Advice needed on outer suspension perch/console Options

[doug_b_928]

I think that I'm best off to remove the outer suspension perch/console, but want to consult with the brain trust here. Here's a pic of the situation:



There is rust close to the perch, but the metal around it and on the left side of it passes the puncture test. I have the RD outer wheelhouse replacement piece and have been planning to remove the perch and use the whole piece. This seems like the best solution to ensure strength. However, when I removed the schutz on the perch I realized that it has wings/flanges that overlap the inner suspension perch, which looks very strong. It would appear to be very difficult to remove the whole piece. The few pics I can find suggest that people cut straight down the pinch weld line rather then removing the wings/flanges. It also appears that some have had a difficult time getting the perch off as I found one or two pics where they look a bit mangled after removal. Here's a pic of where I'd cut it if I go that route:



Removing would allow me to use the whole RD piece and give better access for cleaning up the inside. In the pic of the inside below, there is some rust repair needed but if I were to cut about an inch away from the perch on the outside I think I'd have sufficient access to replace the metal on the inside.



So, with that background, I'd like to know from those who have experience with this whether the benefits of removal of the perch outweigh the costs. How difficult is it to remove the perch without damaging it?