Well...
The wife and I were out one night and ran into some friends.
Me and one of the guys got to talking grills, showing off pictures and stuff and he shows me his grill, 'a bit of rust bucket', I think is how he described it. He showed me the picture and I was like I'll totally trade you one of mine for that!
After a few months we were finally able to make it happen. I ended up giving him an '83 redhead that I didn't use any more, so I'm happy.
He might have gotten the better end of the deal, cuz this baby needs some work.
Needs: new vents, handle, and cooking grate. The patina is awesome, I really love the look, but it goes a little beyond that, it's got some pretty bad pitting on the lid and a slight scar.
I don't care though, RRR baby! I'm so excited I'm starting to clean it up right now!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/29e191f7b68908c45f6284594fcd1f1c.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/5836d76aabbfa2419e5ddc81882e85af.jpg)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/1458f43a368c632b49a08b3bc020504c.jpg)
There's a little bit of rust through around a couple of the leg sockets, but they still feel solid. I think I'm going to just leave them as is and letting cooking grease fill them in, unless anyone else has a better fix?
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the patina on that lid is absolutely fantastic!!!
Old thing deserves some love. What a gallant battle it has waged against the elements.
Alright well here are some cleaned up pics
Didn't go too crazy with the clean up, just a quick once over
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/776a5e904da7cb8775c8714249e3b3af.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/7585824f7a8ae790f9277afb3ac43f14.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/0edd750972f1f4585c858e014e3c0dd2.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/9743a5f156de5ed7db1da2064df97ed0.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/72027a87bd0d19163159fa708585e064.jpg)
Hanging out with some friends
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/c87c787c605be7bd81d5ceb2ab2a503f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/e336f3f2df6974388c1c85f5b0aef3c7.jpg)
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That is effing amazing!!
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Really really cool, @WNC. Congrats.
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That my friend is beautiful. Next thing you know, guys are going to paying serious cash for these. I had decided after seeing the last few that I was leaving my faded black uncovered and hope to achieve the patina. Nice dude

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That is amazing. That gives a whole new meaning to "faded black"
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That is fantastic!
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Lmao! One mans bucket of rust is another mans Mona Lisa. That thing is awesome looking!
In rust we trust! RRR
That's a beautiful thing! Love that lineup!
can you say, RAT ROD!!!
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I think it looks amazing.
beautiful , living room worthy ! (when wife is out) .
That is awesome! All great looking small tab MBHs. Surprice! this one looks the most interesting. The patina on that lid is the best I ever seen.
Quote from: WNC on February 19, 2017, 01:19:52 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/c87c787c605be7bd81d5ceb2ab2a503f.jpg)
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Beautiful!!!
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Wow! Very cool look. Classic old school. Patina art!
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I dig this photo a lot!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170220/dfc079a352436ebdcfc32ce230cd4c96.jpg)
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Still can't get over that patina. Definitely 2018 calendar worthy, October. Fall photo.
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Awesome. Absolutely love it.....
Gorgeous patina.
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That patina is out of this world! I love it!
Quote from: WNC on February 19, 2017, 01:19:52 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/776a5e904da7cb8775c8714249e3b3af.jpg)
Stunning. It looks like it is copper in this photo.
@WNC !! My MAN!!! This is so cool. Congrats.
Keep up the good work!
That's one nice rescued MBH. I too think it would be October / fall calendar worthy.
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Love that patina!
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Quote from: WNC on February 19, 2017, 01:19:52 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170219/e336f3f2df6974388c1c85f5b0aef3c7.jpg)
Man, that's SWEET!!
Quote from: Mr.CPHo on February 19, 2017, 05:48:45 PM
I dig this photo a lot!(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170220/dfc079a352436ebdcfc32ce230cd4c96.jpg)
This picture makes me wonder if the shade from the handle saved the little bit of porcelain left on the top...
The grill looks so bad-ass. Great trade on this one!
And here I thought I had to keep mine covered and warm...outstanding!!!
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That is sweet
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Cool AF
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I keep coming back to check this out. GREAT looking grill, man.
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Thanks guys!
I'm really over the moon with this one too

Topped it off yesterday with some vents and a new handle from Brian. A little serendipitous how it worked out with the handle, let's just say it ended up being the right handle for this grill I think! An absolutely beautiful oak burl, thanks again Brian!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/ff5d7c37e519353f0c836c36aa9ed6aa.jpg)
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/ae6352b8c50ce1b0decb3d6359f4bcaa.jpg)
And here's a little hack I came up with.
I had a problem with this kettle wobbling, sort of left and right, around the x-axis if you will.
I noticed the legs weren't tight around the bottom (away from the grill side) of the sockets. So I used some little Brad nails as shims and it tightened right up. Not perfect, but so much better
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/e18cc7176c536cd9e97fda3169229212.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/c6bd4d85e215cbb04790eb3c12e27853.jpg)
Barely noticeable
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/b9bbdd11f7eae00782af7f9bbcca63f8.jpg)
And here it is on it's maiden cook, smoking up a pork butt for George's birthday celebration!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170225/f2a9ee7adb225d72ade3272a03dc5b38.jpg)
Thanks again guys, did I mention I just love this grill!
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Love that last pic. Like the old guy that won't retire because he's still kicking ass like the youngins.
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That one has earned it's keep. Nice to see it still in service.
Absolutely love it
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Nice work on the leg sockets. Great choice on the Oak burl handle. IMO, the handle is spot on with the character of the lid. It elevates the beauty of this kettle to a next level.
I may have to experiment with some kind of acid to accelerate rusting process on my spare black lid. Similar to how some people do on their car hood to give that rusty patina. I need to do more research but this may be another of my project to try out.
I would think Rusty would be suitable name.
Quote from: Cellar2ful on February 25, 2017, 07:03:17 AM
I would think Rusty would be suitable name.
Just plain Rusty does not ring a bell for me for this kettle. :) How about Jurassic Kettle.
Let's hear some good names for this kettle.
Mater... from the movie "Cars"
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Peerless
Nimbus
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Ok, how about Robigus, the Roman God of rust (disease or fungi).
Robigus | Roman god | Britannica.com
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Robigus
The Romans designated a particular deity, Robigus, as the god of rust and, in an effort to appease him, organized an annual festival, the Robigalia, in his honour ...
Okay so I don't normally name my grills, but I'm loving this!
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God bless, that is one of my favorite ever grills I have seen on this site, fuck it's awesome! The fact it's still cooking is amazing, this is exactly the spirit this site was founded on. Damn I'm loving this one.....and the fact your using it as a tribute to George on his birthday is amazing. I think it should be called George....
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Quote from: zavod44 on February 25, 2017, 05:46:47 PM
God bless, that is one of my favorite ever grills I have seen on this site, fuck it's awesome! The fact it's still cooking is amazing, this is exactly the spirit this site was founded on. Damn I'm loving this one.....and the fact your using it as a tribute to George on his birthday is amazing. I think it should be called George....
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I like it. George that is. I like mator too.
The amazing thing to me is that even without the porcelain it has endured. Just incredible.
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I second (or third?) calling this one George. The patina and character of this one is unmatched. Love this grill!
Love the wood grain on that new handle too!
Looks sensational, well done. It reminds me of the classic tobacco sunburst you see on Fender electric guitars
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Yup. I like George. Seems fitting. I also like "Patina"...
Just getting around to this. This grill has an amazing patina and tons of character. The handle really brings out the lid as well. Amazing job!
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