Just picked up a Red 22 1/2" kettle (E.O. = 1995) and a black Mastertouch (?) (P = 1993; two wood handles on the base plus four-hole air vents). $35 for both, which for Alaska is a pretty good deal. Just not the population as in the lower 48.

The Red kettle base has a couple dings that I need to repaint. Don't know if it is a good idea to try and pound out or not. Waiting to hear from Brian M. about his experiences.

Very excited about finding a couple older models (especially the red one) here in AK. Mostly just see new stuff for too much $$ or lots and lots of Brinkman rejects.

Eric, Sounds like a nice score. My Blue Master Touch has the wood handles (2 on the kettle one on the lid) and the Thermometer in the lid handle is the give away that it's a Master Touch.

Nice going Eric! I wouldn't try to pound out any dings on the kettles, it is pretty fragile and splinters and chips easily, making it even worse. I just tried to blend the paint into the chips and dings then used a little steel wool to even it out. They won't be perfect, but from a distance you don't notice it. If you plan to keep them for yourself its worth the time to clean them up. FYI I used some Meguiars Mirror Glaze #7 to rub them out and the color just pops out and they really shine. Good luck!

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/100_2310.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/100_2311.jpg
http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t310/swamprb/100_2312.jpg

Bryan and Brian - thank you for you responses.

Bryan - the wood handles are as you described, but I didn't see a place for a thermometer in the handle. There is a thermometer in the lid but I think that was a user mod. I'll have to look more closely, but its probably not a Mastertouch. Either way, I'm still happy with the purchase.

Brian - thanks for the refurbish tips. Once it warms up so I do the work outside I will clean and shine it up.

The red grill must have been a promo item as it has a label for Alaska Seafood painted within the porcelain coating. It is a nice matching grill for my old Genesis 1 which is also red. I'm just amazed at how long Weber products hold up.