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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Interior & Equipment => Topic started by: big.45 on August 24, 2010, 02:06:40 pm

Title: dash swap
Post by: big.45 on August 24, 2010, 02:06:40 pm
I have an 80 gmc and want to put in the newer 81-87 dash.
Can I do this, and what all will I have to change?(Gauage cluster, bezel)
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: 454ss on August 24, 2010, 07:35:56 pm
Everything is a bolt in. I don't think there were any changes in gauge wiring either.
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: Swims350 on August 24, 2010, 08:07:16 pm
ok when you say dash what part do you mean the soft top dash pad? the cluster of gauges, the gauge surround?
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: VileZambonie on August 24, 2010, 09:55:49 pm
If you are referring to the pad, you will need to change many things. Nothing will interchange correctly without a few swap items. The 1980 dash bezel gauge cluster mount and alignment will be off with the 81 up dash, wiper switch would have to use an early bezel, the pad, the insert panel, and a few other minor differences. Why do you want to change it anyway?
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: big.45 on August 25, 2010, 12:56:20 pm
I need a new dash pad, this one has a cap on it and the whole thing is twisted and looks bad. I saw I could get a factory new one from the website for 81-87, and I like the look of them. I haven't seen new dash pads for the 80.

I know I will need a dash bezel 81-83.

Will I also need the part that holds the gauges that bolts to the dash(the white piece)?

What other Items would I need?

Would it look factory once I got all the parts required?
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: Old77 on August 25, 2010, 01:24:02 pm
As far as looking stock, it should as long as you do it correctly and get all the necessary parts that you need. If it was me, I'd look really hard at just getting a correct dash pad for 1980, though, as moving up to an 81-87 is not a significant improvement compared to the work that'd be involved. just my .02
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: Swims350 on August 25, 2010, 02:36:39 pm
the 81-87 door panels match the 88+ dashes and vice versa, so in order to look factory the door panels need switched too. I'd look into making the cap fit it, or straighten yours out first. If not search online or ebay or google for a 73-80 dash pad.
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: Captkaos on August 25, 2010, 04:12:35 pm
Cheyenne pickup has the best quality skinned 73-80 dashes last time I checked.
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: VileZambonie on August 27, 2010, 10:06:28 am
I would go with the 73-80 dash. It has a nice classic look and I found a mint NOS one on eBay a few months back for about $250 bucks that I bought.
Title: Re: dash swap
Post by: Swims350 on August 27, 2010, 07:39:57 pm
I agree I love pretty much everything about a 73-80.