Steering column fix

I need to mod my column to fit a big block in my car and found the 2 threads that detail how to eliminate the column shifter in the interior, but they show no detail on how to eliminate the engine compartment side of the shift stuff...

My car -
71 Demon
383 big block/727
Hedman B body headers
Manual steering
column shift auto originally going to a Hurst auto shifter on the floor

Other how to threads
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=258519

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=104306&highlight=Shift+indicator+removal

(Also found a recent thread that says the sleeve (column shift parts) can be cut off)

So my question is how do/can I remove the column shift rod/sleeve from the engine compartment side of the column so my headers will fit..