I had a locksmith come over and check this out, but he ended up refusing the job. It seems pretty simple to me, but before I wanted to go give it a "try" I figure I would ask just so I have a better idea of options, what can go wrong, and maybe why an expert would refuse this job. I've already asked him about it and the answer was very vague and I don't want to bother him again.

I think I would need to drill a larger diameter hole for the new deadbolt, but the problem might be that the metallic strip doesn't leave enough room for a larger diameter hole.

Is my best solution to remove the metal strip drill the hole and repaint?