Restore Question

[bladz]

I have a question for you restoring experts.  I've scrounged up a pair of MBH's, both "A"code stamped.  One was free, the other was at a yard sale, and I got it for $5.00.  The bottom vent covers are bent up pretty bad on both grills.  Do you normally drill out the rivets and try to bend them back into shape?  Or do you just order new ones?   Also, when you do have an older grill with the 3 vents on bottom with covers,do you still use oven cleaner to clean  them with the vent covers riveted on, or do you take them off?

Thanks

[G]

Leave them on if the rivets are solid.  You can use a rubber mallet to lightly pound them back to shape.  However, I usually use a small flat blade screwdriver to scrape the crust from between the bowl and vent so the vent molds to the shape of the bowl better.  Don't be afraid to spray the oven cleaner direct on the bowl vents.  Ive found it helps loosen the crusty grease that is often stuck between the bowl and vent. 

[pbe gummi bear]

Leave them on if the rivets are solid.  You can use a rubber mallet to lightly pound them back to shape.  However, I usually use a small flat blade screwdriver to scrape the crust from between the bowl and vent so the vent molds to the shape of the bowl better.  Don't be afraid to spray the oven cleaner direct on the bowl vents.  Ive found it helps loosen the crusty grease that is often stuck between the bowl and vent.

Actually I've notice the crust between the vent and the bowl helps the vent seal. The vent expands outward, ash fills this space, it hardens, and the cycle repeats. The seal is usually good though. If it's a cooker anyway, I would have no reservations drilling out the vents to get a nice tight fit be rebending or new replacement. Good luck.

[Heyjude]

If its not a rare kettle and the vents are really bad, I would replace them.
Bending them back is a challenge and requires lots of patience.
These old vents just seem to leak so much air..
The oven cleaner wont break apart the baked on carbon. You have to scrape it.
Afterwards you can polish the aluminum with some polish and 0000 steel wool.
If its a loose rivet, sometimes they can be tightened up with a punch and hammer.
 

[Uncle JJ]

got any pics of your find?!