Restoring my Grandpa's Kettle

[aharbaugh]

TL/DR: It was really bad. Now it's better.

This 1986 Kettle belonged to my grandpa. He passed away in 2009, and I ended up with it in 2012. It had a cover on it for a few months, but it didn't take many storms to destroy it. The Kettle has sat exposed to the elements for the majority of the last decade. Midwest thunderstorms used the ash-pan as a frisbee more than a few times.

My husband does most of the outdoor cooking, so I honestly didn't realize how bad it had gotten. He had continued cooking on it as it got worse and worse knowing that I had a sentimental attachment to it. However, he had gotten increasingly vocal wishing we still had the basic hinge charcoal grill that we got rid of a few years ago. A new grill isn't an option for Father's Day at the moment, so I wanted to see what I could do to refurbish our Weber.

The picture of the bowl in the before pictures is actually after I had already scraped it once with a brush. The sweeps were rusted through, and I snapped off the thumbscrew trying to remove them.

Before: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4YD7VSaS35LJi4736

I'm a SAHM, so I didn't have much time to work on it each day. A few nap times and one half day babysitter, and this is what I ended up with. The aftermarket wheels were already on it. I also used heat safe spray paint on a few of the rust spots in the bowl. I know that's generally discouraged, but it was rusted on both sides. The metal was getting very soft, and I didn't want to risk a hole. I did leave a few "character" marks; namely the bent handle and a dent on the lip of the lid. New handles were purchased on Etsy. This was a really fun project, and I'm already eyeing up new accessories for future gift giving opportunities.

After: https://photos.app.goo.gl/u2p5dWCfLpymR6az8

A few things that I hope to address in the future:
-Black 3/8" pushnuts. All I can find locally are white.
-Refinishing the triangle. A good chunk of the plating is gone.
-Securing the legs. They no longer have a tight fit. Along the way, someone (probably my grandpa) used sheet metal screws to secure them. I may replace the screws, but I'm also open to other recommendations. I just didn't want to use any sort of permanent adhesive in case I need to repair or replace the legs down the road.

[ASpitzer]

Looking great! It cleaned up really nice. You did a wonderful job on it.

Look at the big box building supply store (Lowes, Home Depot, Menards) for the black push nuts.

[aharbaugh]

Looking great! It cleaned up really nice. You did a wonderful job on it.

Look at the big box building supply store (Lowes, Home Depot, Menards) for the black push nuts.

Thanks. I looked at all three online. I can find 7/16" in black, but not 3/8".

[ASpitzer]

Try Ebay with this - Push-on Cap Nuts 2x 3/8" Axle Caps Wheel Retainers.

[aharbaugh]

Try Ebay with this - Push-on Cap Nuts 2x 3/8" Axle Caps Wheel Retainers.

That's probably what I'll end up doing. I was just hoping to find them locally, so I could have them on before the big reveal this afternoon.

[Cellar2ful]

A few things that I hope to address in the future:
(A) -Black 3/8" pushnuts. All I can find locally are white.
(B)-Refinishing the triangle. A good chunk of the plating is gone.
(C)-Securing the legs. They no longer have a tight fit. Along the way, someone (probably my grandpa) used sheet metal screws to secure them. I may replace the screws, but I'm also open to other recommendations. I just didn't want to use any sort of permanent adhesive in case I need to repair or replace the legs down the road.

Nice job on restoring your Grandpa's kettle.  It's always nice to see sentimental kettles getting some love and respect.

(A) - I can send you a couple of the black 3/8" push nuts.  I'll send you a pm.

(B) - You'll probably find that the cost of having a triangle re-chromed is cost prohibitive. You can search for a used Weber kettle on Craigs List or similar selling site, buy an inexpensive one and then switch out the triangles.  Then you can resell the purchased kettle.  Another fix will be to spray paint the triangle with Rust-Oleum chrome spray paint.  I've had good luck using this method on triangles that are badly rusted and pitted. 

(C) - One little trick that will fix "loose leg syndrome" is to jam a wooden tooth pick or small finishing nail between the leg and the socket. Break off the toothpick once it is jammed in to where there is no longer any movement of the leg in the socket.  If you opt to try this, do the placement of the toothpick or nail on the backside of the leg/socket.   This way it won't be visible if there is any sticking out past the leg socket.

[aharbaugh]

Nice job on restoring your Grandpa's kettle.  It's always nice to see sentimental kettles getting some love and respect.

(A) - I can send you a couple of the black 3/8" push nuts.  I'll send you a pm.

(B) - You'll probably find that the cost of having a triangle re-chromed is cost prohibitive. You can search for a used Weber kettle on Craigs List or similar selling site, buy an inexpensive one and then switch out the triangles.  Then you can resell the purchased kettle.  Another fix will be to spray paint the triangle with Rust-Oleum chrome spray paint.  I've had good luck using this method on triangles that are badly rusted and pitted. 

(C) - One little trick that will fix "loose leg syndrome" is to jam a wooden tooth pick or small finishing nail between the leg and the socket. Break off the toothpick once it is jammed in to where there is no longer any movement of the leg in the socket.  If you opt to try this, do the placement of the toothpick or nail on the backside of the leg/socket.   This way it won't be visible if there is any sticking out past the leg socket.

Thank you! It was a lot of fun. It was his fishing/camping grill, so I'm glad to give it new life.

A) Thank you so much! I could find them in the larger quantities, but not as single pieces.

B) I wondered about the spray paint. Glad to hear that's a viable option.

C) I'll try that! Same trick I used on an antique music stand. Makes sense that it would work here too.

[OkieGirl]

You did a great job! That was some dedication - working around the kids'
Naps, like you did. Grandpa would be proud.

[aharbaugh]

You did a great job! That was some dedication - working around the kids'
Naps, like you did. Grandpa would be proud.

Thanks! The 4yo ended up supervising most days, and the 1yo may have gotten a few extra minutes of playtime in the crib. What part of OK? We moved from Norman almost 2yrs ago. I actually thought I had lost the pan completely after a tornado went over my house.

[OkieGirl]

I'm in Mustang.
You are probably aware - those girls in Norman kicked it at the WCWS World Series and are the National Softball Champions AGAIN.
I'm an OK State fan, but still proud of these Sooners! 

[aharbaugh]

I'm in Mustang.
You are probably aware - those girls in Norman kicked it at the WCWS World Series and are the National Softball Champions AGAIN.
I'm an OK State fan, but still proud of these Sooners! 

Yes!!! My husband was on staff with The Pride of Oklahoma, so we follow all things OU. BOOMER!

[502BBQ]

Nice work! That kettle still has a lot of life in it.

[aharbaugh]

Nice work! That kettle still has a lot of life in it.

Thanks! I REALLY enjoyed the process. I don't know that I'm ready to become a collector yet, but I would be lying if I said I didn't want to do another one. I spend most of my time in the neverending cycle of motherhood, so it was very satisfying to actually see the completion of a project.

[ASpitzer]

The seeds of Weberitis are sown. There's no turning back now. You will be watching for an old kettle sitting at the curb just waiting for your tender care and rehab. Enjoy.

[rich]

Well done!
Congratulations!!

Looking forward your grilling pics.