Neaux,
If you can swing $599, the 1150 pro series at lowes has the clean out tray on the bottom, a controller that can be updated for 25° increments between 200° - 300°, and a little more cooking area.
KP33,
The drip pan/ sear plate that goes from left to right has a compound radius with the left hand being larger, the right hand being tighter. Also it is sloped down being lower on the right.
So as you move his shield on the X axis, the gap between his shield increases or decreases the gap...
If I was to do that, I would weld to the bottom, then fill in the slots on the top side so there was a congruent surface the entire length of the top side of the drip pan.
Honestly, if going through all that, I would just fabricate a new one out of 12ga 304 stainless and be done with it
Wish there was an optional drip tray that is completely solid, no slots, no sliding piece, for the people who just want a dedicated smoker without searing features