Steering column fab

I was piecing together steering parts for my CJ3A. I had a complete late model CJ column and linkage but wanted to use the stock old steering wheel. I cut the old shaft a couple inches below the steering wheel spline, cut the late model column shaft near the top, turned down the late model shaft so a portion of it fit up in the 3A spline section. I inserted these together, welded the joint and drilled a hole through the joint of the 2 columns and pinned the 2 together as well. I had to buy a new column housing and could only find stainless in the right size, the shiny part in the photo. I then leafed through the Mcmastercarr catalog to find the bearings in the photo. I couldnt find a tapered roller bearing of the right size so ended up with the roller bearing and thrust bearing (blue) in the photo. The collar on the shaft positions the washer which rides on the bearings. The bearing is supported in the column by 2 studs welded in the sides, visible in the photo. Downside is the little stud welds on the side of the column, I may be able to hide those behind the turn signal. After finishing the welding I did find some tubing which would have pressed down into the column to give me support for the roller bearing w/o the welds, but to late.