I solved a clearance problem once by flipping the shift box and levers to the left side of the column. The shift pattern is backwards but worked fine on a 1932 Chev. coupe with a 1940 column shift. Also could shorten the shift shaft and move the shift box farther up on the column. There are no insolvable problems only some are so complex it's not worth the trouble. Stay at it, you'll figure it out, I did.