just had to mess with it

New problems; just keep going backwards.
Got it swapped over from a 3 speed manual, to a built 727. Me and a bud, 2 hours.
Got a custom driveshaft built; 1 day; $371 out the door.
Then I decided to install the Summit motor mounts, which have clips to hold the engine down, even if the rubber tears. They are 1 1/2" high- My old shot ones were 1 1/4 " high, using a 1/4" shim, so the headers would clear.
Now, The header, driver, is hung on the column locking arm. See pic.
Now, how to cut that lever off, that used to lock the column (70 Duster manual) the easy way? I tried welding it locked back to the column, but it seems to be crap metal the column is made of-don't trust the look of the weld.

column.JPG