74 Charger Ignition Switch - Column Shift

I found a hot spot on the blue wire on the ignition switch plug. There was a cut on the blue wire exposing the copper. I want to either repair the switch pigtail and plug, or replace the switch. How do I get the old ignition switch out of the column without removing the column from the car? I've disconnected the steering coupler from steering box, and slid it off splines after cleaning and marking position. It seems the column shift is preventing me from sliding the shaft up to remove the switch. Do I need to disconnect the column shift linkage? Is there a way to remove the pin contacts from the plug, put heat shrink on the blue wire, and put on an unburned plug or should I just bypass the blue wire around the plug? Suggestions? I'll include a couple of photos. Thanks for help. It's been ages since I disassembled a column shift.
Terry

Looks like I may have put this in the wrong section. Moderators can switch it to the technical section.
Thanks.

You do not have to remove the steering shaft. You have to remove the cover off the bottom of the column. You may have to remove the support under the column.
Biggest issue is removing the ignition lock plate. There was a tool for it back in the day.
The new switch comes with the wiring and connector attached. After removing the lock plate, remove the lock cylinder. The cylinder should be in lock position, look for a small slot on the interior end of the cylinder housing and push a small screwdriver in there and pull the lock cylinder out. Three screws hold the switch in place. Feeding the wires down the tube is not easy but doable with the column in place.
Craig

You need a service manual, it's as easy as pie.

I looked at the service manual again and I saw the sleeve covering the pin in the lock plate hub. I've had a couple apart before, I just forgot about the metal sleeve covering the pin. FSM shows it. Thanks.
Terry

Pretty common problem on those ignition switches. IMO I would replace the switch or find a new connector. When the plastic gets hot and melts it also gets brittle.

If you look close there is a thin sheet metal cover on top of this plate.
take a small flat blade screwdriver and slide said cover up. to expose a round spring pin.
Just drive the pin out and the lock plate lifts right off the shaft

Yes, I saw that and removed it. Thanks to all for help. I checked the plastic and actually bent it and it was pliable and didn't break. I bought the tools and removed the Molex terminals, male and female, cleaned them and the plastic housing on both the harness and ignition switch sides. Reinserted into plastic and all is good. I bought a new switch and have it on hand just in case. Again, thanks.
Terry