It would probably work, but a backing plate would be a little more security, plus it'd be OEM style construction. :)

Got home last night and removed the carpeted engine box as well as the carb cover and that did the trick. I picked up a couple more nuts this morning after buying the wrong size last night, hopefully it will be all set for tubing this weekend! Thanks for your help!

Regarding the box around the engine...I do a lot of my own maintenance and got tired of having to unscrew the cover all the time so I attached the top of the box with industrial velcro strips, 4 of them about 5" long and it has been working great!