Actually it's not going under my desk, Raustyk claimed that spot years ago. lol (I bring all my dogs to work with me). He's getting his own space along a wall.

Since I work in the automotive business I spoke to a bunch of auto body people. One guy inparticular did a lot of research and just now finally got some answers. (figures right after I post about it, after researching for weeks lol).
The metal can be sandblasted & he found some pet safe paint. He's going to sandblast & paint it for me.
The puppy will only be in his crate some of the times & I will be right next to him so I can be extra safe & make sure he doesn't chew or lick it.

Just to be on the safe side he's gonna test a small sopt on the bottom (under the tray), and if he's not happy with the results he will leave it.
In that case your reply comes in awful handy (THANK YOU), i'll get a cover made for it.