#1  
Old 05-04-2021, 08:13 PM
chaosrob chaosrob is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Default 1976 Dash/vin questions

My 76 has a 80-81 dash in it (has the two speaker holes left and right) and pulse wipers (that actually work). My question is does the vin have to be monkeyed with in order to change the metal part of the dash? It makes me a little nervous. TIA

  #2  
Old 05-05-2021, 10:01 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

It depends, but not really on both accounts. For most years it is simply a plate held up in place by a bracket which is riveted onto the lip of the dash metal, under where the dashpad meets up. On 80-81 or so, they started using that rosette style rivet and it passed all the way through the dash metal to be seen through the window. You will know which type you have by that feature, or if the speakers have been grafted into the earlier dash metal. Also, the later style changed VIN number styles so the cutout is much longer and wouldn't even fit your original VIN plate properly.

Mine has been apart from an earlier restoration and repaint, perhaps others could tell if the undersides were regular rivets or rosette style too on the earlier years.

  #3  
Old 05-05-2021, 10:05 AM
chaosrob chaosrob is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Default

This is what I have. Thank you very much for the replyClick image for larger version

Name:	20210505_090256.jpg
Views:	222
Size:	45.3 KB
ID:	565952
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus78Formula View Post
It depends, but not really on both accounts. For most years it is simply a plate held up in place by a bracket which is riveted onto the lip of the dash metal, under where the dashpad meets up. On 80-81 or so, they started using that rosette style rivet and it passed all the way through the dash metal to be seen through the window. You will know which type you have by that feature, or if the speakers have been grafted into the earlier dash metal. Also, the later style changed VIN number styles so the cutout is much longer and wouldn't even fit your original VIN plate properly.

  #4  
Old 05-05-2021, 10:10 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Interesting. I only have a few saved photos of this style. I was trying to work out if they'd extended the opening cut to cover the rivet holes but it seems nicely pressed with lip still.

I checked, it was 1981 for new opening and rivets through the top, so yours must be a 1980 dash top.

1981 Turbo TA Pace car exposed dash VIN rivets original by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


Here's the underside of my 78 with dash removed, a view you'll rarely see or find in a search. The black bracket supports the VIN plate. These are the rivets I asked about earlier as to what style the originals use here, mine has been apart.

Firebird dash metal VIN plate rust repair by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


Last edited by Aus78Formula; 05-05-2021 at 10:15 AM.
The Following User Says Thank You to Aus78Formula For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 05-05-2021, 11:55 AM
chaosrob chaosrob is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Default

Looking at the grill openings in mine it appears they may have modified the original to accept the grills. It doesn't exactly look factory done

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus78Formula View Post
Interesting. I only have a few saved photos of this style. I was trying to work out if they'd extended the opening cut to cover the rivet holes but it seems nicely pressed with lip still.

I checked, it was 1981 for new opening and rivets through the top, so yours must be a 1980 dash top.

1981 Turbo TA Pace car exposed dash VIN rivets original by Aus78Formula, on Flickr


Here's the underside of my 78 with dash removed, a view you'll rarely see or find in a search. The black bracket supports the VIN plate. These are the rivets I asked about earlier as to what style the originals use here, mine has been apart.

Firebird dash metal VIN plate rust repair by Aus78Formula, on Flickr

  #6  
Old 05-07-2021, 04:47 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Just us here, I guess.

  #7  
Old 05-07-2021, 06:49 AM
chaosrob chaosrob is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Default

I'm pretty sure that the question is answered honestly. After looking closer at it obviously home modified, the steel part was never out of the car in this one.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus78Formula View Post
Just us here, I guess.

  #8  
Old 05-09-2021, 04:15 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Yes, it appears so in those larger photos. Was hoping someone could comment on the rivets also, many, many on this forum.

  #9  
Old 05-09-2021, 06:51 PM
chaosrob chaosrob is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 29
Default

I apologize and was just looking at it from my point of view when your question is an interesting one. Maybe someone else will chime in
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aus78Formula View Post
Yes, it appears so in those larger photos. Was hoping someone could comment on the rivets also, many, many on this forum.

  #10  
Old 05-10-2021, 10:06 AM
unruhjonny's Avatar
unruhjonny unruhjonny is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 6,232
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by chaosrob View Post
Looking at the grill openings in mine it appears they may have modified the original to accept the grills. It doesn't exactly look factory done
You made me look again - I agree with you.

__________________
1970 Formula 400
Carousel Red paint on Black standard interior
A no-engine, no-transmission, no-wheel option car.
Quite likely one of few '70 Muncie three speed Formula 400's left.


1991 Grand Am: 14.4 @ 93.7mph (DA corrected) (retired DD, stock appearing)
2009 Cobalt SS: 13.9 @ 103mph (current DD; makes something north of 300hp & 350ft/lbs)
  #11  
Old 05-12-2021, 02:22 PM
jerry455 jerry455 is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: sterling hts mi
Posts: 296
Default

Click image for larger version

Name:	1976 VIN.jpg
Views:	336
Size:	64.5 KB
ID:	566469

This is my 76 Firebird.

  #12  
Old 05-13-2021, 08:37 AM
TAKerry TAKerry is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: North Eastern MD
Posts: 1,146
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by jerry455 View Post
Attachment 566469

This is my 76 Firebird.
My 77 and 79 are the same. I havent looked close at the earlier cars and was surprised when looking at this thread with the exposed rivets. I would have imagined they would have been riveted to a piece of metal then the metal dash went over top.

  #13  
Old 05-14-2021, 04:42 AM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Was hoping someone could post a photo of their untouched, riveted VIN plate from below to show how they looked originally. Mine has been apart.

  #14  
Old 05-14-2021, 02:59 PM
Stan65 Stan65 is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Toledo, IL
Posts: 192
Default

I don’t have a picture, but....

They were riveted using rosette rivets from the bottom. The order was rivet, support bracket, VIN plate, then dash.

The rosettes show from the bottom. From the top, With the dash pad removed it looks like the shank end of a normal rivet sticking up.

I added the stereo speaker grills to my dash. I also still have the center grill for my center channel.

My car is not quite original. Lol
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	89B29D3C-CA27-49BD-8BBC-3BD5DF062D51.jpg
Views:	160
Size:	52.2 KB
ID:	566561   Click image for larger version

Name:	4A07DAD8-6CCA-4518-B509-200F25674C6D.jpg
Views:	152
Size:	56.7 KB
ID:	566562  

  #15  
Old 05-16-2021, 12:02 PM
RicksGTO's Avatar
RicksGTO RicksGTO is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Colleyville, Texas
Posts: 3,486
Default

Here is the rosette rivet from the underside of the dash on my '74
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	38627BEF-2417-47EF-BC33-6EDDA1971C59.jpg
Views:	175
Size:	61.3 KB
ID:	566692  

__________________
'72 Formula 455HO TH400, Revere Silver, black deluxe
'74 Trans Am SD 4 speed, Admiralty Blue, blue deluxe
  #16  
Old 05-16-2021, 05:48 PM
Aus78Formula Aus78Formula is offline
Suspended
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,389
Default

Thanks Rick

Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:07 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017