GRAND PRIX Auto to manual trans steering colum question/help

[Happy camper]

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

 

[pagrunt]

My first column I used for my conversion was a floor shift one out of an '86. All I did was cut off the lower shifter arm. Now since I have an actual manual shift column I regret cutting it as it could still be useful for someone else after I correct that cut. For now it's in reserve for a just in case situation.