You'll never get rid of it unless the pockets come off. Considering all the work you're about to do (sandblasting, epoxy, etc) I'd drill out those spot welds in minute. See what needs replacing and go from there. While everything is apart, epoxy everything while apart, then clean out the holes with the "spot weld bit" This post below explains it's use and how to make one....


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=739516&postcount=21