Nitro virgin - what's right and what's not?

[nitromania]

So, got the new to me Nitro in the shed and giving it a good once over. Seeing a few things that I can't find a good reference to.
Tunnel has a rear cooler that ties into the existing system. It's a copper tubing affair looped like a radiator and runs forward with hoses under the seat into the radiator.
Is this stock, or dealer added, or homegrown ingenuity? Looks like it would  work fairly well catching snow thrown up off the track.

Gauge console differences? Seen some with woodgrain style insert that carry the key and choke also. Mine has repair piece riveted on and puts the key and choke in bad position. Key switch housing does not fit under console correctly. What's the stock layout? Are 76-77-78 different?

[kerry]

Looks like the machine was rolled? at some point.Also looks like the rad got quite hot and melted the dash which may be why some extra cooling was added.If I'm not mistaken it appears you have a '77 hood.Pretty sure instead of the 5 vents across the top it is one complete piece and the decal colors are different- like inverted.76 and 77 dashes don't have the gauges bumped up.
yellowlab2 got a 76 here in Ontario with some similar external cooling inside the tunnel.Maybe he can shed some light on that and other stuff.Still a great find!
Also punch in 78 rupp nitro images on a search.The majority will be 76/77 but you will see the differences if there is a 78 image.
Kerry

[nitromania]

Thanks Kerry.
Will have to leak test the aux cooler setup before I decide to keep on leave it.
Any idea if the ducting under hood is different between 77 and 78? I like the 77 hood style much more than the 78.

 If I look to replace the console to get rid of the damaged area, are repops available or just used?

[kerry]

Chances are Bill Stull (racingelvis) will know that stuff better than me.He does a lot of resto work.
Kerry