Carter to Holley...

If you think you can make a dependable connection between the rod and the linkage, then go for it. Make sure it is a good connection as the rod is the return spring for the throttle. I do not want to advise you to do something that may create a wide open throttle mishap.
The 1920 is pretty much the same throughout the years and if you got a #4712 universal replacement, it had provisions for both the cable or the rod to operate the throttle.