After looking at the parts books, which rod? The 66 had the one that came out of the dash, and it was straight. Later they moved it down on the lower part of the dash, and it looked like the rod for the kick starter on the diesels.

The 77/88 one bends down at a 90 degree angle at the knob, so it is pointing down. I think it was also longer overall than the 66. The Supers had it down below like the diesel kick starter.