On a 72 blazer, I vote to keep the ochre, but then again, it is definitely one of my favorite colors (along with hugger orange, red, and even dark green even though it isn't factory). Just my two cents.
As for the tranny, I say build-up a 700R4. When you feel lazy, put it in "D" and cruise. When you feel like scaring little children*, bang thru the gears just like driving the old SM465, but without clutching.
*In no way does the author of this post condone reckless driving or speeding through school zones. Reader assumes all risks associated with the suggestive nature of this post.
