79 dash recovery: Issue with VIN location

[Orion88]

So from what I've found searching the internet, 73-78's had the VIN on the inside of the door, and 79-87's had the VIN on the top of the dash on the driver's side. BUT... LMC makes the same dash pad for 73-80. Even though LMC says this dash is for all 73-80 trucks, somehow I doubt there will be a hole for where the VIN is located on my 79. Do I have to find an original dash pad? I don't suppose I could use the 81-87 dash pad, could I? Any solutions, suggestions, or pictures would be much appreciated.

[thefraze_1020]

...or you can try Brother's, Classic Parts, etc.

I'm pretty sure Classic Parts at least splits up their dash pads into 73-78 and 79-80.

[71swb4x4]

Call a vendor that works on these trucks, ask them, and then buy the dashpad from them. There are still a lot of good quality businesses out there.
I am not a 73-87 guy, so I can't offer much on which business to use. l have spoken with Wes at Classic Heartbeat and Paul at GMC Paul's about 67-72 trucks and they are very knowledgeable.

[Orion88]

Sorry, I wasn't specific enough. All three vendors make a 79-80 dash pad, but none of them make a 79-80 dash pad cover, only 73-80. I'm not sure if I want to spend the extra $200 to replace the entire dash pad if I don't have to. So what are my options here?

[notallthere]

I mounted mine with the dash out of the truck. Once it was stuck on I then cut the hole for the VIN.

[Orion88]

Do you have a picture of how well it turned out?

[motornut]

just to mention the pad does change design in th 80s
with the bezel changing too,headlight switch and wipers move
I am using a 89 pad in the 78,leaves it empty.
I know the setup i have fits fine,keeping the 78 bezel
don't see why a later pad won't work for you.

[notallthere]

These are really the only ones I have. I can get better ones if you like. During a hot day the part around the defrost vent comes up.

[notallthere]

Actually I do have to get better ones as I made some changes since this photo.