Stupid dash pad question

[77crewcab]

I know I have heard you can't put the dash pad from the mid 80s into a truck from the 70s. But I keep wondering why? What keeps it from working? I have a perfect 86 dash pad and would like to put it in my 79 if possible. Everything I have heard in the past says you can't, I just can't seem to figure out why.

 

[nad]

Try it and find out why... Sounds like you have nothing to lose...

 

[Jason4x4]

my truggy is a 77, and it has a dash paad from an 81+ on it.

 

[77crewcab]

Any difference in the mounting or is the difference just "outside" appearence.

 

[Jason4x4]

not sure, it was already on it.

 

[77crewcab]

OK thanks.

 

[ryoken]

later pads fit the earlier trucks, but I don't think the earlier ones fit the 80+ dashs... the early ones have that angle back on the rightside that gets in the way...

I can actually test this this weekend iirc...

 

[lectric80]

I believe it is because the early dash was like mine, and was completely flat on the right side, so it won't work with the later design because the later design kicks out. You can put the later dash on earlier trucks, but not everything will bolt up exactly right, but should work.

 

[77crewcab]

Okay, thanks guys I'll give it a try this weekend then.

 

[warrior454]

i put my 88 dash in my 80 only issue i had was it covers up the VIN plate
so had to move it

 

[Wrench]

Dash pad covers the VIN and you have to use the matching gauge bezel, but otherwise it fits--contrary to popular belief (ebay) the 73-80 bezel and the 81-87 bezel are quite different.

 

[mrdrinksalil]

Dash pad covers the VIN and you have to use the matching gauge bezel, but otherwise it fits--contrary to popular belief (ebay) the 73-80 bezel and the 81-87 bezel are quite different.

X2. Thats the ticket.

I have an older dash pad with a newer cab. The new bezel wont fit.

 

[77crewcab]

Cool, thanks ya'll!