[bobbader]

Please try to determine if the shift lever is an original or a reproduction before trying to bend it.

The originals can be bent without risking the integrity of the piece. They are one piece steel in construction.

Some reproductions were made in 2 pieces where the top of the shift lever was cast around a vertical dowel that stuck up from the bottom of the unit. Trying to bend these units will risk the chance of breakage or, at least, fracturing the casting, which could have disastrous consequences if it then breaks while the car is in motion.