Ugly Drum Smoker help

[Stuarty84]

Hi guys, I've recently came across the UDS and I love the look of it. So much so that I have decided to try and build myself one! I'm hoping you kind folks could give me a bit of help and advice please?

I've already got the drum. My mate knew a guy who gave me one (He actually gave 2 but I'm just going to pick the best looking one)

PIC OF DRUM - https://www.dropbox.com/s/ais3g8gz78cewsg/DSC_6820.jpg

INSIDE PIC - https://www.dropbox.com/s/f3rvnrxavzln3k8/DSC_6821.jpg

I'm hoping it's the right size. It measures 24" diameter and 34" tall. Is this about right?

I'm not sure about the lid, it is very lightweight and I wouldn't say the drum is airtight when the lid is on. Here's a pic of the lid.

LID PIC - https://www.dropbox.com/s/45dve2g3tiy7d0m/DSC_6822.jpg

AIR TIGHT? https://www.dropbox.com/s/vo0sovank79lopu/DSC_6823.jpg

However it came with a 'lid lock' (as I call it) ring. And when this is placed around the lid, it is sturdy and I would say probably airtight!

LID LOCK - https://www.dropbox.com/s/f1i0azz72vpb35t/DSC_6824.jpg

It could be dangerous trying to get that ring on and off a roasting hot drum though?

Another thing worrying me is the lightweight lid thing. Could it possibly kink or bow due to the heat? Hopefully one of you will know by looking at the pic what type of metal it is and can tell me if it's any good or not? I'm pretty sure it's a different metal to what the actual drum is made from.

I seen a video of a guy using magnetic strips to cover the vents and chimney on his UDS. I will probably do something similar because I want to keep it as simple as possible! I've seen a few temperature gauges on ebay for cheap money, which one would you guys recommend?

The hardest part is going to be the charcoal basket. I'm not really sure how I'm going to go about doing that! I am really struggling to find a grill also! I thought that would be easy, but it's far from it! The only ones I can find are nearly 30 quid! I don't really want to be paying that. Any ideas on that one?

I'm a long way off the basket at the minute anyway. First things first, I need to get her burned out! Looking forward to that lol.

I look forward to your replies guys!

Stu

[Stuarty84]

I've noticed that there is endless american websites with grills of all shapes and sizes for cheap money, but none (that I can find) in the UK!

Grrr