F1 steering in a Model A

[PeteVS]

I'm working with the Bishop-Tardel book and it's time to tackle the steering box modifications. Bishop-Tardel recommends cutting the flanges off both the Model A box and the F1 box and then welding the A flange onto the F1 box. I'm kind of leery about doing that and having the sector shaft getting frozen up. I'm wondering if maybe I should take the F1 box to a machinist to turn the flange off the F1 box leaving the sleeve intact the full length. I could then machine a new flange and weld that to the box. Or, I'm thinking I could just trim the F1 flange to fit into the A frame and figure out a new bolt pattern and drill to frame and flange together. Any experience here or thoughts one way or another?
Thanks!