1980 Blue with double rivet side handles

[harris92]

[Thin Blue Smoke]

That is SHARP! Thanks for posting that.

Harris, don't you also have a red that you know is from 1973 but has large tabs on the bottom?  I was curious about that because conventional wisdom has the large tabs starting later.....  Not to sidetrack this but is there Anything else you can share on that one? Are they original?

[MacEggs]

Interesting .. very nice!  Handles appear to be in great shape.

Now ... what year was the last for MBH kettles? Or did they offer both, or just phased them out?
Only reason I ask is that I have a 1979 (A code) with MBH. Curious 'n' all ... 

[harris92]

Yes, about two months ago I became friends with an agent outside of any forum.  He and his wife travel a multi state region buying hidden treasures and reselling them.  He picked up this red for me at a yard sale for $40.  He bought it from the original owner.  The owner told the agent he received the grill for his birthday in December 1973.  Maybe he has his years mixed up?  That was a long time ago. Anyway - it has a small tab on top and large tabs on the bottom.

[Thin Blue Smoke]

That is another awesome grill!  Thanks for posting. I can't tell, can you confirm if it has a patent number on the top vent? You know with Weber it seems to be somewhat of a pot luck as to what ends up on some of the grills at different times.  I enjoy trying to figure some of it out and you have some great samples!

[Craig]

That's a nice looking '80 blue. Must have had an overrun of "B" stamp vents or a "late '80" since 1980 was the last MBH year.    At any rate, its super sharp! I've been thinking about your red since you first shared it, it has the specs of what I'm thinking is a 1975 kettle. Maybe late '74 at the oldest... I'm thinking that if Weber's fiscal/model year begins in October, then they must begin switching to the following model years specs but not w/o using up previous parts..... which would account for overlap in certain kettles vent tabs, ash pans, wheel styles etc.

[AZ_MIKEY]

Just wow what a beautiful kettle! Thanks for sharing that. Oh and BTW I am very envious of that.

[harris92]

Here is a pic of the top vent and a bottom vent of the red weber.

[Thin Blue Smoke]

Man you have some clean kettles! Thanks for putting up those extra pics!

[Golly]

Oh so effin sweet Harris 

[Weber MD]

Those grills are stunning.  Thanks for sharing pics with us.

[1911Ron]

That's a nice looking Blue and the Redhead ain't to shabby either!

[Duke]

No doubt, sweet grills!

[ViciousGame]

Those look immaculate.

[Harbormaster]

Now ... what year was the last for MBH kettles? Or did they offer both, or just phased them out?
Only reason I ask is that I have a 1979 (A code) with MBH. Curious 'n' all ... 

Well, I have a "B" stamped (1980) black MBH, so they were making MBHs until at least then.

Harris, those are two freaking gems my friend.