81-82 or 83 dash bezels compared to 73-80s

[got2haul]

The 1981 and 1982 and maybe even the 1983 still had the windshield wiper control on the dashboard.  There seems to be a slight difference in the overall size between the dash bezels from earlier models (73-80) and the later models -- in looking at them, the upper left and upper right mounting holes for the screws seem to be further inboard on the later models.  Is it that the bezel itself is slightly large and the holes are actually in the same place?  Will the '81-82 bezels fit without modification on a 73-80 model?  Anyone actually done the swap without changing the dash pad, too?

[VileZambonie]

the 73-80 will not fit right because of the dash which changed in 81

[Captkaos]

I have bolted a 81-83 to my 73 using my 73 and a 76 dash.  I don't have pics of it, but it doesn't look as good and the correct bezel.

[VileZambonie]

Do your gauges line up or did you put in a different gauge cluster also?

[Captkaos]

Same 73 cluster.  All of the clusters are the same as far as gauge placement.

[Fordeatinz71]

the wiper switch was on the dash in 1983.  1984 was the change year

[cracker0169]

I ordered a Covan's Classic bezel for my 81 to stuff my autometers in. After I got it, I noticed it said for 73-87 and I knew that wasnt right. I bolted it in and of course and doesnt mount up right. If I had a 73-80 dash pad I would be in business...

[Captkaos]

Covan's have alot of issues that isn't listed in their product.  One of those it fitment...  The other is you can't make a 73-87 dash, it has to be 73-80 and 81-87 to look/fit right....

[got2haul]

     Thanks for all the tips.  I've been watching eBay for a bezel in good shape, but almost all listed are out of 81-87 trucks, or NOS for those years and I wasn't sure.  Now I know to stick with the 73-800 models for my truck.  I understand, however, that if I find and go with a 1973-1977, I should replace the part under the steering column so the textures match, correct?