Detent plate removal

[SCUMDOG]

Well, got the detent plate out of my '66 column, I can see straight away where it can be improved by putting in a notch where neutral is and notching the reverse position so that the shift lever cannot pull the transmission from reverse into neutral or worse, into drive!!!!

How to:
(1) Remove steering wheel as per manual
(2) Undo 3 screws that hold retaining plate for turn-signal mechanism in place.
(3) Undo screw that holds gear position light in place and remove same
(4) Unscrew turn-signal lever
(5) Undo two 5/16 nuts on base of casing below turn-signl mechanism.
(6) Remove C-clip on steering shaft below splined area. (tricky!)
(7) Reach below steering column behind dash and push upwards on wiring (that is inside a black plastic sleeve) that leads up to top of column, at the same time as doing that GENTLY pull on wiring for turn-signal mechanism until you have 2" or 3" of 'slack'
(8) Gently pry upwards on casting that turn-signal, shifter light etc was originally attached to until you can get to the two bolts holding the detent in place and then remove said detent.

I noticed the plate is painted PINK! any ideas why? also there is NO sign of wear on it.

I'll let y'all know how it goes getting thing back together later on!