Tremec TKX first cuts

My preference is to have something for an upper brace. I showed one of many ways to do it. The hooker cross member part uses 1/2 "material over the top also I believe.
My hydraulic clutch kit as well as transmission came from SST. SST swapped out the throw out bearing collar before shipping the transmission.
I mocked up my transmission with bench seat. The shifter clears the seat mounted in the rear position also. I may slightly bend the lever later.