OK I finally found a company that will work with me to build headers that fit my 69 with A/C, PS, and Fastburn heads. (Nobody makes a raised D port header to fit a 69 with A/C). This is an old experienced company that primarily builds high quality performance racing headers and several headers for street use. They've been great to deal with. Very straight forward, no BS. I won't mention the name until the headers are in and I see how they fit and perform. The problem is this. They have informed me that the header they make for the driver side that will work with power steering will interfere with the reverse lockout lever that is part of the steering column. I don't really need the lever since I converted from 4 speed to 200-4R. Here are my options.
1. Cut the lever off- would be tough to switch back to 4 speed
2. Bend the lever over- might break off if bent back to restore 4 speed
3. Change columns- spendy.
Opinions please

4. wait until you get the headers to see if you need to cut anything.

usually the headers interfere with the rod going to the arm on the column, not the arm itself.

You probably know that the lever must be rotated all the way to the UP position in order for you to rotate the lock cylinder all the way to OFF-LOCK. The OFF-LOCK position also allows you to remove your ignition key.

Even if the lever is removed, the shift tube inside the steering column still needs to be rotated all the way counterclockwise (viewed from the driver position) for the same reason.

One question, do you have a neutral start/backup light switch attached directly to a floor shifter with your 200-4R? Some switches are mounted on the steering column and are activated by the motion of the lower lever.

This link will take you to a paper that describes everything you ever wanted to know about steering column/transmission shift interlock systems.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/StrgColumnTransInterlockSystems.doc

Neutral safety switch and backup light switch are on the B&M shifter so that's not the issue. The issue is the lever physically interferes with the #7 tube. These guys have been building headers since the early 60's. I believe them when they say it will in interfere. Just thought I'd see if anyone had a creative idea. Thanks for the link on column info. Can't have too many sources.