Todd, you should post pics! My wife's uncle has an old '55 Buick with the dynaslush trans in it that he is restoring. Lots of rust patching and hunting for obscure parts, but it is coming together. Projects like yours are definitely worth documenting. My $0.02 - ditch the 283, and drop in something with more "get up and go". After all, if the numbers don't match, there is no sense in trying to replicate the original powertrain (unless you are after more authenticity in the feel of the car). IMO, if I had that car, I would do a stock interior, stock exterior (chrome trim and all), a mild street engine, and find some classic 15"-16" mag wheels with black sidewall tires.