1972 Chevelle
Welcome to the ultimate factory decoding guide and technical authority for the 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. Representing the final year of the celebrated second-generation A-body platform, the 1972 Chevelle features a revised front grille with twin horizontal bars, single-unit parking lights extending into the front fenders, and single-piece tail light lenses set into the rear bumper. This model year also introduced net horsepower ratings and made the SS Option (RPO Z15) package available on both the Malibu series and the Chevelle line, powered by engines ranging from the 350 Small-Block to the big-block 402 V8 and the potent LS5 454 V8. Whether you are verifying a genuine Super Sport, decoding a Fisher Body cowl tag, or restoring a Chevelle Base, Malibu, El Camino, station wagon, sport coupe, or convertible, this guide delivers factory-correct documentation. Access detailed reference charts for VIN plate breakdowns (featuring engine code digits for the first time), engine suffix codes, build sheet decoding, interior trim options, exterior paint codes, rear axle ratios, power teams, and RPO production totals to accurately identify, decode, and restore your 1972 Chevy Chevelle.
Chevelle, El Camino, or Monte Carlo?
Decoding Information Links
- Engine Suffix Codes ~ 402 & 454 Production Numbers & Pad
Listing of engine ID codes for size, horsepower, and transmission type. - Engine Horsepower/Torque Specifications
Table of standard and optional engine horsepower ratings and torque specifications - Exterior/Interior Color Combinations & Convertible/Vinyl Top Colors
Exterior paint colors and recommended interior trim codes. - Fisher Body Number Plate Decoding
Decode your Fisher Body Number Plate (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Fisher Body Number Plate General Breakdown
General decoding of Fisher Body Number Plates (a.k.a. trim tag, cowl tag, firewall tag). - Is it an SS?
How to tell if a 1972 Chevelle is a true SS. - Interior Trim Codes
Listing of all interior trim codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Interior Paint Colors
Ditzler interior paint colors. - Interior Trim Combination Chart
Listing from GM parts book on all Chevrolet trim numbers, materials, and applications. - Paint Codes
Listing of all exterior paint codes found on the Fisher Body Number Plate and samples of many. - Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards
Decoding Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards ~ See samples via Chevelle and El Camino links below. - Rear Axle Codes
Axle ratio, date, manufacturing plant. - Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Plate Breakdown
Generic decoding of Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plates.
Other 1972 Reference Material Links
- Build sheet Examples
Examples of some of the often asked questions like drive shaft stripe colors, engine/transmission, etc. - Trim Tag Examples
Examples of every assembly plant’s trim tags for Chevelle and El Camino. - Trim Tag Analysis
Analysis and breakdown of trim tag formats for the various assembly plants. - Engine Photos
Partial VIN stampings – Production Numbers of 402 and 454 V8 Engines - Interior Photos ~ Codes 701 to 719
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Codes 720 to 743
Examples of several interiors by code number. - Interior Photos ~ Monte Carlo
Examples of several Monte Carlo interiors by code number. - Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous paperwork, dimensions, tires, model identification, options, etc. - Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet
Options and Accessories when installed by Chevrolet - Options by Quantity/Cost
Options listed as RPO and/or Accessory. - Options by Quantity & Percentage of Possibilities
Options listed by RPO and percentage sold. Chevrolet no longer reported the options by series/model availability. - Physical Year Calendar Weeks
January 1 through December 31 - Power Teams
Engine, transmission, rear end combinations. - Production Year Calendar
August of 1971 to July of 1972. - Production Numbers By Plant
Last VIN reported by GM for each assembly plant. - Production Numbers By Series/Model
How many of each style, model, and engine type (L6 vs. V8) was produced. - Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment
Standard Interior And Exterior Equipment by Chevelle series. - Steering Wheels/Door Panels/Instrument Panel
Different steering wheels, door panels, & instrument panel by Chevelle series. - Trim, Moldings, and Front Sheet Metal
Part numbers from GM Parts & Accessories Book. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ Chevelle
Examples of Chevelle Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - Warranty Protect-O-Plate cards ~ El Camino
Examples of El Camino Protect-O-Plate Warranty cards. - 1972 Chevelle Sport Coupe, Convertible, Sedan, & Station Wagon Photo Gallery
Photos of 1972 Chevelles in almost every color offered. - 1972 Chevelle El Camino Photo Gallery
Photos of 1972 Chevelle El Caminos in almost every color offered. - 1972 Monte Carlo Photo Gallery
Photos of 1972 Monte Carlos. - Dealer Brochures
A variety of 1972 Chevelle dealer brochures. - 1972 Trivia
Just for fun stuff.
