And here we are, new signal switch in a '71 tilt column.. Nope!

[MAC71Cheyenne]

Easy peasy day of installing the real truck wheel and found out signal switch was junk. Basically came apart.
Have a new switch so no problem, nope.
Because of the junker I just cut the wire from the half moon plug n pulled everything out. Going to wire the new and the half moon connector doesn't fit unto the wire run for the tilt. The first column cover is off but can't figure the tapered shift lever cover removal. Column is in a neutral position. All levers are removed. The only other way I see is to pull the pins in the half moon but trying a dozen different approaches I've struck out with that too.
Lots of search time reveals noting specific other than try this...
I would prefer not to but would disconnecting the column shift mechanism to the transmission on the engine side of the firewall allow the 'bucket' to slide down the column a bit to make room for the half moon?
Tilt lever is in the pics trying different angles.