Wow, that is a tremendous clean-up / restore!! A very under-rated cooker, IMO. Nice first cook-up.
Using the snake / fuse method, I have cooked a butt, and also a brisket flat. Turned out great.
If you want to do low'n'slow, I recommend putting a small amount of foil under the cooking grate right by the intakes.
Wrap it around the open wire area by each handle. This will help direct airflow to the charcoal. Got this tip from
@MrHoss , and it works great.
That handle could be saved … A light sanding with extra fine sandpaper. Apply some tung oil.
However, I went with a custom mahogany
@zavod44 handle. Adds a little extra class to the Outrider.