Pics of my "new to me" 2001 OTS

[Foundry37]

All pictures from Craigslist listing.




What are the rust spots and will they affect use of grill?



I am sure this is going to take some elbow grease before my first cook.


Any tips will be well appreciated.  I am not much of a handy guy and to be honest some of the restorations I have seen on here are intimidating!  Makes me feel like I have 10 thumbs.

[Cellar2ful]

Don't be intimidated.  It is all real simple. None of those little spots will hurt anything.  Use some #0000 steel wool on the entire outside of the kettle, giving special attention to the rust spots.  You will be amazed how it will return to its shiny new look. Use it on the lid vent also and the rivet that attaches it.   Once the bare metal spots are cleaned of rust, rub them with a Qtip of olive oil or bacon fat.  It seasons the metal to keep it from rusting again.  It will last all summer, but if your kettle is exposed to rain or snow, the oil will have to be re-applied. I would buy a new cooking grate at Home Depot.  So far as cleaning the interior of the kettle, just follow this guide. 

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-grill-restoration-interior-and-exterior-kettle-cleaning/

If you want to really get into it, take the wheels off and flip the triangle over. It is installed upside down. If you take off the wheels, here is the guide on how to get the rust off.

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/triangle-restoration-rust-removal/

[Foundry37]

Fortunately I have a fairly new cooking grate that I purchased for my first grill that I purchased last summer.

[Foundry37]

Don't be intimidated.  It is all real simple. None of those little spots will hurt anything.  Use some #0000 steel wool on the entire outside of the kettle, giving special attention to the rust spots.  You will be amazed how it will return to its shiny new look. Use it on the lid vent also and the rivet that attaches it.   Once the bare metal spots are cleaned of rust, rub them with a Qtip of olive oil or bacon fat.  It seasons the metal to keep it from rusting again.  It will last all summer, but if your kettle is exposed to rain or snow, the oil will have to be re-applied. I would buy a new cooking grate at Home Depot.  So far as cleaning the interior of the kettle, just follow this guide. 

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-grill-restoration-interior-and-exterior-kettle-cleaning/

If you want to really get into it, take the wheels off and flip the triangle over. It is installed upside down. If you take off the wheels, here is the guide on how to get the rust off.

http://weberkettleclub.com/weber-charcoal-grill-restoration/triangle-restoration-rust-removal/

Thanks for the tips