My boat is a 2002. I am in the process of replacing the auto-helm. Lacking better technical terms, the old one is the "black" version, the newer one the "gray" version.

My problem is that the gray version has a clutch handle that is longer and thicker than the old gray version. When you try to engage the clutch, the handle hits the instrument panel  and won't go to fully engaged.

There is a second hole on the back of the wheel cover of the drive but if I use that, the clutch lever ends up on the left side of the podium and operates in reverse because it's upside down. Kind of like brushing your teeth with your left hand when trying to use it. Also , the wiring won't reach it on the left adding to the job. It also means I have to figure out how the extend the wiring to the other side of the podium.

I saw one boat where the clutch lever had been simply cut off to make it shorter but this seems somewhat inelegant. My other thought was the hole on the back plate on the wheel into which the pin from the podium inserts seems to be just a hole into the plastic rim. Is drilling another hole a couple of inches to the side, which would allow the drive motor to move away from the instrument panel, an option?

I looked at the lever on my old unit thinking I could swap them but the old  lever doesn't seem to be held on with a bolt or screw and I couldn't get it off. Since it's shorter and thinner than the one on the gray unit I think that would          eliminate the problem.

Appreciate any advice.