Hey guys. I'm new, but wanted to reach out and ask for some advice. I have a 1981 kettle that has decent wood handles. I would like to remove them and maybe save. Any better way to get them off? 3 rivet. 3 handles total.
If you really want to save the handles, there's really no other way than to drill out the rivets.
Here's an old 2012 thread on the topic to give you an idea. Pictures are long gone on that post.
https://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=910.0
And, if you want new handles or a custom upgrade, one of the founding WKC members @zavod44 makes them.
https://grillhandlesbyzavod44.com
Quote from: RRRanger99 on December 05, 2025, 01:24:13 PMIf you really want to save the handles, there's really no other way than to drill out the rivets.
Here's an old 2012 thread on the topic to give you an idea. Pictures are long gone on that post.
https://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=910.0
And, if you want new handles or a custom upgrade, one of the founding WKC members @zavod44 makes them.
https://grillhandlesbyzavod44.com
Thanks so much. Is there any value in saving some of this stuff? Handling I can get them off cleanly, original triangle, original ash pan with the cut outs and legs?
If it's been handed down in your family for generations, it could hold some sentimental value, you may want to keep everything stock. Other than that, it's totally preference on what you want to do with the kettle you own and paid for, skies the limit. Stock triangle and legs are a keeper as they are thicker grade metal than today's versions. The original stock cooking grate and charcoal grate are also keepers as they have a thicker grade metal than what Weber offers today. Twist on ash pan is era appropriate. And if you need a replacement ash pan, we have a WKC member @Jeff who sells reproduction ash pans on here and on his eBay store.
https://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=48429.msg474219#msg474219
https://www.ebay.com/itm/187035037916
All good information. Thanks so much. I appreciate the information. Here's what I've been up to. The green one is my daily driver.
The handles on the black grill look like they're in really good condition, personally I'd leave them on it. Especially if they have "The one The only" tattoo on them. There's a good chance they'll be destroyed trying to remove them. The wood they're made of doesn't just grow on trees any more.
They are in good shape, just with a bunch of use. The original Weber logo is just barely visible just on one of them. I drilled out the rivets today, took them off without breaking them, sanded and oiled. They look good. I also ordered the custom handles from the guy on here that everyone uses.
I'm saving all the original stuff just in case it helps in the future.
The one thing I can't get perfect is the original ash pan. Maybe my kids shop teacher will let me use the sand blaster in class. Any ideas for that?
Here they are
Quote from: BigKevin26 on December 07, 2025, 02:50:53 PMThe one thing I can't get perfect is the original ash pan. Any ideas for that?
I've had decent results with wet sanding and metal polish. Massive amount of work though. If it has heavy pitting, no way to really get rid of that completely.
If the pan has the folded edge, as opposed to the older pans with flat edge, it will be even more challenging to make it look perfect.
Here's some older threads that might help make your resto a little easier.
https://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/ash-pan-clean-up-and-polish-pro
https://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/cleaning-and-polishing-old-aluminum-legs/cedure/
https://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/triangle-restoration-rust-removal/
https://weberkettleclub.com/weber-grill-restoration-interior-and-exterior-kettle-cleaning/
https://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=10773.0
https://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=8936.msg88131#msg88131
Thanks guys. Looks like I got some work ahead of me.