Fixing rust spots on 1988 kettle

[88redkettle]

Hello, I have 1988 red kettle I acquired for 5 bucks. It has a couple dents and a few rust spots. Should I try and fix and repaint rust spots or keep the way it is for a vintage look. I'm afraid if I paint it, it wont look right. Thanks

[michaelmilitello]

Paint can be difficult to match and,regardless, the high heat paint will probably darken or turn black with time and use. 

I'd season it with oil and accept them as "character."


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[YardBurner]

Just apply cooking oil to the rust spots
and it will season like a cast iron pan.

For the dents you can knock them out with a bowling ball.

Do a forum search for bowling ball.

[88redkettle]

Thanks guys, I was kinda leaning that way.

[Cellar2ful]

Dents can also be popped back out by using a rubber mallet.  Just give the dented area a whack or two on the inside of the dented area with the rubber mallet.  The dents will pop out.  This same method can be used to fix bent or dented in leg sockets.

[88redkettle]

Thanks

[Walchit]

I gotta check this bowling ball stuff out! I just use a rubber mallet.

[Cellar2ful]

For the dents you can knock them out with a bowling ball.

I gotta check this bowling ball stuff out! I just use a rubber mallet.

The bowling ball method was thanks to WKC member Idahawk.  He is no longer active on the Forum, but here is his instructional thread on the method. 

http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/bowling-ball-dent-removal/msg186857/#msg186857

[Walchit]

Pretty cool! I might need to find a bowling ball for my cado

[YardBurner]

Thanks to @Cellar2ful for the link assist.
I was at work and couldn't spare the time for a more thorough search.

[88redkettle]

Thanks all for your help🍻