Shifter without a plastic cable

I don't know how large a city you're near, but even in Spokane, there used to be (haven't checked lately) a place who could make up push/ pull control cables

Check some industrial/ bearing/ tractor/ truck parts type places

A quick Google shows this one in Carson City

http://www.thecableconnection.com/wire-rope.html?gclid=CL7IttrL7bACFQZ5hwodwlKwtw

another

http://metrocustomcables.com/