I would like to see you start using gas when mig welding ,so you get cleaner and nicer welds.. But have follow alot of your project and all I can is WOW...
I used a clevis & clevis pin to hook up my cable end. Then I drilled and tapped the clevis to use as a cable stop. Then used a real cable stop for back up.
Here some pics for you probably have no clue what I am talking about.
Look at the pics close. See how I drilled and tapped the end of the clevis making my own cable stop? Then used a real cable stop for extra holding power.