The 1978 Weber Charcoal grill is identified by lid vent with the modern embossed or “raised” WEBER logo. The turn tab on the lid vent is large and now matches the turn tabs on the bowl vents. 
This is the style of lid vent used today.
Wheel style used from 1977-present.
The ash catchers on the kettles of ’78 are twist on style with the thin straight edge.
Changes in 1978
Two new colors were introduced in the fall of ’78, Dark Blue and Dark Green. It was the late 70s and by year’s end the brighter, carefree colors of the early and mid 1970s of yellow and key lime green were on their way out and bolder, richer colors like dark blue and dark green were on their way in. On the lid vents, “MADE IN U.S.A” was added for the first time. Just below the patent number, 3538906. Grills made in 1978 were shipped with 1977 parts lists which did not include dark blue or dark green parts numbers but still included lime green and yellow which were still available through the summer of 1978.
Colors / Sizes / Models of Weber charcoal grills available in 1978
The 80000 Series – 26.75″ Kettle
- Jet Black
- Red
- Chocolate
The 70000 Series – 22.5″ Kettle
- Jet Black
- Red
- Chocolate
- Yellow†
- Lime Green†
- Dark Blue*
- Dark Green*
The 30000 Series –18.5″ Kettle
- Jet Black
- Red
- Chocolate
- Yellow†
- Lime Green†
- Dark Blue*
- Dark Green*
* Indicates new colors introduced at the end of 1978.
† Colors discontinued at the end of 1978.
[cgview id=15 tags=1978 lightbox=0]