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You are on the right track on the way to weld the vent shut. I was going to remove the rubber and leave the linkage down and locked until the round stock rod was welded all the way around. Then we just decided new seals and adjusting the linkage would work and if the a/c ever quits I won't die of heat stroke before it is back on line.
Randy you know I have seen your welding on that bed and I think your welding will be fine, don't sell yourself short.