[Dangerous Doug]

Where there is a will, there is a way. Not being there to look at it, here are some of my thoughts:

First, the striker needs a solid base. I think having a mounting plate welded into place is the right way to go. You'll want to fabricate something that the base can screw into, so having some nuts tacked into position would work. Or, use a thicker piece of steel and tap the holes for the screws. Easy to do.

Second, you may be able to add a spacer behind the mechanism (mounted on the door) to get it to better align with the latch.

Third, maybe not cut a notch, but drill a hole? Feed the striker thru the hole into the base?

Fourth, this should be fun, not stressful. If I've been working on something and it's not making sense I've learned to walk away from it for a bit, or work on something else that isn't going to piss me off. I worked on my Cobra to relieve the stress of getting my then five-year old son through chemotherapy. Working on your Cobra should mostly be a Zen-thing.

DD