Bunnies ... lol ...
Anyway, in theory, the pivot of that Huret should be behind the seat tube and the rod should be centered along the seat tube. Sucks if it doesn't fit with the fender. Get rid of the fender or have a single ring up front. I guess that sucks too. I do like the rod shifter - old school index shifting.
If you do dump the Huret, let me know what you want for it. It will be an easy sale.