I am looking to do the same conversion. I think the direction I am heading is towards the 67 camaro manual console set up. It looks like they used the same base on 67 Camaros that we use on 67-69 Firebirds They have a trim ring that screws to where the auto shift bezel is so that it ends up with a much smaller and recessed boot for the shifter.
I know that washing and waxing my car with the present condtion of my paint is like polishing a turd.....but it's my turd and I want it polished!