Yes, flat.
The tailshifter is a paint to align the shifter and shift rod. Go to my website for my take on how to align them.
Also, if you want to check the shifter play, Use some vise grips attached to the shift rod to lock it in place (Put some rubber or leather in the jaw before clamping down). I usually put the vise gripes on both ides of the rear bushing. Now wiggle the shifter inside the car. That play is the play in the shifter alone.
James
http://home.san.rr.com/pb914/