Help Shifter Handle Removal 69 Swinger

So if I go the route of not drilling this shifter (I could make the duster a stick in the future with my OD unit..../6) then I am exploring options of a new or used shifter. I see that some have a curved reverse arm sticking out the bottom. Mine does not. Is it important to have that the same?

Also, I had a mighty good time with my Richmond with an inline V Gate shifter (Long) back when racing, so has anyone successfully grafted that type of setup to work in a console car? If not is there a shifter out there for an A833 that mimicks that kind of action? Or should I just pound the pavement for a 'hurst competition plus" with straight shift levers.

Sorry if these are dumb questions, just trying to keep this project moving and these are important (to me) aspects that end up costing a lot of Cashola if/when I get them wrong. I have shifted (yes, intended) the original topic of the thread.

Love,
Your Hot Roddin Fool

EDIT
I am remembering the grand canyon chasm cut into the floor to make those V gates work now.....Not willing to cut that much....but Ill leave my post alone. Who knows what you guys have seen/done? The skys the limit!