If it is a compliance issue......they are a chasis modification anyhow. Why not cut them out, grind the welds off, finish your compliance and then fabricate a proper set the way that you want them?
i did think of that but down here you have a cert tag fitted to the vehicle once its modified and has passed inspection. these are checked every time the car goes in for a warrant of fitness (saftey inspection) due to it being old than 2001 thats every 6 months so id get caught out sooner or latter someone would notice them not being on the tag.