Gary,
I dig the ash picking up moisture and rotting out the bottom of the fire box, been there, done that on my little offset.
The brick wouldn't be permanently installed, just layed in to reflect more heat upward and to increase the temps inside the firebox, less heat loss through bottom of box. The firebrick on top will hopefully work the same way but gradually heating up and holding a steadier heat for cook top use.
Thanks Dutch,
I got a bit heavy on the rub but other then that they where great. I froze most of them right after the foil so I could heat up on the grill and not dry them out.
I really need to learn to go light on the rub, no matter how good the rub is to much takes away from the smoke and taste of the meat.