I doubt that you'll find a new shift lever. But they're probably pretty plentiful used. You might post an ad in the Parts Wanted Swap Meet section here. Add a picture of what you need.
If the play is in the hole where the transmission shaft comes out, it might be hard to repair, but if it's in the end where the shift rod attaches that wouldn't be a tough repair. Like you say, fill with weld and redrill the hole.


Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.