I would try the weed burner first since you have one. It worked like a champ on my second one (first I burned with lumber = PITA). Weedburner, light soapy scrub with 3M pads and washed was way easier. Also takes care of the paint on the outside.
I am going to hit it with the weed burner just to see what happens. If it just falls off I may go that route. But I called a sand blasting place and he said sure no problem, building a smoker? haha guess its not a secret anymore. Said $25, done a bunch. paid $15 for the drum so probably be worth it huh?
Well, now I have another decision. I was looking through my notes and completely forgot about a local place that sells reconditioned drums. I called them and for an unlined (but outside painted) drum and lid its $23. For a bare unlined and unpainted drum its $13 with lid.
I know my weber lid probably wouldnt fit anymore like it does the one I have now, paying $25 for sandblasting and already $15 in the current barrel, I should probably re-sell it and get the one ready to use and save money in the end.
@ J-rod - The main reason for the weber lid is having 2 grates. I am planning to make the drum lid and weber lid usable for the smoker. When I need 2 shelves use weber, all other times use drum lid. I will just see how it goes with the weber lid, if I dont like it I wont use it, nothing lost there it was free.
My Weber lid fit like a glove on my 30-gallon drum, which I believe is a standard size.