Diy - fail

[mc84_zz4]

Without a u-joint, it could possibly bind enough it will not turn. If it does rotate, any side-loading will cause stress to the steering shaft knuckle and the steering box output shaft, one of those will fracture, losing all steering.
If he thought it thru a little longer, just drill out the rivets and replace them with bolts, tightening down the plates would eliminate most of the slop caused by a worn rag joint.