Title: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on November 30, 2018, 04:57:41 AM
Post by: Liebenator on November 30, 2018, 04:57:41 AM
Long time lurker, first time poster here.
Scored a red aristocrat last night from letgo, not that the wife was happy about it but I digress. Anyways, from my limited observation it seems like most of these vintage kettles never really made it to the south (Charlotte, NC) so I was in shock when I saw the post and was able to get it.
I've read through forums so I have an idea on some things do but have a few other questions:
Is there any way to nail down its actual age? It is a patent pending 69-72 vintage, but the wheels were replaced with generic lawn/garden ones, will try the magnets to see what kind of legs I've got.
The legs keep falling out when moving, is there a trick to locking them in?
Big fan of the slow & sear (SNS) but the distance between the coal grate and grill grate seems to be narrower, will any model of SNS fit in there?
On these vintage kettles, aside from general child abuse - what causes the porcelain to chip over time? I ask because the lady who sold it to me said her dad loved and took care of it, so I doubt he was beating on it.
I know that painting the exposed metal on the kettle typically doesn't work out, but has anyone tried the high heat enamel with ceramic paint? I used it on my 97 redhead gasser (only along the edge of hood covered by the end caps and other spots along the edge which were exposed) and it seems to be holding up fine.
This will be my 6th Weber (97 Genesis, 03 Gold, 09 Performer, 22 WSM & WeberQ) I am so looking forward to cleaning her up and taking it for a spin this weekend!
Scored a red aristocrat last night from letgo, not that the wife was happy about it but I digress. Anyways, from my limited observation it seems like most of these vintage kettles never really made it to the south (Charlotte, NC) so I was in shock when I saw the post and was able to get it.
I've read through forums so I have an idea on some things do but have a few other questions:
Is there any way to nail down its actual age? It is a patent pending 69-72 vintage, but the wheels were replaced with generic lawn/garden ones, will try the magnets to see what kind of legs I've got.
The legs keep falling out when moving, is there a trick to locking them in?
Big fan of the slow & sear (SNS) but the distance between the coal grate and grill grate seems to be narrower, will any model of SNS fit in there?
On these vintage kettles, aside from general child abuse - what causes the porcelain to chip over time? I ask because the lady who sold it to me said her dad loved and took care of it, so I doubt he was beating on it.
I know that painting the exposed metal on the kettle typically doesn't work out, but has anyone tried the high heat enamel with ceramic paint? I used it on my 97 redhead gasser (only along the edge of hood covered by the end caps and other spots along the edge which were exposed) and it seems to be holding up fine.
This will be my 6th Weber (97 Genesis, 03 Gold, 09 Performer, 22 WSM & WeberQ) I am so looking forward to cleaning her up and taking it for a spin this weekend!
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Mike in Roseville on November 30, 2018, 05:13:16 AM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on November 30, 2018, 05:13:16 AM
Quote from: Liebenator on November 30, 2018, 04:57:41 AM
Scored a red aristocrat last night from letgo, not that the wife was happy about it but I digress.
Oh man, I'm so sorry. Look, the best course of action is to box it up and send it to me so that everything stay's "cool" with you and the Mrs. ;D
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Mike in Roseville on November 30, 2018, 05:32:25 AM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on November 30, 2018, 05:32:25 AM
I have included some answers in bold.
I've read through forums so I have an idea on some things do but have a few other questions:
Is there any way to nail down its actual age? It is a patent pending 69-72 vintage, but the wheels were replaced with generic lawn/garden ones, will try the magnets to see what kind of legs I've got.
There are a few historians here than can possibly help to pin it down a little more. Hopefully they can chime in.
The legs keep falling out when moving, is there a trick to locking them in?
There are a few non-invasive ways and few invasive ways. Some people use anything ranging from foil, foil tape, dowels all the way to glue and screws --which are not generally recommended (yes I have seen a PP kettle that had a wooden dowel, glued into the leg tube, and attached with a screw to the socket).
Big fan of the slow & sear (SNS) but the distance between the coal grate and grill grate seems to be narrower, will any model of SNS fit in there?
No, you need the "low profile" SNS. You could also make a "Marty basket" or use a Snake/Fuse burn in there.
On these vintage kettles, aside from general child abuse - what causes the porcelain to chip over time? I ask because the lady who sold it to me said her dad loved and took care of it, so I doubt he was beating on it.
Heat. Expansion and contraction causes issues with the porcelain like "pops" and crazing.
I know that painting the exposed metal on the kettle typically doesn't work out, but has anyone tried the high heat enamel with ceramic paint?
I used it once to touch up a kettle. I personally wouldn't do it again and wouldn't recommend it. I'd just live with it. Color BBQ's experience this so much more than the standard black ones.
This will be my 6th Weber (97 Genesis, 03 Gold, 09 Performer, 22 WSM & WeberQ) I am so looking forward to cleaning her up and taking it for a spin this weekend!
Congrats!
I've read through forums so I have an idea on some things do but have a few other questions:
Is there any way to nail down its actual age? It is a patent pending 69-72 vintage, but the wheels were replaced with generic lawn/garden ones, will try the magnets to see what kind of legs I've got.
There are a few historians here than can possibly help to pin it down a little more. Hopefully they can chime in.
The legs keep falling out when moving, is there a trick to locking them in?
There are a few non-invasive ways and few invasive ways. Some people use anything ranging from foil, foil tape, dowels all the way to glue and screws --which are not generally recommended (yes I have seen a PP kettle that had a wooden dowel, glued into the leg tube, and attached with a screw to the socket).
Big fan of the slow & sear (SNS) but the distance between the coal grate and grill grate seems to be narrower, will any model of SNS fit in there?
No, you need the "low profile" SNS. You could also make a "Marty basket" or use a Snake/Fuse burn in there.
On these vintage kettles, aside from general child abuse - what causes the porcelain to chip over time? I ask because the lady who sold it to me said her dad loved and took care of it, so I doubt he was beating on it.
Heat. Expansion and contraction causes issues with the porcelain like "pops" and crazing.
I know that painting the exposed metal on the kettle typically doesn't work out, but has anyone tried the high heat enamel with ceramic paint?
I used it once to touch up a kettle. I personally wouldn't do it again and wouldn't recommend it. I'd just live with it. Color BBQ's experience this so much more than the standard black ones.
This will be my 6th Weber (97 Genesis, 03 Gold, 09 Performer, 22 WSM & WeberQ) I am so looking forward to cleaning her up and taking it for a spin this weekend!
Congrats!
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on November 30, 2018, 05:38:52 AM
Post by: Liebenator on November 30, 2018, 05:38:52 AM
I told her I could be like my brothers who buy old sailboats and park them in their yards for years working on them, not sure if she appreciated that......!
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: CatskillSmoker on November 30, 2018, 05:46:38 AM
Post by: CatskillSmoker on November 30, 2018, 05:46:38 AM
Post some pictures. That will help others age it for you.
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: 1911Ron on November 30, 2018, 06:26:01 AM
Post by: 1911Ron on November 30, 2018, 06:26:01 AM
First off welcome and congratulations on your new to you kettle. My wife tolerates my kettle buying if we had the money and was a decent deal, now i am more just looking for one type of grill and that is an 18" Platinum so....
Oh and picture are nice too!
Oh and picture are nice too!
Title: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: GrillGiant on November 30, 2018, 07:20:23 AM
Post by: GrillGiant on November 30, 2018, 07:20:23 AM
As for the age...all depends on the wheels. If Pat Pending, 69-late 70 early 71 would have steel wheels with rubber tread. Late 71-72 changed to plastic wheels with rubber tread. As far as the enamel chipping goes, typically they pop around the grate strap welds because that's the weakest point and most exposed to high heat. If crazing...means the owner left charcoal in the bowl for extended periods of time without cleaning. Any other chips would most likely come from dropping the lid, or something falling on it.
SNS...dunno, never used one. Don't really see a point to it for $150 I'd rather have another sweet vintage grill. However, @troy is extremely familiar with them and loves them, so he can most likely guide you.
Also, high temp engine enamel paint holds up very well, but I'll warn you. If you're ever going to trade or sell her, you might not want to paint...some collectors will not, I reiterate, will not trade nor purchase a grill that has been tampered with. With saying that, a lot will.
Your legs should have a key slot on one side, line those key slots up with the key slot in the sockets...most likely your legs are out of round, you can use a wrench to get them back to round. Do not drill holes, or insert any screws into the leg sockets. There is a video on YouTube by Bertl that shows you how to fix the legs very easily...or...any legs with the grooves will work...from 22" as well...all the same. The only difference is the triangle.
https://youtu.be/WSlLg-tAQPs
Hope this helps! Sweet score. Please post pics! Also, join us on our Facebook group Weber Kettle Club GrillGiants if you haven't already!
-GrillOn Brother 
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
SNS...dunno, never used one. Don't really see a point to it for $150 I'd rather have another sweet vintage grill. However, @troy is extremely familiar with them and loves them, so he can most likely guide you.
Also, high temp engine enamel paint holds up very well, but I'll warn you. If you're ever going to trade or sell her, you might not want to paint...some collectors will not, I reiterate, will not trade nor purchase a grill that has been tampered with. With saying that, a lot will.
Your legs should have a key slot on one side, line those key slots up with the key slot in the sockets...most likely your legs are out of round, you can use a wrench to get them back to round. Do not drill holes, or insert any screws into the leg sockets. There is a video on YouTube by Bertl that shows you how to fix the legs very easily...or...any legs with the grooves will work...from 22" as well...all the same. The only difference is the triangle.
https://youtu.be/WSlLg-tAQPs
Hope this helps! Sweet score. Please post pics! Also, join us on our Facebook group Weber Kettle Club GrillGiants if you haven't already!
-GrillOn Brother Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Cellar2ful on November 30, 2018, 07:33:15 AM
Post by: Cellar2ful on November 30, 2018, 07:33:15 AM
Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on scoring an Aristocrat.
LOOSE LEG FIXES
I have found switching out the two rear legs sometimes solves the loose leg issue. You have to remove the wheels otherwise you'll end up with the triangle upside down. For resizing the legs, I use needle nose pliers and place the tips inside the leg, pulling the handles apart. This stretches and reforms the leg back to a round shape. If those two methods fail, my go to fix is using the HVAC tape around the legs. Sometimes takes a couple of attempts to get the right amount to use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Nashua-Tape-1-89-in-x-50-yd-322-Multi-Purpose-HVAC-Foil-Tape-1207792/100030120?AID=11210757&PID=6153228&SID=iq8tnjp9nb00odvp001rw&cm_mmc=CJ-_-6153228-_-11210757&cj=true&irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-27795-456723-
WHICH SNS IS BEST FOR AN ARISTOCRAT
@ABCbarbecue is a member of the Forum. I have tagged them and they would be the best source to answer your question as to which model is best for a vintage 26".
PAINT REPAIR FOR LOST PORCELAIN
I use #0000 steel wool to remove all the rust from any bare metal, then apply olive oil to the metal with a Q tip. Once the kettle is heated, it cures the oil into the metal and helps prevent rust from returning. It comes down to personal preference as to painting a kettle. I look at porcelain damage as character or badges of honor.
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: jiveturkey1 on December 01, 2018, 01:33:35 AM
Post by: jiveturkey1 on December 01, 2018, 01:33:35 AM
Congratulations. You own one of the coolest vintage Webers made, imo. Pictures please
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: LiquidOcelot on December 01, 2018, 04:43:40 AM
Post by: LiquidOcelot on December 01, 2018, 04:43:40 AM
pictures or it didnt happen
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G928A using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 08:51:44 AM
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 08:51:44 AM
You guys are making me feel like a college girl on reddit, ok let me take some pics.
Title: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: bladz on December 01, 2018, 09:13:18 AM
Post by: bladz on December 01, 2018, 09:13:18 AM
Very cool pick up. Yes, we love pics!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 09:24:47 AM
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 09:24:47 AM
Nothing glamorous as I haven't done anything to it yet.
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 09:26:03 AM
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 09:26:03 AM
More
[attachment deleted by admin]
[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Filibuster on December 01, 2018, 12:38:56 PM
Post by: Filibuster on December 01, 2018, 12:38:56 PM
Hell, you might as well tell us about the car. ☺
Sent from my SM-J700P using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my SM-J700P using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Kneab on December 01, 2018, 12:42:27 PM
Post by: Kneab on December 01, 2018, 12:42:27 PM
Nice Aristocrat.
Those wheels are not replacements. I believe that those are the correct ones.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Those wheels are not replacements. I believe that those are the correct ones.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: JEBIV on December 01, 2018, 01:07:29 PM
Post by: JEBIV on December 01, 2018, 01:07:29 PM
Quote from: Kneab on December 01, 2018, 12:42:27 PMi agree on the wheels i have had 2 vintage 26er come through with those wheels
Nice Aristocrat.
Those wheels are not replacements. I believe that those are the correct ones.
Sent from my SM-G960U using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Cellar2ful on December 01, 2018, 01:36:34 PM
Post by: Cellar2ful on December 01, 2018, 01:36:34 PM
As JEBIV and Kneab mentioned above, the wheels on your Aristocrat appear to be original equipment. Here is a close up of the wheels on my Chief (26" coppermist).
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/12/01/DSC02004.jpg)
Title: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: GrillGiant on December 01, 2018, 01:38:14 PM
Post by: GrillGiant on December 01, 2018, 01:38:14 PM
That's a very nice 1972 
also l, legs are on incorrectly
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
also l, legs are on incorrectly Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: CatskillSmoker on December 01, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
Post by: CatskillSmoker on December 01, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
Beautiful. Welcome to the club.
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 07:42:12 PM
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 07:42:12 PM
Quote from: Filibuster on December 01, 2018, 12:38:56 PM
Hell, you might as well tell us about the car. ☺
Sent from my SM-J700P using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Oh just another thing that needed some convincing from the wife..... Volvo S60 R design which is their performance line. Saw it on the lot and feel in love with it. Took six months to get the dealer and the wife to agree to my terms but I got it. Lots of fun and love the color!
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 07:45:52 PM
Post by: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 07:45:52 PM
Quote from: GrillGiant on December 01, 2018, 01:38:14 PM
That's a very nice 1972
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Well I just kinda threw the kettle on them. Was looking at it and notice the handles didn't seemed lined up right, guess that explains why.
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Mike in Roseville on December 01, 2018, 08:00:05 PM
Post by: Mike in Roseville on December 01, 2018, 08:00:05 PM
You think that's rough? That is a nice Aristocrat. Time to get cookin'!
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Firemunkee on December 01, 2018, 10:00:43 PM
Post by: Firemunkee on December 01, 2018, 10:00:43 PM
Nice!!
Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Quote from: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 07:42:12 PMI saw one in the same color this morning at a cars & coffee. I bet you don't mind driving far to get kettles with that thingQuote from: Filibuster on December 01, 2018, 12:38:56 PM
Hell, you might as well tell us about the car. ☺
Sent from my SM-J700P using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Oh just another thing that needed some convincing from the wife..... Volvo S60 R design which is their performance line. Saw it on the lot and feel in love with it. Took six months to get the dealer and the wife to agree to my terms but I got it. Lots of fun and love the color!
Sent from my Pixel using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: DellJones on December 02, 2018, 02:17:20 AM
Post by: DellJones on December 02, 2018, 02:17:20 AM
Very Nice. Congrats 
🏾🏾
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
🏾🏾Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Rub on December 02, 2018, 07:10:20 PM
Post by: Rub on December 02, 2018, 07:10:20 PM
She's a beauty and in terrific shape! Congratulations!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Brain_STL on December 03, 2018, 04:39:57 PM
Post by: Brain_STL on December 03, 2018, 04:39:57 PM
Quote from: Liebenator on December 01, 2018, 09:24:47 AMNothing glamorous my ass! That thing is beautiful, congrats on the find
Nothing glamorous as I haven't done anything to it yet.
Sent from my iPad using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Quote from: Cellar2ful on December 01, 2018, 01:36:34 PM
As JEBIV and Kneab mentioned above, the wheels on your Aristocrat appear to be original equipment. Here is a close up of the wheels on my Chief (26" coppermist).
(http://pics.weberkettleclub.com/images/2018/12/01/DSC02004.jpg)
Are those original or did you figure out how to retread the metal wheels? I still need to figure out something for my Cado.
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Cellar2ful on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PM
Post by: Cellar2ful on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PM
Quote from: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Are those original or did you figure out how to retread the metal wheels? I still need to figure out something for my Cado.
They are original Mike. They are 8" plastic wheels with rubber treads that were used for several years on 26"ers.
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 04:38:32 PM
Post by: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 04:38:32 PM
Quote from: Cellar2ful on December 04, 2018, 03:26:42 PMQuote from: MikeRocksTheRed on December 04, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Are those original or did you figure out how to retread the metal wheels? I still need to figure out something for my Cado.
They are original Mike. They are 8" plastic wheels with rubber treads that were used for several years on 26"ers.
Crap! lol. Sweet for you though!
Sent from my iPhone using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (https://siteowners.tapatalk.com/byo/displayAndDownloadByoApp?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Liebenator on December 08, 2018, 12:40:53 PM
Post by: Liebenator on December 08, 2018, 12:40:53 PM
Looks like it a match to yours. So I guess it's a 1972.
Weather hasn't cooperated with my schedule, can't wit to fire it up!
[attachment deleted by admin]
Weather hasn't cooperated with my schedule, can't wit to fire it up!
[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: JPotter on June 23, 2019, 10:04:32 PM
Post by: JPotter on June 23, 2019, 10:04:32 PM
Why are pics deleted?
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Radjx003 on June 24, 2019, 04:06:21 AM
Post by: Radjx003 on June 24, 2019, 04:06:21 AM
I also can not see the pics it says photos deleted by admin???
Sent from my SM-G955F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Sent from my SM-G955F using Weber Kettle Club mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=91018)
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: Walchit on June 24, 2019, 05:12:42 AM
Post by: Walchit on June 24, 2019, 05:12:42 AM
I too dislike when it says attachment deleted by admin, then I have to read the comments about how nice this caddywompass thing is
Title: Re: Newbie Red Aristocrat Questions
Post by: hemi_charger on June 24, 2019, 03:47:04 PM
Post by: hemi_charger on June 24, 2019, 03:47:04 PM
I really wanted to see what this thing looks like!