Well I think I've officially beaten this problem to death...
After cutting off the tabs I still wasn't comfortable with just welding back on...what if the mixer tube was still tight?? So after a night of thought, I thought it was best to make the adjustments with the mixer tube in place. So I made a couple of slip rings by using 1 1/4" ID pipe and welded on a small flange to the end to serve as a bearing surface. My original plan was to fasten the slip ring with 4 stainless steel rivets but after drilling the 1/8" holes I changed my mind and enlarged two of the holes on each side to accommodate a AN3-16 bolt..and put stainless rivets in the other two. Having the ability to "choose" the location of the slip rings made my previously way too tight flap control, smooth as silk.
My research told me this is not an uncommon problem...if you have the issue, I highly recommend dealing with it now...things get very tight in that area, the more you progress.
