I don't know why guys get so concerned about this in a car they only put a few miles on in perfect weather. Your risk of a collision is minimal at this point in the car's life. Personally I wouldn't be afraid to throw a quick tack in there - only one - with a mig just to hold it in place. It would shear if necessary.

FWIW they sell steering kits for hotrods using similar rods and tubing. They use nothing in those at all. Its quite possible the factory put those in there for no other reason than to hold the parts in position for installation on the assembly line.