Pig cooker/grill

[big1664]

I am converting an oval fuel tank to a pig cooker/grill and wanted to getan opinion.  I am afraid the bottom will burn through.  Should I put something in the bottom to stop this?  If so what should I use?

 

[tucson bbq fan]

I would recommend a heavy duty grate cut to fit a few inches above the bottom of the tank.  Your coals go on the grate, and hot ashes fall onto the bottom of the tank - much less worry about burning through than actual hot coals on the bottom - plus, it lets you get an air flow under the coals to feed oxygen to them.  You could cut a small door on the end below the grate level to regulate how much air you let in, hence regulating the temperature.  If the grate starts to burn through after many uses, you just replace it.