Rear Axle Messtoration

[ursus]

Among other modifications, the previous owner of my coupe welded lower shock mounts onto the rear axle tubes midway between the banjo and brake backing plates. He used 1/4 inch steel plate that is welded to the tubes around a 180 degree arc. The welds attach the plate along both sides of the plate/tube interface. Nice welding job, but I'm restoring this car and need to remove these.

I am looking at using a 4 inch cutting wheel to remove and a grinding wheel to finish up. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated!