As someone who has repaired crushed, rusted (causing holes in the floor and inner rocker and beyond) pinch welds. DO NOT bang them up.
If there is any moisture where you live, you will grow to regret your decision. If you look at them closely, they have built-in drains and reinforcement points. Your 10 minutes hammertuning will lead to hours with the sparkle wrench later. Trust me.
Paint them black with something, don't bang them up. If you really want to do it right, you'd have to shave them but out comes the welder again to do it properly.