Casey
Our build date is June 18, 1968. It did not have the pillar pads (at least no holes where there). However, we decided to add ours because we like the finished look. Therfore, we drilled the holes. I have assumed that because of our build date, they "ran out".
As for the knee pad, we did not like that look and there were no holes there for the knee pad. In my opinion, the dash looks cleaner without the knee pad.
Anyway, just my thoughts.
Paul