Author Topic: Interior upgrade question  (Read 2628 times)

Offline sspence

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 4
  • Newbie
Interior upgrade question
« on: April 05, 2018, 07:09:15 AM »
I'm doing a complete frame off restoration on my 1977 C10 Silverado. Being as I have to replace the dash pad and instrument bezel, is -there a downside to going with later model parts? I've read that 81-87 bezels don't fit the same as the 77-78 but since I'm basically starting from a bare cab, will the later model parts fit correctly? Did the underlying sheetmetal in the dash ever change from year to year? 

Offline 1967KaiserM715

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 914
  • 1985 GMC K1500 w/ 6.5 TD
Re: Interior upgrade question
« Reply #1 on: April 05, 2018, 07:43:18 AM »
The bezel must be matched to the dash pad, other then that, you shouldn't have any issue mounting the pad to the metal frame. There are no major differences that I am aware of.


Nice color by the way, this should be a nice truck when you are done.
Sent from my SM-S920L using Tapatalk
Current Vehicles:1985 GMC K10(Daily) 1991 GMC K2500(Daily) 1975 Beetle(not running) 1985 Mercedes 300D(not running) 1952 M35    1967 M715(not running)
 1986 Chevy K30(under repair)

Offline zieg85

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 7543
    • 73-87 GM squarebody extended cab and conversions up to 91 R/V series
Re: Interior upgrade question
« Reply #2 on: April 05, 2018, 09:20:14 AM »
There are differences in where the headlight switch is placed through the years.  Also 84 on up where the wiper switch is now on the steering column.  The dash bezel must match the cab year range.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248658382003506/

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18980
Re: Interior upgrade question
« Reply #3 on: April 05, 2018, 01:10:37 PM »
There are differences where the dash pad clips onto the metal frame as well as the window for the VIN tag which your truck should not have. Curious, why do you want to change to 81 dash pad? The 73-78 pad looks sweet, the only real advantage to 84 and up is the wipers on the column and the headlight dimmer but having them on the dash and floor is cooler imo.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline sspence

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 4
  • Newbie
Re: Interior upgrade question
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2018, 03:28:37 PM »
I'm planning to use the cruise control on the LM7 swap so I've acquired a 1984 tilt steering column with the cruise control and wipers in the stalk. I seems like the later model parts are a little easier to come by.

Offline Oldblue

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 12
  • 1984 C10 SWB
Re: Interior upgrade question
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2018, 11:23:54 PM »
Kudos on the frame off restore. Cab is looking good. I would just go with what you want if this is not a classic restoration. From another vantage point. I like the 80's interior as I have some heritage there in my family, but from a value stand point. Typically the more original a truck is the more it is worth. Not sure what your angle is, but keep up the good work.

What color interior are you gonna go with?
Old Blue,

One day it'll be restored
1984 C10 SWB
Currently Project: patch panel for bed and body work