What to do with hollow pickles?

[flanksteak]

I was poking around in my crock today when I saw that all the very large pickles I had put in there were totally soft or hollow in the middle. I was thinking: Cut up the remains of the hollow pickles and mix with onion, peppers, spices etc. and make a pickle relish. Should I let this sit out for a few days? Make a brine? Add more salt? How next do I proceed with my vision? :)

Also, How many pounds of cabbage does it take on average to fill a 5 gallon crock?

Thanks!!