I am looking for a gauge cluster to go in my 81 sport coupe. How can I tell if a gauge cluster is going to fit my car? I see a lot that say they fit 70-81 camaros but the dashboards are different so I assume the cluster is probably physically different too. Also non of the resto. catalogs show lenses for the 81 so that too makes me think something is different. So, what is the difference and how can I identify one that will fit my car?

I bought a 80's cluster for my 77. The only difference I found was in the guage lens. Yours will have to clear tabs sticking out for your turn signals. I switched the lens from my idiot light gaues and I was set. Oh and there was one more difference, the volt/amp gagues are printed different. The 80's one I got with the new cluster had a battery showing. What I needed was the "volt" text, an I believe the earlier style had "amp" text. Doubt it's a big deal unless your doing an accurate swap.

Below should be a picture of the lens style for your 80's car. I have this one I list on eBay for sale if anyones interested. Was listed for $20.00 shipped.
http://www.action-host.com/images/ebay/guage_lens-02.jpg

That is great news! I am not worried about a perfect restoration, I just want to have full factory looking gauges. ie. not autometers or something. Thanks for the info and if I don't find a cluster w/ lens I will check out your auction on ebay. Thanks again!