dash question for a 79.

[Joegibbstruck]

What makes the 79-80 dash different from the 73-78 and the 81-87. The truck I bought is a 79, and came with a brand new 79 dash pad, and billet inserts. However on the dash was this metal overlay type thing that i removed thinking it was homemade. Is this a homemade piece, or is this what makes the 79 different.   If it is in fact a factory part, can I get another somewhere? Someone has cut the dash in 2 spots for a radio down the line.  I have attached pictures of the dash, and the overlay piece I am talking about.

[travisr1988]

My '79 and '77 had the same dash, metal underneath with clips and vinyl on top, nothing different that I noticed.

[Joegibbstruck]

I know the dash pads are slightly different shapes, and was wondering if the metal piece on the tailgate is to accommodate for this. I tried putting just the new dash pad on the dash and it leaves a big gap around the gauge cluster, but with the other metal piece on place the dash fits nice and the cluster has something to bolt to. I am trying to figure out, if this piece belongs or if its someone attempt at a all metal dash .  If this piece is in fact homemade, they put allot of effort into making every hole that is on the original dash. It's even held in with the same metal clips that hold the dash pad on.

[VileZambonie]

What metal piece are you talking about?

73-80 will interchange however the break point in those years is the window for the VIN which was visible through the windshield. 81-91 will interchange.

[Joegibbstruck]

In the picture the blue thing on the tailgate.

[Joegibbstruck]

Ill take some more pics when I get home, I guess the more important question is should a 79 dash look like the one inside the truck, or the one outside the truck. All the holes with the blue piece on the tailgate line up with holes on the metal dash, its just a different shape.

[Joegibbstruck]

So I had an epiphany on the way home from work, and realized I am probably a complete idiot. The blue metal piece is none other than the metal infrastructure of an original dash pad.  That's why its the same shape as the new pad, and fits perfect. My new pad does not have a complete metal infrastructure, but instead metal in certain spots.

[VileZambonie]

No offense but I have no idea what you are talking about lol

Are you asking about a dash cover or an actual dash pad and your pic is too hard to tell what you have there other than what looks like a dash pad cover that lost a fight with a raccoon.

[bd]

You surmised correctly.  That's an original dash pad skeleton.