manual-automatic PLZ HELP

OK THERE IS THIS BEAUTIFUL 1988 CHEVROLET SHORT BOX REGUALR CAB 2WD THAT I WANT TO BUY FOR A STEAL AT $5000....BUT IT IS A STANDARD TRANSMITION AND THAT JUST WONT DO. I DONT WANT TO BE HITTING MY FRIENDS IN THE KNEE WITH THE SHIFTER. SO IF SOMEONE COULD TELL ME IF IT IS EVEN POSSIBLE TO SWITCH TO AN AUTOMATIC THAT WOULD BE GOOD AND IF U KNOW HOW, ABOUT HOW MUCH WILL IT SET ME BACK AND WHAT WILL BE INVOLVED?


THANX FOR THE HELP!
CHEVY 4 LIFE!