Did you use the the 700r4 cable bracket?
Did you have the cable adjusted properly?
Did you use the '85 carburetor or the one with the 400ci ?
There are many different variations of brackets for accelerator and detent cables for small blocks.
Yes, it's easy to pull out, the trick is to get the new trim back in. There is a special installation tool for that. Takes some practice to use it properly.
Any auto glass shop should be able to do that job.
I had the same problem with mine, I found that fine dust (from sanding wood) gets past the filters. If you can get fresh air to your compressor, you won't have the problem anymore.