Technical 1941 Chevy Convert Opendrive Setup??

I have a 1941 Chevy convertible with a straight-6, 235. I want to keep the 235 but the upgrade trans and rearend.

I'm open to many ideas but I really want to keep it column shift. Auto or manual trans is fine with me.

Any ideas???

 

If you want to keep the column shift you will have to up date the shifter that's on the column it self too . That is where the trany rods and where the shifter meet. I helped a friend put a 60's trans in his 47 and came to the conclusion that the stock shifting stuff wont work.

 

Was it possible to keep original appearance but change the shifting rods and whatever else might be needed out of view?

I don't mind mods but I would like to keep the appearance original.

Thanks!