Nice project.
I built one myself with the help of my two boys, we had fun building it so now we all have fun with it.
If you can get extra 1/4 plate, go the extra mile and insulate your fire box, trust me it's a nice investement as you'll save fuel, especially if you burn natural charcoal and/or briquetts.
You also can get lots of info right here:
http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/vi...3a5509d16f634f
I have pics of my own build on the above forum if you guys want to see!