Thanx both to you and the OP of the referenced thread. This is what I ended up doing:
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However, a certain brazen idiot on this forum - since blocked - couldn't seem to understand why I ask questions even about simple things. THIS IS WHY:
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Having zero idea, I ASS-U-MEd that the lock cover simply snaps on. Well, it does, on the bottom. You're supposed to unsnap the bottom FIRST, then lift up so the little top plastic flange that is missing in the above picture doesn't get removed with surgical precision like mine did...
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Replacement fabricated and pop-riveted on. Beats paying Dave's some outrageous amount of money for a new cover, and is tons stronger besides!
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Cover back on, loop bent in end of pushrod. It "should be" possible to do something similar but run the pushrod out the top with a regular car lock knob on it.
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Topside view of rivets - learn from my mistake!