Wow -- good catch on the cause. It doesn't really look like there's much you can do... unless, like you suggested earlier, you made a groove there, so you could slide it.
That may be plans A,B,and C. I don't see these parts available many places. But you might try http://www.jp2creations.com/
He has a lot of interesting parts...plus he has a machine shop, and does great work. He made an upper pull rod for me for a Ludwig Hi Hat. Not only perfectly made, but CHROMED like the original. I was kind of surprised, because it's hard to find a good chrome shop. And his price was VERY reasonable.
In fact, I'll bet he could do it for you... if you want to travel down the mad path of restorations!
Welcome