You can swap to the later model dash without much problem. The later model dash is fairly common but you probably won't find parts for the early style.
Here's a copy & paste from an earlier post of mine:
It's not all that difficult to transplant the new style dash into the old style. Main thing is getting the center dash vent ductwork (rectangular) to fit the new vent (oval) and then trimming the ac faceplate to fit. It fits, just a little gap so you get some blow-by. I say this only because the early plastics are near impossible to find in good shape. New stuff looks way better anyway.
Only before shot I have:
After:
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