83 dash pad 73 truck?

[Mark-L]

Can anyone tell me if an 83 dash pad will fit a 1973 dash without a lot of work or is it going to require some mods? A friend of mine sold me his take off for a good price and I'm not concerned that it is not the correct dash for that year just hoping it will match right up.

[UKNOWME]

It'll fit. You'll need to use the 83 gauge bezel too though.

[Mark-L]

Originally Posted by UKNOWME

It'll fit. You'll need to use the 83 gauge bezel too though.

Ok can you explain, because everything that I read says that the the gauge bezels fit 73 to 87? I don't mind changing but just not sure why it would be necessary.

[bigblock73]

The backside of the bezels are different, you will need the newer bezel. The dash pad won't look great next to your 73 door panels, and you will have a hole for the VIN. I am not sure if the defroster and vent ducts will be in the same location either...never researched that.

[travlinman]

Hi not to hijack the thread but what about going the other way? Older pad into a newer truck? Same thing just need to use a older bezel ?

[cfan10]

^in my opinion the 73-80 dash are the best looking. Always wanted one but no luck finding a decent one.

[motornut]

I'm using an 89 pad with a 78 bezel,no issues
the later bezel will leave a funny gap at the top,with a old pad.
and the wiper and headlight switch moves,later
defroster lined up for me.
if it has no Vin hole it will have a clip hitting the dash vin area,remove the clip

[travlinman]

I have a nice 78 pad that I would like to use in my 91 r30. If i remove the clip it will fit with my 91 bezel

[motornut]

Originally Posted by travlinman

I have a nice 78 pad that I would like to use in my 91 r30. If i remove the clip it will fit with my 91 bezel

it will prob have a funny gap,check out the top lip of the bezel