I will check my 71 RR when I get home this evening. My kickdown rod almost touches the driver's side head when fully forward. I think you might have the wrong kickdown rod to the trans or the trans kickdown lever is the wrong lenght. I beleive there are 3 different lever lengths. Also, the flat bar on going to the carb is different than the one on my car. I can double check these items when I get home.
Ron