I'm intending to make a cable shifter for my conversion. I had purchased on of D. Lindeman's most excellent shifter kits. It really was nice, if you've not seen one. Since I would not be able to use some of the mounts, I decided to sell it, and make my own.
I started with a mid 80s Toyota shifter, ebay, about $30. The crank on this shifter operates above the tunnel, so had to modify that. You can see where the crank was cut, flipped, and re-welded. The cup holding the shifter ball had to be drilled, for the later style, below the tunnel cable attachment.
I purchased a short throw shifter off ebay, about $25. Modified this shifter by cutting off the ball cable attachment at the end, drilling and tapping for a 5/16x24 bolt, as I will try using a rod end there
. Above the ball, the shifter is a bit shorter than the stock Lotus shifter. I cut it off, threaded it for 3/8x24.
I bought some 5/8th rod, drilled and countersunk one end, tapped it for 3/8x24, threaded the other end for 5/16x24, Then turned it to a taper that is near the stock shifter taper. It is about 1" longer than stock, as the whole shifter will set a bit lower in the tunnel. It will be no problem to shorten it if needed. Will either locktite it, or drill & tap for a small set screw so it doesn't come loose.
Now, to make the base, and see if everything will work together.