Want to save this old Kettle - bad finish...what to do?

[K Sims]

I plan to save an older model Weber. I guess it's from the 80s, but that's really just a wild guess. I have no idea.

As you can see...she's an older model and has certainly been used (prob slightly abused), but she is still structurally sound. Not a lot of dents or any real rust except maybe at the base of the handle on the lid. I've cooked on her already (bone in ribeyes) and she's still able to produce good food (not shocked). Now I just need to take the time to restore all the bits and replace some rusted out bolts (on the daisy wheels).

There's a strange graying to the entire thing...maybe from age...I'm not sure. I don't know what I should do because I didn't want to repaint. I wonder if this weird discoloration will buff out. Anyone ever dealt with this?

You can really see the spots in this pic..

 

[Craig H]

What letter is on the lid damper? Right below the "WEBER" logo. That will determine the age of your kettle.

 

[K Sims]

Can't tell from the pics but it looks like 2 letters. I'll have to check when I get home.

What years had the 3 daisy wheels on bottom and wooden handles? Or is that too broad of a question?

Any advice on the spotty finish?

 

[Timothy Hoffman]

Just off hand this looks like a mid-late 90's model. Anyway it is in pretty good shape and will serve you well for a number of years. Welcome to the club.

 

[Lawrence M.]

My 98 kettle I got for free has the spotting as well and it doesnt go away. If you rub it with soap and 0000 steel wool it removes most of the crud on the outside including alot of the rust staining. That kettle still has alot of life left in it!

 

[Kevin L (NKY)]

First I would wash it with a good dish soap then dry it and inspect the thing for rust a chips, repair any chips with touch up paint. Then polish the rest and it should come out looking like new. They are really strong and can take some pretty good abuse and still come back to life.
Kevin