My goal is a highway cruiser that I can take on trips and do 75 comfortably and safely without earplugs

My '65 C20 has a 283/4-speed combo. I have owned a few trucks with the inline 292 and I am leaning toward that. Thinking a rebuilt 292 with an auto transmission. Suggestions for the type of transmission? Also, if i wanted a column shift would there be anything that would look period correct? Ideas? Thanks guys!