I purchased an American branded bbq in 2006 for around 2.4k.

It came with a lifetime warranty on the Aluminium firebox, The lower half of the firebox (hooded) has now softened and bowed and will not support the cooking grids for cooking. 

The local retailer that sold it to me no longer sell my brand as they have moved to webbers. 

I have mailed the nz agent through their web page, No response, I have now messaged them through FB asking how to proceed. currently awaiting a response. 

Due to the time frame, I no longer have my original receipt, but I have all the manuals that state the lifetime warranty of the firebox. other parts are 2-5years. 

Bbq has its own serial number which manufacturer will be able to trace to the retailer I purchased from, Is my lack of proof of purchase a big deal. 

I have read there is no reference in the act to proof of purchase. Is this the case. 

Cheers Jeremy