New owner of an older series 1 24″

Hey everyone.. I just purchased a series 1 24" big joe.. I picked it up for $500 cad but when I showed up the firebox was badly broken. Not just a crack but a large chunk broken out. Everywhere I've searched the fire boxes are out of stock. Has anyone tried making their own out of the little replacements pieces you can get? I've contacted many bbq stores and places are telling me it's a 5 week wait. I will probably just end up ordering one but waiting 5 weeks will eat me alive lol.. Here's a picture of the unit & smashed firebox