You can probably have a shift lever anywhere along that shaft you would  like. At the worst the H pattern may be reversed so that (for example) low might  be to the right and back rather than to the left and back. This seems like a big  deal at first, but a few laps around the block and you forget that it is  different.  Drill a horizontal 1/4" hole through the shaft anywhere you want a lever.  Build a lever from 1" flat stock folded into a inverted "U" shape so as  to fit over the hole in the shaft. Drill a a matching 1/4" hole  through the strap stock. Weld on a bolt sticking up to screw your shift ball  onto. Leave one leg of the "U" shape 3" longer than
the other and add a couple of 1/4" holes in a vertical plane. These holes  will get one bolt for the pivot link so as to be adjustable. Construct a pivot  link of small tube stock with a 1/4" nut welded to each end. Screw in a 1/4" rod  end and jam nut on each end. One end bolts to the trans about in line with the  stock shaft. Forward of the lever or to the rear of the lever makes no  difference. The other end bolts to the longer strap below the shaft. Double nut  the shaft bolt to adjust clamping force for good feel.  There is another system that works well. I can draw up both if you  like.    Shift up a storm.
 
Lynn E. Hanover      
> > On a related subject, the gear shift is located about 10-12  inches back > > with a round shaft connecting to the shifting  mechanism inside the > > transmission. Would it be difficult, or even  possible to shorten that > > shaft? I think the stock location will be  too far back in the Alpine. > > > > Bob W. > >  **************Get trade secrets for amazing burgers. Watch "Cooking with Tyler Florence" on AOL Food.      (http://food.aol.com/tyler-florence?video=4&?NCID=aolfod00030000000002)