Well, I got the unit assembled today and it was actually quite easy. Kudos to Brinkmann.
I was missing 1 part, the bolt/end cap, for the smoke stack damper. I can deal with that.
I did the cure burn and had a lot of trouble trying to get it to 250*
The unit felt hotter than the door thermometer said, so I inserted a digital probe thermometer and found at 40* difference. (important lesson with this smoker!) I was able to get it up to 450* without a problem.
The cure also gave me a little experience with heat control. I already understand the smoker better.
I ordered a gasket kit from BBQgaskets.com, but it wasn't here yet. I didn't wait. I got to see alllllllll the leaks. It even puffed smoke from around the rivets on the Brinkmann logo.
I will be doing the sealing when the gaskets, etc., arrive.