What is your column in? If it is in a model A, I don't think there is enough room to use a rigid connection between the lever at the end of the column and the shift mechanism on a turbo 350.
I do know that its possible to shorten the columns that don't have a column shifter mounted on them, fairly easily. The GM columns that have a shifter attached are probably more difficult.
What are you using for a shifter right now?----To get rid of the "praying mantis effect" can you go to a steering wheel with a shallower dish (offset), to move the wheel farther away from your body without messing with the steering column?