Electrical tape works wonders for sandblasting, do 3 or so coats of electrical tape and don't hold the blaster on it and you'll be good.
Mite want to look into changing that bushing on the shifter linkage so it doesn't fall out, Dorman makes one 74043 which can be hard to find or 14057 but only one in that kit is useful for you.
Very well versed in media blast and protection...was more a statement of how much I loathe teflon tape and what it is good for...nothing IMHO...but held up ok to paint....
As gor bushing..will wait n see make sure all well first...and all linkage correct length.
Notice shiny black....