Red 18

[Bbqmiller]

Just picked it up this morning. Not perfect, but it should clean up well. I have been looking for a red and I don't have a 18 in kettle - killed two birds with one stone.
Need an ash tray

Good size chip on lid

Lid vent


Not too much rust and leg sockets look good. I will need some pointers on stuck lower vents - two of them don't move.
I now see why the fuss about these red kettles.

[Bman]

The first thing I try on stuck lower vents ---- fire up the grill!  A lot of times it's a build up of grease that acts as a 'glue' to hold the vent in one position.  With a hot grill, the grease melts and you're able (sometimes) to free it up that way.  But you gotta get to cleaning when it's still free...

[pbe gummi bear]

Nice red! I love the orange peel on the porcelain of the older ones. For the stuck vents I tap on the rivet real lightly to get it to loosen up and try to spin it without bending the metal. It works a lot of the time but if not hit it with some lubricant or penetrating oil. Good luck!

[Bbqmiller]

Thanks for the suggestions. I forgot to mention that I picked it up for $15. Best $15 I have ever spent

[Craig]

Nice pickup!! 

[Bbqmiller]

I assume the current ash catcher being sold will fit an older kettle.

[1911Ron]

Thanks for the suggestions. I forgot to mention that I picked it up for $15. Best $15 I have ever spent

Wow that is a great price! Very nice Redhead!

[1buckie]

 Those things, I think anyway, are thicker & heavier material than most kettles.....
Mine's a tank !!!

That's what I call him...."The Tank"

They hold temp real well for a long time....great find, Happy Camper !!!!

[Harbormaster]

I assume the current ash catcher being sold will fit an older kettle.

You'll need the spring clips to hold it in place, which means taking off the legs to put them on, but it will work.
I would see about finding another old 18 with the period correct "twist on" ash pan.

[Bbqmiller]

I assume the current ash catcher being sold will fit an older kettle.

You'll need the spring clips to hold it in place, which means taking off the legs to put them on, but it will work.
I would see about finding another old 18 with the period correct "twist on" ash pan.

Thanks Harbor - this is my first kettle without the one touch system.

[HankB]

Nice find, particularly at that price! And a sweet looking grill for that age.

I've found that oven cleaner does a pretty good job of softening the gunk under the vent covers. Since they're aluminum I don't soak for a long time and make sure to rinse it out well.

[G]

Beautiful 18....love those rubber treaded whitewalls.  I'll keep my eyes open for a twist ash pan for you................

[Bbqmiller]

Here are some more pics. I hope to start cleaning it up some this week. Always good to have some before pics.
Inside of bowl - just dirty.

Bottom - doesn't look bad, just need to loosen two of the vents.

Wheels in pretty good shape. One missing the plastic hubcap. I suppose it is easier to take the wheels off to clean the triangle.


Triangle needing some straightening out


The man I bought it off had mentioned he had it in recent garage sale and nobody wanted it.

[landgraftj]

Nice pickup! Glad its going to a good home.

[Duke]

Nice one!