GRAND PRIX Auto to manual trans steering colum question/help

I'm converting to a manual transmission, and want to remove the shifter lever on my colum
I've read through the forums and think I've got the right idea on how to do it just wanted to get advice from someone that has already done it.

From what I've read i can remove the shifter arm and do a little bondo/ fiberglass work to cover the hole.
Leave the shifter in the park position so I can remove the keys when it's parked. I've read that some people bend the bracket on the end of the colum and or secure it so it won't move. I was thinking of just cutting it off, and putting a little tack weld on it.
Would that be a problem?
My reverse and back up lights will be coming from the new transmission, and the switch on the clutch pedal will keep it from staring in gear.
Is there anything else im overlooking?
Thank you

Thanks for the replies and the insight.

Texas82GP said:

On my brother's Camaro, we just built a little plate that attaches to the column where the column shift neutral safety switch goes. We included a small tab that points inward into the column to prevent the lower collar from rotating (keeps it in park). I don't remember if we cut the arm off or not.

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Good info Texas82GP