Red 26er restoration help

[1spacemanspiff]

Hey guys, i'm looking for help to restore the 26.  The rear handle is bent as is the front leg, I'd also like to remove the old touch up paint.  Thanks in advance

[PotsieWeber]

Someone else has mentioned, in other threads, that there are some aluminum shower curtain rods at Home Depot that are the right size & look identical to what Weber uses for the legs.  I'm assuming the 26" are the same diameter tubing.  I'd consider just cutting one of those down to size & then save the original leg for the heck of it or until inspiration struck.  If you can't find it, let me know & I'll take a look if someone doesn't point to it first.

While I have never tried it, some have mentioned having some success carefully bending a handle back into shape (although you can get porcelain chipping off).  If memory serves, the thread was NOT about a MBH though.  Personally, I'd probably leave it alone & just keep it "in back". 

Assuming you are not going to leave well enough alone, I would "invest" in a cheap black MBH & experiment with each of the two kettle handles before messing with that one. 

Good luck.

[Cellar2ful]

The part @PotsieWeber mentioned above is a Glacier Bay 60" aluminum shower rod.  It is Home Depot SKU#1001227499   Model # HD14016.   They work perfectly for replacing front legs on kettles. 

Here is a link for the aluminum rods at Home Depot.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Glacier-Bay-60-in-Aluminum-Builders-Shower-Rod-in-Chrome-HD14016/205699635


Another option is to sleeve the old, dented aluminum leg with a section of copper tube.  Ramming a section of copper pipe into the leg will push out the dented area and if left in,  will keep the leg from folding at the injury point.  This method also solves loose leg syndrome.

[crowderjd]

Sidney, place a wooden block covered with a cloth on that bent handle, and GENTLY tap it back into place with a rubber mallet.  That should get it back in place.  I've moved many a handle with that trick, and recently did the same with the lid handle on my red Wood Dale.  Also, as for the paint, I believe any paint thinner/acetone should work to loosen or remove it, but don't quote me on that...congrats on the Aristocrat!  I don't remember seeing you pick this up in any earlier threads!

[Mike in Roseville]

You could put a towel down on a concrete edge (like a curb or a walkway) turn the bowl upside down, and put that handle on the concrete edge...then gently push down. Unless the welds are really thin it should be fine.  The porcelain is already popped off around them so you don't need to worry about that.

[1spacemanspiff]

@crowderjd I picked it up last night.  I thought it was the kettle that belonged to AS in SA.  He posted a red 26 with the sequoia that i have.  I thought it would be a neat story to reunite the two.  Planning on restoring both this Spring.

[LiquidOcelot]

I use 1 inch galvanized pipe and love to straighten out my legs its a perfect fit for the inside of the legs. Also +1 block of wood and soft mallet taps for the handle

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app

[1spacemanspiff]

I purchased the copper pipe for the front leg, and will attempt to straighten the handle next week.  Currently in paint removal stage

[Paul Isa]

That will be a fun restore.  Can’t wait to see the after pics.