This is exactly what I had in mind, and set up like RRR's video shows.
A couple of reasons. The car is a stone cold survivor, and I'm not enthusiastic about cutting the floor for a floor shifter. I like the funky aspect of the tree shifter. I'd rather have a 4-speed than a 3-speed, and I'm pretty sure I'll want the OD 4-speed. And it leaves plenty of room for my sweetie to ride right next to me, where she belongs. I'm sure I can figure out some arrangement for a lever actuated cable to engage reverse. Stay tuned, we'll see how this turns out when the Valiant gets its turn on the lift for a full mechanical makeover.