73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

I am using an 82 cab on my 76 restore. I have all of the typical issues worked out, the wipers and hood hinge holes. When it comes to interior, i want keep the 70s style dash and instruments. But i will be using new carpet, insulation and seals. My question is, what do i need to know about the firewall insulation, the carpet and the doors seals as far as 73/80 or 81/87. I am assuming anything related to the cab should be 80s, but i want to eduicate myself on the differences before i spend the money.

Also, the seams to be a breakdown on years for 73-77 and 78-80 on guage bezels. What is the difference there?

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

73-77 gauge bezels are woodgrain and the 78-80 are brushed aluminum

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

I have an 86 cab on my 76 c10. The biggest change for me was if you want to still use your light knob and black overlay for your gauges you either had to cut it our and weld it higher or switch the entire dash (thats what I did). That way I could still use everything and it wouldn't the location for a vin on the dash ( I wanted to keep mine on the driver side). Attached are a few pix for your reference. The blue one is from my 76 and the red/grey is from the 86. Hope that helps!

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

quick add, I think in 82 they still had the wipers on the dash, so you might still be good. But as for the carpet I believe the floor board design changed and you should go with the 82 year to get your carpet. The door glass is a little bit thinner I believe if your using newer doors and the vent window seals are a one-piece I believe for the 80s. Hopefully that helps and someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

I actually cut out most of my 76 dash to put into the 82. From the ashtray over. My 76 had an un cut radio and the 82 was all hacked up for a cd player and other various switches so that worked out in my favor. I am mostly concerned about flooring and such. Thanks for the tips.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

I am also using newer doors but id like to use a set of 77 door panels. I never cared for the 73-76 style door panels.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

This might help as a reference for the doors:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?p=267924

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

:smoke:Cool refrence. I have a set of those 76 doors but they are rusted out and someone put speakers in them. Door panels and all. Im going to use the doors that came with the 82 but use a set of 77 panels to keep the 70s feel.

Im going to order a 81-87 firewall insulation and carpet.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

As 73K mentioned later glass is thinner
I'm using 78 bezel with 87-89 burb pad/buckets/door panels/glass/vents/cranks in 78 Jimmy and noticed the thinner glass.
78 has metal clips on the door rods ,later its a plastic clip.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

Ya I still need to order my firewall insulation. I'd imagine that the newer firewall design just has more holes for wires etc. Where you planning on getting the insulation?

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

Usa1 industries has the cheapest @$60. I am going to use some sort of dynamat product along with it. Also, I am using my 76 wiring and heater box. Thinking i should go with the 73-79 insulation.

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

Do you have power accessories? If so I can supply any harnesses you may need. PM if you need something. Sounds like a cool/ambitious plan!

Re: 73-80 vs 81-87 interior differences
 

I recently replaced the dash pad on my '79 Chevy with a dash pad from 80s+ GMC. It was in better shape and had the longer edge on the passenger side so you can actually put stuff on your dash.

Anyway, point being: the hole for the VIN does not align the same (it's off sideways about half an inch I think). Not sure if this because of the year difference or the Chevy/GMC difference, but it's there. And one of the holes to screw into the metal dash is misaligned as well (near the VIN hole of course).