Steering column shift arm hits valve covers and manifold

[FarmerSid]

Got to fitting a 69 GM van column in my 52 Chevy truck. As you can see in the pic, the shift arm hits the valve cover and exhaust manifold.



Is there a way to correct this? Could I cut and weld to make it closer to the fire wall? I only have about an 1-1.25" between the valve cover and firewall.

I thought of moving the column over to the left a bit but then the steering shaft will hit the frame. The column as it sits has a straight shot with no hitting down to the rack.

Thanks for the help!