I take the shift knobs off and clamp the shifter down to a solid metal table at the pivot point with a large "C" clamp. then used a pc of oak and place it on the back part of the shifter and slowly pull it down to the table with another "C" clamp to within 7/16" to 1/2" at the rear knob mounting point. You will have to slightly bend the tip of the heel section to align it so the front and rear shift knobs will align. I also use a die grinder to raise the "half moon slot" about an extra 1/4" to allow the shifter to be adjusted more downward at the rear. Push the rubber shift pcs off of the bolts and cut them down to 4 rings in the front and three in the back and then cut the shift knob bolts down to the rubber length. just cut them completely off. Then drilled and tapped the shortened bolts to the proper size (8mm as I recall-I would have to check as I do not remember)I used set screws about 3/4" long and lock tite them in the cut off pins, push the rubber cut off pcs back on and install them.
I had no trouble with chrome flaking or chipping.
I try to align the rear part of the shifter with the shift rod.
This works equally well with the floor boards and the peg set up as well.
The last one I made I extended the shift rod 1/2" by cuttting it into and welding a 1/2" pc of round stock to make it longer (this gives you a bit more adjustment- I cut it and welded it at the front section so it will not be noticeable. A little silver paint inside of the half moon section that is taken out with the die grinder keeps it from rusting.
Hope this helps...sorry I am not very good at this writing but hope you get the idea.
