I would recommend starting with another '30-31 lever. I have successfully bent a restored lever ONCE. However I was increasing the fore/aft bend from the '28-29 angle for use on a '30-31. I don't believe it could be done sideways as the lever would likely spin in any fixture that wouldn't damage the plating.
With the time I've spent with original type interiors, I'm not fond of the modern boots sold by all the suppliers as an option. In fact every car that has come to me with boots, I've tossed them in the trash and later told the owner that if he insists on using them that he can order more when he gets his car home. :-)