E-Brake Question...Please help!

I recently purchased a '73 2002 and I'm starting the restoration. This car is mostly original except for the e-brake. I'm going to attach a picture. Could I just unbolt the bracket possibly? I just want to have the original setup as I am about to install new carpet and dont want this bracket there. Any help is appreciated.

That"s a serious bracket! What usually happens is the hole in the "ears" that hold the pin (the bolt in your case) that goes through the brake handle become oversized from use. Some get a larger pin or bolt, or shim the hole to make it smaller/right size).
You might find these pieces (even the entire oval part) in a parts car to weld into your car. Remove the massive bracket & see how bad your original setup is!