I spent a few minutes with the torch yesterday removing the bends from my Datsun shifter. It is completely straight as suits my Westfield installation. It was very easy to do and now all I have to do is mark the correct length and take it to a machinist to have it cut and threaded. Once I get the tranny in the car and the seats installed I can correct the bend and send it off to the plater.
All 3 bushings are available from Nissan for under $20 total, same with throwout bearing carrier. (mine was a bit too long)
Anyway it isn't hard to bend it if you don't want a welded shifter, for some reason.