Monday, April 20, 2009

Pimp My Oil Tank Vol. 1

So after three years of living in Iowa, in our very first home together as a married couple, Mary-Jane and I have decided that we must remove the super-old heating oil tank that had been last used at the same time that carrier pigeons were the main form of long distance communication (give or take a few years). This huge ugly beast of pale yellowness had recently began leaking a little more than I prefer (yet it is empty---so we were told), and I've decided the cost of Oil-Dri is now quite worth it (Neither is the nasty stink that wafts from the old oil). So, my good friend Ben and I were taking a look at the leak and he asked if we had considered removing it. I replied yes, but had not really taken the time, and wasn't sure I has all the correct tools to take things apart without damaging anything, but he felt certain he and I could do it.

He also said he could take it to the dump on his trailer for me, or might know someone that would recycle it or use it and maybe pay a couple of bucks for it. Part of me wanted to say, "Heck yeah, get that hunk of junk out of here for good!" However, a part of me also remembered how cool I thought it would be to turn this sucker into a nice, large smoker that I could attach axles and wheels and maybe a hitch to, so that it would be mobile. Just as I began to answer Ben, he said to my surprise, "Y'know, this thing would make a cool smoker!" At that point, I felt that the destiny of this old oil tank was set...We would take this hunk of junk and rebuild it into the ultimate barbecuing machine...

And so begins the first portion of this transformation tonight, as we attempt to remove the oil tank from my basement and load it on to Ben's trailer to be taken out to EIBC where the next volume of Pimp My Oil Tank will tank place...with hopefully explosive (but not damaging results). Be sure to tune in next time for more revealing details of the features and changes that will be designed for this outdoor cooking creation(with pictures to follow!)