V8 Ignition switch, mechanical portion

[Ed Kellock]

Going to be a decent weekend and I want to get this done. I've already got
the dash apart, cluster out, dash top off and I've researched the procedure.
 
Maybe it's just wishful thinking but from what I've read and the pictures
I've seen compared to what I'm looking at, it seems like it should be
possible to release the spring to get the mechanical portion out without
cutting the black collar.  
 
I'm hoping to get some clarification of this before I dive back in.
 
All input appreciated.
 
Thanks!
Ed