Here's my Ranch Kettle in all it's glory.
I had a ring rolled and welded together for it: 1/8" plate, 12" high, with 1/4" round bar around the top.
3 coats of high heat primer.
6 coats of high heat black satin.
Drilled holes for the rebar that holds the extra racks, and/or future rotisseries.
Used a nomex gasket to help keep the lid from getting scratched on the ring.
Added 2 heavy duty gate handles to the side.
Marked and cut out 2 expanded metal racks.
Starting to come together now.
Voila!