Got a grill project in mind - need some input

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I've been wanting to build a smoker/grill for a while.  Most I've seen are just plain old barrel or boxy looking things that lack character.The theme I'm going for is to make it look like a Peterbilt truck.  I'm talking 10 tires, a steerable front axle, twin stacks that the smoke comes out of, and a hidden air tank and horn to signal when it's time to eat.  I'm thinking the hood can house the firebox, accessible by opening the front grill.  The cab / sleeper will be the cooking area obviously, but the part I'm having trouble with is making the exhaust pipe actually look real, because they will be mounted with the elbows below the sleeper.  I think that will cause the smoke to build up in the cooking area too much, and I don't want to open the cooking area only to get blasted with smoke everytime.Has anyone ever seen one of these before?  I've been searching the web for pics. and ideas for days but haven't found anything yet.
Reply:First of all, I love the idea! I hope you go through with it.  Now for the stacks . . . I realize you probably don't want to have a pipe coming out of the sleeper at the top and making a T with the stack as this wouldn't look "authentic" but if disguising it would be acceptable I'd recommend using aero-flares (or whatever they're called) so the upper pipe isn't visible from the side.  If this is unclear I apologize but it's 4am and I'm having trouble sleeping, but if you want me to elaborate I can do my best with pics/sketches.Best of luck to you!MikeConstans Fides et IntegritasLincoln Weldanpower 150 ACAirco Aircomatic MIGet CAV II w/ spoolgunMillermatic 30a wirefeeder
Reply:Originally Posted by BrinkFirst of all, I love the idea! I hope you go through with it.  Now for the stacks . . . I realize you probably don't want to have a pipe coming out of the sleeper at the top and making a T with the stack as this wouldn't look "authentic" but if disguising it would be acceptable I'd recommend using aero-flares (or whatever they're called) so the upper pipe isn't visible from the side.  If this is unclear I apologize but it's 4am and I'm having trouble sleeping, but if you want me to elaborate I can do my best with pics/sketches.Best of luck to you!
Reply:Make the stacks as you envision, but"T" into the stacks at the proper height for smoke flow..  If the stacks are chrome or stainless, and the "T" painted black, it would be pretty unobtrusive, because they stacks would run right up next to the cab.  What are you planning to use for wheels/tires??  What is the overall size of this rig??Here is a small replica of a Garbage Truck BBQ...about the size of a mini-van...The front of a bus..."Good Enough Never Is"MIller AC/DC  ThunderboltHobart HH180, 125EZRiland Cut 40 Plasma oxy/act  outfitTons of "stuff", all treasures to me!
Reply:Originally Posted by hillco  What are you planning to use for wheels/tires??  What is the overall size of this rig??