It's quite easy to pull the front clip and get it safely out of the way. Two radiator hoses and the two bolts at the bottom of the radiator support, in addition to the fender to cab bolts you already have out.

No reason you can't leave the column in if you have a safe controllable way to lift the cab over it, I've done it before without trouble.

Grigg


1951 GMC 250 in the Project Journals
1948 Chevrolet 6400 - Detroit Diesel 4-53T - Roadranger 10 speed overdrive - 4 wheel disc brakes
1952 Chevrolet 3800 pickup
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"First, get a clear notion of what you desire to accomplish, and then in all probability you will succeed in doing it..." -Henry Maudslay-