Bending turn signal lever to clear aftermarket wheel-- advice?

I posted in another thread about my installation of the Grant 846/Tuff wheel clone...the spacer that comes with the installation kit only moves the wheel small amount away from the column and isn't sufficient for stock installation. However, I really like the extra arm extension that the more "distant" wheel provides.

Of course, this results in your hands hitting the turn signal lever whenever you're maneuvering in a parking lot, etc.

Has anyone bent their turn signal lever to allow the use of a Tuff Wheel (or clone) without the stock spacer?

What's the safest way to bend this without disassembling the steering column? A tubing bender, perhaps?

How much bend did you need?

Is a new lever difficult to find (or expensive) if I do break it?

Thanks!!
-Mike