Pics and Update on the Blue kettle that brought me here

[Atalanta]

This blue kettle was the subject of two posts, here. One where it was listed in June and the other when I was getting it in August. I ended up getting it for $75 rather than the $150 the seller was asking.
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/trading-post/blue-ots-24139/msg239294/#msg239294
http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/weber-kettles-accessories/help-me-identify-a-kettle/

This is what I brought home. Nice looking except for the rust where the handle joins. Suggestions on tackling this rust welcome.


Date stamp that says it's a 1991.


The inside was a bit scary looking.


But not as bad as I feared.


Following the Grill Restoration Guides, I attacked the inside. Only took me 2 hours to get to this point (though there are a few rust spots):


I need to clean out the soap residue and replace the sweep (it looked even worse after I had done cleaning). The sweep and new charcoal grate is on order, I already had a new cooking grate (that opens to put in coal). I'll have to look into upgrading it to having the ash catcher.

More pics to follow. This is a link to the album.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ata1anta/albums/72157670266833283

[Darko]

Honestly, if the sweep still works good, I wouldn't worry about it. It's gonna have crap all over it the first time you cook.

[MikeRocksTheRed]

Looks great.  Has a few battle scars but I think it gives it character!

[WNC]

Awesome clean up!  And I think Darko is right, if the sweep still works leave it in until it rots out. Hold on to the new one until that happens, unless of course you're going to just keep this one as a looker.
For the rust around the handle, clean as much as you can and then oil up the bare metal to prevent it from returning.


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