Need some BBQ modification help and advice

Hey guys! I'm new and VERY happy to be here! I've been BBQ'ing for a long time, and smokin' for about as long. I've always been a fan of a vertical 55 gallon drum smoker. Over the years I've gone from straight barrel to modified versions and I'm currently on my latest and greatest version, and I'm in need of some help and/or ideas for modifications.

Here's what I have so far:

1. 55 gallon barrel (duh)
2. bottom door in said barrel for move ash around
3. a farming disc modified with vents and fabricated to be removable and elevated from the bottom of the barrel for the coals (because it's iron, it's a great heat synch too guys)
4. 2/3rds up the barrel welded ledge for grill grate
5. 2/3rds up the barrel a BBQ thermometer
6. at the top, three U cut notches to hold re-bar rods for either hanging meat on hooks or to hold a top grill grate
7. Flat Barrel lid that fits securely for optimum cooking control

Here's what I need help with

1. VENTING! I'd like to put at least two vents at the bottom. In the past I've just used ball vales, which work fine, but I'd to use something that looks a little "cleaner". What I'd really like is either stainless steel or iron sliding vents, but the trick is, the barrel is round, cylindrical, and I can't find ANYTHING that will vent a curved surface! Ideas?
2. I also want to modify the flat top lid with a vent as well, I think a basic vent would work fine, round, flat vent...but open to other ideas or thoughts here as well
3. Domed Lid Modification! For those of you who are also a fan of the 55 gallon drum vertical smoker, you will know that a standard weber domed lid ALMOST covers the top to make a tight fit, but it doesn't. I've read a bunch of places that if I install an iron, metal or stainless ring just inside the 23 inch inside diameter of my barrel that it will create a lip that will be perfect for my domed lid. I LOVE this idea, but I CANNOT FIND WHERE TO BUY THIS SIZE RING ANYWHERE! Thoughts? Location? I can get a wine barrel ring that might work, but I really want this to look more slick that ramshackle. thoughts? Advice? Help!
4. Lastly, a new Weber lid...does anyone have a source for these? I guess it doesn't' have to be weber, but I can't find a source for any domed BLACK lids anywhere help?!?!?!?!

I'm happy to pay for services, or buy what I'm looking for, but my biggest problem is I can't FIND what I'm looking for to buy nor can I find anyone to help me fabricate it if that's what I need to do!

I hope some of you guys can help me here...entering my first local competition next month, and really want to look like I have a professionally done smoking rig, not just some old burnt out barrel I'm cooking food in!

"Some guys source the sliding vent from BGE's"

What is BGE? Website?