Can I save my BBQ?

[ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets]

I have a really nice gas BBQ (not a stealth boast, I rescued it from a skip!) and when I've gone to get it out of the shed, the lid is really rusted. It won't affect how it works but it doesn't look very nice.
Is there anything I can do?

Doesn't anyone care about my BBQ?
Not that ill probably need it now given that its forecast rain for the next week

I just asked my husband who is the BBQ king. he says, and I quote...

you have to get rid of the rust so would need to grind it back to bare metal and then paint it with heat proof paint (found in auto stores. often called muffler paint.

I suspect that is not the answer you were hoping to hear.

if it is rusty, it is presumably made of plain steel and the maker's paint has burned off leaving bare metal which will rust outdoors or in damp conditions.

you could wire-brush the loose stuff and apply Kurust from a car accessory shop, it kills the rust and leaves a black finish which you can then paint. however, yes, few paints will be truly heatproof; those that are will be very expensive.

you can get silver heat-resisting paint but it will not stand up to a red-hot barbie, it is meant for hot pipes. If you are willing to leave the lid open while cooking, and only close it afterwards, a cheaper black household paint will do. Don't apply paint or chemicals to the inside as they may taint the food.

You can get black stove paint but it is intended for indoor use and is not rustproof.

You can buy RustOleum BBQ paint (black) on amazon link here
I've no idea how good it is or not but is a relatively cheap solution which mainly relies on your elbow grease to prepare it.