Questions on using old porpane tank for a pit?

[junior]

Im building a pit from an old propane tank. My first concern is how to get the propane smell out from the tank? My second concern is how to get the inside of the tank cleaned out and rid of the rust? My third question is on the outside it's painted silver, will I need to sand all that off, then re-paint it, or just paint over the silver paint? Also, where can I find the material to make the cooking grates or racks?
Thanks,
Todd

[Papa Tom]

No expertise here but I would remove the silver paint and repaint with the new heat resistant paint check at Sherwin Williams. As for the odor just burn it out with your pear burner or build a fire in the tank. The expanded steel mesh should be available from any iron merchant.

[OSD]

Have you cut the tank yet?? That can be a very dangerous thing if you don't know how to do it right. Best advise is to have someone that knows what they are doing cut the tank open.

[DATsBBQ]

Im building a pit from an old propane tank. My first concern is how to get the propane smell out from the tank? My second concern is how to get the inside of the tank cleaned out and rid of the rust? My third question is on the outside it's painted silver, will I need to sand all that off, then re-paint it, or just paint over the silver paint? Also, where can I find the material to make the cooking grates or racks?
Thanks,
Todd

Make sure you get all the propane out first! Propane is heavier than air so maybe turn the thing upside down?

Papa's right, remove the paint. Sandblasting would be easier than grinding I would think/

[OSD]

Just turning the tank over won't get the gas out. the tank, even if it has been empty for years and upside down can still explode. It has to be filled with liquid soap and water and washed several times and cut with water in the tank or purged with an inert gas and cut. If you aren't sure, let someone that knows make the cuts to open that tank.

[DATsBBQ]

Heres a link on how do it from the Arizona BBQ Association

Propane Tank Smoker Plans
http://www.azbbqa.com/docs/SmokerPlans.pdf
Be careful when cutting a used propane tank. People die doing this.
Pit building photos: http://www.compuvices.com/smoker.shtml

Be safe, don't want you to blow yourself up.

[Papa Tom]

What they said. I made an assumption (shame on me) that since you were wanting to remove the odor that you already had the tank open.

[junior]

Sorry, forgot to mention the tank has allready been cut. I have the doors cut, and on hinges; and the end is cut for the firebox. the firebox will be attatched this weekend. Once the firebox is attatched, we'll mount it on the trailer, attach the smoke stack, handles, and all the other little things to finish it up!

[Gator]

sand blast it?

[nascarchuck]

Can't hand out any advice here, but... when it's done, we expect to see some pics!!!

[DJ]

Fill tank and purge propane with water.....think the first cut is made while still full of water....did not check the site, but must say how......good luck and stay safe!
dj

[JamesB]

Can't hand out any advice here, but... when it's done, we expect to see some pics!!!

No No NO! We don't want to wait for it to be done to see pics... I want to see pics of the build too!

James.

[nascarchuck]

Can't hand out any advice here, but... when it's done, we expect to see some pics!!!

No No NO! We don't want to wait for it to be done to see pics... I want to see pics of the build too!

James.

True! What was I thinking! My mistake!

[CJATE]

once it's "done" pull it to a sand blaster, get him to blast the whole thing inside and out. will get rust and paint.

a good seasoning will get rid of "odor" don’t cook on it until odor is gone.

[junior]

I know this was awhile ago. My first pit was coming along great, till someone stole it! I had it about 1/2 way done when they decided they needed it! Now I'm starting over. I bought a 250 gal tank, and just got the doors cut. My buddy that helps me with the welding just had back surgery so the rest is on hold for awhile!