81 C10 interior

[327power]

Hi,I'm new here.I was wondering what I need to do to put a 73-80 dash and gauge bezel in my 81 stepside. I really don't care for the cheesy 80's look too much. I also plan to swap out the over-squared "new wave" front clip with preferably a 73-74 'cause I think they have the nicest grille. Thanks!

[frogman68]

the dash pad and bezel (with instrument cluster) will pretty much go right in.

I have a 84 cab and test fitted my 76 dash pad into it had to remove the speaker from the 84

[ccz145a]

I think you'll be fine. It's whenever the wiper switch went to the column that they moved the headlight switch a little, even so, that's not a real biggie to move it to fit the bezel.

Search this site, there are some good write-ups for front-end swaps. The biggest issue being the wiper connections at the base of the windshield. New style is much longer and will interfere with the hood. Then there's the pesky holes in the cab when the new style hood hinges are removed. Left uncovered, rain will fill your cab.

[327power]

Hey, thanks for the input! I will definetly shop around for an older 73'-80' style front clip when I get back home in a few months. I'm kind of stuck here in Iraq for a little while.(Army) Oh yeah, here's another question thats been asked a lot...how crappy would my ride be if I installed 1 ton front coils? I hear about that a lot.(2WD) I don't care for body lifts. Too bad nobody makes lift spindles for our 73'-87' trucks anymore.
Old school trucks forever!

[xbanone]

I thought the inner steel frame was different under the pad between 80 and 81 correct me if I'm wrong. I also perfer the earlier look of the 73-80s. I have a '76 stock dash with 81-up seat, door panels and I'm trying to get the dash bezel to fit.

Good luck with the early front end swap.

And thanks for your service overseas.

[cdpence69]

yes i belive in the 81-87 years was the years that they change the whole interior so the dash molding blends in with the door molding

[Captkaos]

The dash metal framework is the same from 73-91 as far as dash mounting. 
The radio style changed and the wiper got moved other than that there is no difference.