Hi there!
I'm restoring my dad's 1981 18" kettle which has been left uncovered and unused since 1989 or so here in coastal southern california. Resources on internet have been quite helpful.. inside is clean now. I've unscrewed the wood handles (two thick screws in each) - wood is dried, cracked, splintered, seriously weathered. I am lightly sanding and applying mineral oil, and will probably not stain them. The pan is missing, booo, and the bottom triangle looks like a pirate ship dungeon grate it is so rusty. The lid has a couple big dents, which I think I'll be able to hammer out, and one part of the lip is bent inwards a bit. At the moment, I've run across a few items which have multiple solutions, not sure what to do:
1. After removing rust on the exterior from dings/scuffs/dents, is it good idea to use the high-heat paint, or just leave it? Handles have some rust, too. Most of the rust is really at the dings and the areas where the parts are welded.
2. Lid and kettle inside has rust and enamel deterioration at the dents and the areas where the handles and legs get attached. With these being exposed directly to flame and hot coals, should the rust simply be removed, or, should I go ahead and paint?
3. The bottom vents are mangled. Would it be better to remove the rivet and replace the vents, or, try to fix them?
Thank you for your time!