Based on the serial number and Weber's site, I believe it is a Weber Genesis 1100. The only bummer is it hasn't been used in 2 years and needs some TLC. The cast iron cook grates are the worst. Lots of rust. I have been using a wire wheel in a cordless drill and it has taken the surface flakes off, but I think I'm gonna need to try something more aggressive. I am leaning towards a 60-80 grit flap wheel in my angle grinder. What do y'all suggest? I know I can buy new grates, but I wanna keep it as cheap as possible since it was free. I know I'll prolly need a new gas line but hoping to salvage the grates. Ideas?

sandblast them if you can

yeah i thought of that but the only person with a sand blaster I know is a 14 hours drive away

Buy new grates.......


Tbar

If they are true cast iron,,do em just like a cast iron skillet,build you a fire outside,and throw em in it!Leave em in there til the fire burns down,then take em out,let them cool on there own,wipe em off with a rag,the wipe em down with a rag soaked in cooking oil,make sure you give em a good coating. Should be good to go!

X2

I like this idea. Since I don't have a place I can build a fire to put the grates in, do you think an oven as high as it will go, 500, would work the same? I'm thinking no cause its not as hot.

Well to start they were hit with a wire wheel on my cheap cordless drill. That knocked the big stuff off. Now they're in the oven on self clean to see if that helps.

So the self clean worked great! Just the lightest surface rust left. I've been using my angle grinder with a quick strip wheel and it works well. BUT!!!, can i season the grates well if there is a little surface rust in the places I cant get to? It wont be spotless for sure. Will surface rust under the seasoning affect the flavor or life of the grates?