About to look at a kettle on CL... advice?

[AnakiMana]

Hey guys,

I have an appointment to look at this Weber tomorrow, and might buy it (I only have ONE so far!!)  She has it at a storage facility.

I'm no expert on Webers yet... what are your thoughts based on the picture?  Should I watch out for any problems, like rust in certain areas or anything else?  I don't mind having an "ugly" one or refurbing it.  What year of kettle could this be?  Do you think it looks gray or faded black?

http://kpr.craigslist.org/for/4399368731.html

Thanks,
Andy

[AnakiMana]

BTW, I was looking at the top right portion and wondering what that black mark was... maybe it's just dirty and got wiped in a spot?  hmmm...

[Troy]

I think its a fine looking kettle. It'll turn black again if you oil it a bit.

things to look for:
- condition of wheels (if metal, are they rusted out)
- soft metal where leg sockets are welded. if the leg sockets can easily wobble when applying pressure to legs, there may be problems
- all vents are still there and if they spin (if they don't, its not a huge deal)

[Golly]

looks like it has had a sign stuck to it with sticky tape

[AnakiMana]

According to the age guide, this kettle is 1980 or older, right?  Metal side handle...

[OoPEZoO]

looks like it has had a sign stuck to it with sticky tape

Thats exactly what I thought as well.  Looks like clear packing tape (or leftover residue) in the shape of a sign you would pick up at the hardware store. 

[MINIgrillin]

Daa dum.
It was a perfect evening
Daaaa dum
The weather was perfect for a night of surfing CL
Daaaaa dum
The deal and kettle were perfect...a call was made
Daaadum daa dum
"I'm gonna post my potential find on WKC board to show my peeps what I found"
DAAA DUM
WKCr calls seller before leaving house and gets no answer
DAAAA DUUM DAADUM
Maybe I have the number wrong. I'll try to email again. CL listing is gone!
DAAUM DAADUM DAAADUMM
I have been sitting at agreed meet spot for an hour with no contact
AaaaaaaaHHHHHHHH!! Splash splash gurgle gurgle.. Ahhhh!
The text from seller simply says... "Was offered more money. Sold last night." Hitler

[AnakiMana]

Daa dum.
It was a perfect evening
Daaaa dum
The weather was perfect for a night of surfing CL
Daaaaa dum
The deal and kettle were perfect...a call was made
Daaadum daa dum
"I'm gonna post my potential find on WKC board to show my peeps what I found"
DAAA DUM
WKCr calls seller before leaving house and gets no answer
DAAAA DUUM DAADUM
Maybe I have the number wrong. I'll try to email again. CL listing is gone!
DAAUM DAADUM DAAADUMM
I have been sitting at agreed meet spot for an hour with no contact
AaaaaaaaHHHHHHHH!! Splash splash gurgle gurgle.. Ahhhh!
The text from seller simply says... "Was offered more money. Sold last night." Hitler

LOL!  Somehow I think I'll be safe on this find.  It's not exactly the Holy grail of Webers.

[Craig]

LOL!  Somehow I think I'll be safe on this find.  It's not exactly the Holy grail of Webers.

Somewhere I hear the voice of Morgan Freeman saying....

"No....? Wait a while. Word gets around. The Statesmen have taken quite a liking to them. Especially Marty." 


In all seriousness, I hope you score it! The MBH blacks are my favorite black kettles and to Troy's point, they do blacken back up with some Pam or avocado oil.

[cbpeck]

Hi Neighbor,

Its definitely an old grill. A lot of people love the character of the faded black kettles. It wasn't my thing, so I haven't pursued it. Besides, my wife would kill me. lol. Just check that all of the vents work and that the leg sockets and handles are not compromised with rust. Dirt and grease clean up easy, but rust not so much. Best of luck to you!

[dazzo]

You're right about the age too. Looks like my original '79 "Old Grey".

It will make a fine cooker.

Don't forget to haggle. I like $20 better   

[AnakiMana]

Ok, update time!

I managed to be the first person to look at it, despite it being on CL for a few days. She had to unbury it in the storage unit. She was asking for $30. Looking it over, I saw several rusty spots and some bent metal, too. But I thought the vents were salvageable, just really gunked up. Date code was "A" putting it at 1979 - my birth year! I really wanted it, maybe even more so because it needed so much TLC. I thought how fun it would be to clean him up and bring life back into him. I offered $20 and she countered at $25.  SOLD.

Here's some pictures of my adopted, formerly abused, little guy.

[MaxBobcat]

Looks good.  If it's an A code, I'd wager it's a blackie.  Spray a little PAM on a rag and wipe down your kettle.  Report back the results! 

[1buckie]

  "A" Code......Nice !!!!

I have several of these & they are great as smokers........

It's faded black, not gray....here's gray:






Here's a closeup of "Bob" my main smoker, a fade Blackie:




Nice pickup.....these are getting harder & harder to come by & esp. at a good price !!!!

[Craig]

Nice pickup! Does the lid handle have screws in it? The lid close up  picture looked like a flathead screw was in the handle...