a long time.
All in all, not too bad for a hunnert. The frame has some scratches and scrapes, but I might do a Gummi-esque 'best-of resto' with my black 2003 Performer.