1- I think those quick connects are available at RV/camping stores, or welding/propane supply stores.
2- Are you sure there isn't anything in the tube? In general cobwebs don't come out with waterpressure. You might not even see them if they are past the venturi and you don't shine a flashlight through the other end. You'll need to dislodge cobwebs with a wire or something. If not, it sounds like a bum regulator or a semiclogged orifice. I would try to troubleshoot and fix this as it kinda sounds like a hazard.
3- I'm not sure what you are trying to do here. Is your frame a non-gas assist with no castors? You can always chop it and add your own wheels. It would be alot cheaper than a brand new legframe set, and custom
. IMO the oem casters are lame and wouldn't go through the trouble to install them. I installed 5" urethan casters and 10" inflatable wheels so not my ss will roll away on any incline if I don't set the brake. It was important to me that mine rolled without have to lift one side as my unit is heavy. I have the bin packed with accessories, an 11lb propane tank, and cast iron grates.
4- Bend each side out with pliers to flare out the insert portion. Bend them farrrr- They are just plastic. This will created more tension to keep them in the frame. You can also run to the hardware store and purchase 1 1/4 square tube ends. Last time I checked they were $1.50/each but ymmv
5/6/7/8- I wouldn't really worry about it too much. You can use a rust converter or wire wheel and paint to curb the exterior rust. I think
@Harbormaster welded a donor piece on and
@AZ_MIKEY (maybe?) fabbed their own piece to weld in. If it were me, I'd wire brush the rust as best as possible and spray paint it. Touch it up once or twice a year as needed- or less if you live in CA.
For the inner tube you can try pushing some scotch brite or steel wool to remove some of the surface rust and shoot some spray paint in. I used normal black gloss paint for the frame after prepping the surface with 320 grit sandpaper.
9 Razor, soap and water is best.
10 0000 steel wool, sponge, and soap water cleans the exterior quite well. If you have baked on grease you can use a razor to scrape it off or the rough side of a sponge.
11 Depends on what you mean by clean. A polish like mothers mag polish knorrostol, flitz, etc. will remove oxidation but won't remove pitting. For removing pitting, scratches or corrosion you'll need to go with an abrasive. The milder the better.
12 0000 steel wool and soapy water. You won't scratch the text off.
13 The biggest thing you can do is keep it covered from the elements. You'll need the #8071 cover and not the current one. There's actually one on amazon for $47 which is a decent price:
http://www.amazon.com/Weber-8701-Performer-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00004RBE714- A 2004 should have the clip-in style ashcatcher and not the ash catcher bar. Check these threads to see which one you have:
Old Style Ash catcher bar replacements by Zavod44 and pbe gummi bear
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/okay-who-is-really-interested-one-one-of-these/DIY 7409 Ash Catcher Bar by pbe gummi bear:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/diy-old-style-one-touch-gold-ash-catcher-bar/http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/03/03/converting-a-weber-ots-to-otg/The technical reference library has alot of perfomer information:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/weber-kettle-technical-reference-library/ For performers these are the best threads:
Brickout- Got a SS performer for free
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/just-scored-a-free-red-ss-performer/mikeinctown:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/cheap-find-but-need-help-with-parts/mike.stavlund:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/the-reward-at-the-end-of-the-rainbow/pbe gummi bear:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/working-on-ss-performers-gummi-bear-build-log-pic-heavy/Star nuts and support tube info:
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/performer-frame-question/ (the short version, go to a friendly bike shop.)
Good luck, welcome to the performer club.