Throttle Linkage Rod Angle

[Shoebox]

I don't like the angle of the throttle rod situation I'm looking at in my '51 with 2x2 Offy and 97's. I did this exact swap before, but it was like 15 years ago, and I just don't remember this rod angled like this. I'm thinking of heating and bending the end of the cross shaft about 90 degrees up so it would be a straighter pull on the carb, but I don't know, any thoughts OR does anyone with a shoebox running 2x2 care to show a pic of their carb linkage. Thanks guys.