Firewall Master Cylinder Bracket Question

[tsmith8]

Is the original bracket under the dash spot welded to the dash around the steering column mount?

I have been fighting with it and can't see any reason why it won't separate. I even cut the bracket apart with a small cut off wheel and removed the pics that were spot welded to the firewall, so i am only dealing with the dash/steering column area. It is to the point I am considering cutting the bracket away and leaving the piece that is attached to the dash.