what do you make of this?

if anyone wants to see the original file that can be enlarged, send me your email and I will send and a few others of the car over. The car is not located close to me so I can go see myself. I would usually hire someone to do the dirty work for me, but I am hesitant on this one.

looking at that pic you can actually see the retaining clip. doesn't look to be welded to me. looks like a tar like crap all over. maybe a melted under coat?