Edelbrock Carb Help Please

Hello all, from left to right i will number them 1,2 and 3. Pic 1 the mechanic welded those two levers together. Just below the top spring in the photo. Why was this done? Obviously, the new carb didn't have the spot weld.
Pic 2, the flap does not close all the way resulting in difficult starting attempts. Along with this pic 2, pic 3 shows the electric choke lever to the max with my finger. How do i adjust the pic 1 & 2 issue?
Thanks

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Author: 73Banana