1964 short step 292 "AZ Valley Cruiser"

[T.W.Dustin]

I am starting a new build on a truck I am planning to use in the metro Phoenix area. I have a plan in mind. It's going to sit outside all year round and the sun is brutal here June thru Sept. Where do you all think all those nice "Patina" trucks come from anyway
I like being a little different so I am planning to go with a 292, 5 speed (need to figure out the right solution here). Suede or satin paint (but not black). Bench seat, air (something retro looking), lowered some, stock steel wheels and stock bubcaps w/ black radials.

I have a pretty straight, clean truck to start with. It came with a running 350 2BBL and a turbo 350 automatic. Those will be sold off and I have already sourced a nice running 292 that I will take apart, inspect, clean, paint and re-gasket at a minumum. The engine came w/ what I think is a 3 speed and that is going but I have the bell housing, clutch, etc.. (still mated).

The doors were cut for speakers but I found a couple of nice clean shells in Apache Junction yesterday that I swapped a 60-63 door for.

Does anyone have a good transmission solution for this 292? As stated, I have the engine, bellhousing, etc.. already and I would like to go to a 5 speed if possible and keep a stock bench seat.

Here are a few pictures - yes it's kinda ugly: