Help! Do I cut it out??

Heres a picture of what i have. I'm changing My Duster over to a 4 speed ..Anyway I cut the hole in the floor to attach the hump and the cross member is there... I'm guessing it stays and the shift and linkage will fit around it??? OR do I cut it out? I really don't have a clue. If I had the tranny I could find out for myself,But I don't and I'll be painting soon and and I want it done before I paint.

duster 062 (Small).jpg