windshield wiper lever assembly problem

[Irtimed@domain.elided]

Yesterday, while driving my 1985 Alfa Spider through a rain storm the lower 
windshield wiper lever assembly rod broke loose at the bolt that connects 
that bar to the drivers side wiper.    More specifically the threaded 4 inch 
piece of metal, stamped "Germany," that is lowest on that assembly cracked at 
the threads.  I tried to separate the metal piece from the plastic housing, 
but the ball joint will not come loose ( I'm afraid of cracking the plastic 
housing).  
	Anyone have an idea how to fix this problem?  Should I drill a new 
hole away from the cracked edge and retap it?  Is welding the two ends 
together a viable option?  Anyone sell lever assemblies?  (IAP and Centerline 
don't have them listed in their respective catalogs.) 
	Thank God for RAIN - X and 70mph speed limits. 
Your advice on this matter is greatly appreciated

Demitri 
1985 Alfa Spider
irtimed@domain.elided

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