5 speed stick shift and blinker switch

My shifter has dropped about 6 inches but still work when you hold it up and will stay up if you wedge something under the knob and plastic around the leather. What mybquestion is how do I fix it? I hear it possibly just a bolt or clip to replace from underneath.
Also I am trying to replace my blinkers switch. I habe the new part and again told easy to fix by taking off cover to steering column and un hooking old and rplace with the new. Well we can't reach the long one that runs down the steering column.
What do you suggest? I am on a limited fixed income yet want my beautifully restored Capri working properly again so I can take it to the car shows again.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated
Stephen Matson
970-685-9373 if you want to call instead of emailing stephenpaul62@gmail. Com