HELP: '69/'70 SHIFTER switch

[Popeye]

Hey guys:

I want to put a Pistol Grip shifter back into my '69 HemiBee and I need to know IF i must change the shifter mechanism itself or will simply chaning the handle be OK?? I read somewhere that the rods that come out of the bottom of a 1970 shifter are LONGER than those in a 1969 shifter so a person wouldn't bang his/her knuckles on the dash in 1st and 3rd(???). Thanks for the assist. When I sold the 'Bee to a friend of mine way back in 1987, I had a Pistol Grip shifter in it and he took it out and put the original one in that I gave him when he restored the car. IF I recollect correctly, I put an entire setup in when I changed it way back then (handle, mechanism and all). Sorry about BASTARDIZING the originality of a one in 92 cars built car, BUT I LOVE Pistol Grip shifters!! In fact, I may sell my Cobra replica and buy me another 1970 Road Runner (my favorite year)!!