You can keep both the factory shifter and column with simple modifications. Pop the access plug off the top of the shifter arm box at the lower end of the column, wipe away the grease, have a helper hold the shift lever in the low-reverse position and through the access hole weld the tang of the selector to the notch in the shift arm. The low-reverse position is a more natural feel for an automatic than having the lever way down near the dash in the second-high position. For power steering the column will have to be cut leaving the shaft several inches longer than the tube so the new linkage to the p/s box can be attached. A bearing/bushing is fit to the shaft and inside the tube at the bottom and a linkage rod is run from what used to be the low-reverse arm to the selector arm on the automatic. The bottom of the column also has to be anchored. I have several pictures of this on my photo site which show the floor anchor, the bottom of the column bushing held in with a set screw, and a finished picture which shows a safety switch which only allows it to start in park. Scroll down to the last three pictures in the 2nd row.
http://s32.photobucket.com/albums/d41/coilover/
