Tailgate chain eyelet removal

[TxCajun]

I'm working to remove the tailgate chain hardware. I thought that the chain eyelet in the picture below would just come off when I removed the bolts. However, it remains firmly attached on both ends of the tailgate.

I don't see any obvious welds to be cut. Anyone know a simple way to remove this eyelet without buggering up the tailgate?

(I don't plan to retain this chain eyelet. I'm removing it so that I can install some '98 S10 latches and do away with the chains.)

Thanks!