Dash Pad - Differences between Years and How to ID dash year models

[ZombieK5]

My 77 K5 is a true Frankenstein. While the VIN # and title say it is a 1977 I doubt much about it is really from 1977. It has a 1991 front clip and the body has panels that were originally red while some were white and there is also an eggplant (purple) hue to some of the exterior paint. I need a new dash pad and the LMC catalog shows different options for year ranges of:

73-78
79-80
81-91

I am thinking of going with the 81-91 but if there is a way to tell the differences I would like to know. This may be a really good question for the true K5 aficionado to test their knowledge. Anyone dare to tackle the differences, if there is true differences? Maybe it is purely external and the mounting is the same from 73-91 or maybe 78-91. Thought I'd ask before I ordered the wrong part. Thanks everyone!

 

[Jimmy85]

I call 73-79 dashes the hump type, due to the high ridge in the center. And the 81-91 the flat top. I’m not sure about the 80s type. I upped my 78 c10 to the newer interior, nothing to it. Other than acquiring all the pieces. The differences that matter are in the dash cluster, light switch mainly.
Personally I believe the 81-91 interiors all together are a better look. Door panel trip looks better, dashes look better.

 

[max 02]

Yup 73 to 80 dash pad is more rounded,81 and up flatter.

 

[kennyw]

1973-80 have a taper along the top edge over the gauges that matches the gauge bezel. 78-80 is identical but added a window for the VIN.



The 1981-91 dash is straight across the top of the gauges and overhangs the bezel.

 

[ZombieK5]

1973-80 have a taper along the top edge over the gauges that matches the gauge bezel. 78-80 is identical but added a window for the VIN.

View attachment 371030

The 1981-91 dash is straight across the top of the gauges and overhangs the bezel.

View attachment 371032

I call 73-79 dashes the hump type, due to the high ridge in the center. And the 81-91 the flat top. I’m not sure about the 80s type. I upped my 78 c10 to the newer interior, nothing to it. Other than acquiring all the pieces. The differences that matter are in the dash cluster, light switch mainly.
Personally I believe the 81-91 interiors all together are a better look. Door panel trip looks better, dashes look better.

I am figuring it out. The input from this thread helped

Tore apart the dash yesterday. WHAT A MESS. I seem to have the 81-91 Dash in my 77 K5. The dash is trashed. Cracked all over the place, two holes cut doe aftermarket tach and oil temp Guages. AC vents not really functional.

Finally got it out and found a mouse near near VIN plate where my roll cage enters front corner of the dash.

Learned my roll cage was installed thru the dash speaker holes.... So I guess I need a solution for putting in speakers. Grrrrrr

Not sure if u should get the TMI Dash pad or one of the OEM style from LMC. I will need to cut out access holes for thr roll cage. I'm sure i can do that and keep it looking good, just hate cutting a new $400 dash pad. But, I love the roll cage so I have to do it.

Instrument Custer is trashed too. I need a NEW PRNDL spring. Can't seem to find those parts. I'm planning to get all new gauges (OEM Style - looking to limit the amount of electronics) with new backing parts. Lots of new work for me to do besides the rust bucket body. Good times.

Attached photo of Dashpad and where roll cage goes thru the steel dash assembly. You can see my little mouse nest too!