Here's how I did it. This is a home made bracket I made. This places the shifter in the middle of the floor. It isn't pretty but I'm a daily driver and this set-ups been good for over 40 grand miles. Yours will be easier with the Saginaw.

I wouldn't give up on your column shift though. Inspect each joint for allignment and play. You can improve on these joints by installing articulating ball joints, you'll then have no end play and everything will remain alligned. It is frustrating though...I've vowed to go back to the column shift myself but only after I install my 7 bolt side cover Saginaw I will be rebuilding this spring.

~ Cosmo
1949 Chevy Half Ton
Rocinante, like Don Quixote, he is awkward, past his prime, and engaged in a task beyond his capacities.
"...my good horse Rocinante, mine eternal and inseparable companion in all my journeys and courses." ...Don Quixote, Cervantes
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it."...Yogi Berra
"Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength." ...Eric Hoffer