Dash Hump for Column Question

[Jamon]

Greetings, I've been a reader of the sight for years but just recently signed up. I've ready many threads and there are some amazing and talented people here, what a great community! you have my respect! Some background, and my question is at the end.
I've had a C10 (former army truck although) that I've had since 1985, it was my first car and a father / son project we built in 85-87 (I was a helper / learner to my talented father who passed away way too young in 1989). Some from her past, then some more glorious days in the late 1980's and one in its current state last month. It's been in hibernation since 1992. Although my taste has changed and I prefer more originality nowadays (ie grill, interior and whatnot) I have to say our console in 1986 was way ahead of it's time (at that time it had an automatic TH400, we put in a Muncie Rock Crusher) close ratio and I always regretted it as it's just not a "smooth driver".
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Even though I lack time, money & space - I want to put in a stock LS motor and refresh it. When I bought it OK it was a 6cyl civilian vehicle, but had been an upper midwestern army vehicle so full of rust when I got it (we patched in floor boards, incorrectly fiberglassed holes in cab corners, did rocker and cab supports correctly, And now I discovered under the cowl rust) so there is plenty to do...
As I ponder the re-build and options (floor / vs. column shift, etc), we were on a limited budget in the day and my dad hacked in a Monte Carlo tilt column that required him to cut out the steel hump in the dash since it was much thicker than the original that the column sits just below and the arch in the dash bezel sits on top of.

See picture.
MY QUESTION IS does anyone know if this "hump" or "arch" in the dash for the columnwas spot welded in or bolted in to the dash, or part of continuous steel? I'd like to go back and put that arch back in and a more appropriate column. Thanks for any insight.

Mike H