I did this twice already, and it works great. I cut the piece that holds the shifter lever as close as possible to the column body. I grind it just below level. I JB WELD a piece of steel bent to look kind of like a big staple (if you can picture that) and glue that into the hole just short of flush. Then, using short-strand fiberglass body filler, shape the whole area with a couple coats, using 220 grit between coats. I feather the repair area a good 3 inches into the non-damaged area. I use the fiberglass bondo because it doesn't shrink in high heat (interiors of cars routinely get 120 degrees at a car show, or parked in the sun), and is very strong and will NOT crack. Prime and paint, and you're good to go!