installing new shift linkage for 700 R4 and column indicator lense

[Murphy IRE]

I have a 71 K20 and a rebuilt 700R4 tranny. It seems the PO never changed the original linkage. I've attached pics of what I have. I can't get the tranny to manually drop into 1st gear. It will only drop as far as 2nd.
My tilt column and linkage are for a 350TH. So I need to pull the old lense (PRND21) and replace with the new (PRND321). I removed the two small screws and the lense doesn't budge! What's the trick?

Also, I ordered a new Lokar linkage kit for a 700R4. In the 1st pic, we did cut some of the column housing away to allow some additional clearance (if needed). Are there any things I need to be aware of or short cuts to help with the install? Thanks in advance!
Pics now attached! Sorry.