Put the fuel tank under the floor as far forward as possible and move the console forward a couple of feet. It improves the look, functionalilty and balance of the boat especially if you are running a newer motor which is heavier than the 1960's motor.
You can narrow your console eight inches or so to get more room (cut down the middle and take a section out and reglass) to walk around and if you relocate the fuel tank under the floor cut the front off the console where the tank was and take out a foot or so, I reglassed mine after cutting out and put six rod holders into the small section that I left which was about four or five inches in front of the console.
The changes you are considering were implemented on later models so really not a problem...just customize to suit your needs.
link to my console after narrowing and removing tank see the last two pictures, the third picture shows the original console should be similar to what you have now.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/jwtex196920/index.html
JW