gearshift

Is it a common practice to cut down the shift lever on a bugeye?  Mine is so
close to the ignition keys that once or twice my hand has bumped the
dangling keys when shifting and turned off the ignition.  More of a problem
when gloved on cold mornings.  In fourth, they jangle atop the knob.  What
is a reasonable length that still shifts well?
                                        Regards, Glen Byrns