This is a tough situation which we can only recommend you contact the California Smog Check Referee's office with. You can reach them at (800) 622-7733.
Technically the smog station is correct in the sense that a C.A.R.B / Executive Order number is required for the headers. To our knowledge EO numbers were being issued in 1983. The first “Smog Check” program was implemented in March 1984. It came about as a result of "SB 33" which was passed in 1982.
posted by SmogTips Support