Differences between. 70/71 and 72
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 415
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Beach, FL
Differences between. 70/71 and 72
I am on the hunt for a chrome bumper BB coupe. I know it’s a personal decision, but I’ve decided that i prefer the 70-72 styling.
I’m not concerned about the changes in compression and engine ratings, so from what i can tell the only major difference between the 70-71 & 72 model years is the front turn signal lens color and the loss of headlight washers and fiber optics on the 72. Am I missing anything else?
I think the fiber optics are kind of cool, so I’m leaning towards at 70-71 if i can find one.
I’m not concerned about the changes in compression and engine ratings, so from what i can tell the only major difference between the 70-71 & 72 model years is the front turn signal lens color and the loss of headlight washers and fiber optics on the 72. Am I missing anything else?
I think the fiber optics are kind of cool, so I’m leaning towards at 70-71 if i can find one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Lake Tahoe, CA
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,035
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From: Marlton NJ
I know the eggcrate grilles and the front grilles are very slightly different on 70's. The front grilles have lower studs, not screws, and are no longer available.
The 70 eggcrate grilles are also a one year deal, the vertical "bars" are less pronounced (shorter) and not chrome edged, so you they visually "disappear" more. Only the horizontal ones are chromed edged. Um 72/73s have unique seat belts with lower underseat retractors, other two don't. Not sure what year the charcoal canister and it's gas tank line/connection started. When that happened the gas caps went from open to sealed. Supposedly 70-71 got harder heat treated diff yokes, and most of the 72+ up cars got softer ones which wear more. But my 72s are barely worn. 70-early 71 had open element air cleaners, that changed in mid-year to the two snout closed one.BB had chrome valve covers also until mid 71. There may be a smaller diff front yoke/ujoint, but I am not sure when that changed. Just minor stuff. The fiber optics is the biggest one. Oh the alarm went standard one year, maybe 72? The pattern on the leather seats is vertical on some years and horizontal on others.
The 70 eggcrate grilles are also a one year deal, the vertical "bars" are less pronounced (shorter) and not chrome edged, so you they visually "disappear" more. Only the horizontal ones are chromed edged. Um 72/73s have unique seat belts with lower underseat retractors, other two don't. Not sure what year the charcoal canister and it's gas tank line/connection started. When that happened the gas caps went from open to sealed. Supposedly 70-71 got harder heat treated diff yokes, and most of the 72+ up cars got softer ones which wear more. But my 72s are barely worn. 70-early 71 had open element air cleaners, that changed in mid-year to the two snout closed one.BB had chrome valve covers also until mid 71. There may be a smaller diff front yoke/ujoint, but I am not sure when that changed. Just minor stuff. The fiber optics is the biggest one. Oh the alarm went standard one year, maybe 72? The pattern on the leather seats is vertical on some years and horizontal on others.
Last edited by leigh1322; Jan 16, 2021 at 08:31 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 265
From: The frozen wastes...
I know the eggcrate grilles and the front grilles are very slightly different on 70's. The front grilles have lower studs, not screws, and are no longer available.
The 70 eggcrate grilles are also a one year deal, the vertical "bars" are less pronounced (shorter) and not chrome edged, so you they visually "disappear" more. Only the horizontal ones are chromed edged. Um 72/73s have unique seat belts with lower underseat retractors, other two don't. Not sure what year the charcoal canister and it's gas tank line/connection started. When that happened the gas caps went from open to sealed. Supposedly 70-71 got harder heat treated diff yokes, and most of the 72+ up cars got softer ones which wear more. But my 72s are barely worn. 70-early 71 had open element air cleaners, that changed in mid-year to the two snout closed one.BB had chrome valve covers also until mid 71. There may be a smaller diff front yoke/ujoint, but I am not sure when that changed. Just minor stuff. The fiber optics is the biggest one. Oh the alarm went standard one year, maybe 72? The pattern on the leather seats is vertical on some years and horizontal on others.
The 70 eggcrate grilles are also a one year deal, the vertical "bars" are less pronounced (shorter) and not chrome edged, so you they visually "disappear" more. Only the horizontal ones are chromed edged. Um 72/73s have unique seat belts with lower underseat retractors, other two don't. Not sure what year the charcoal canister and it's gas tank line/connection started. When that happened the gas caps went from open to sealed. Supposedly 70-71 got harder heat treated diff yokes, and most of the 72+ up cars got softer ones which wear more. But my 72s are barely worn. 70-early 71 had open element air cleaners, that changed in mid-year to the two snout closed one.BB had chrome valve covers also until mid 71. There may be a smaller diff front yoke/ujoint, but I am not sure when that changed. Just minor stuff. The fiber optics is the biggest one. Oh the alarm went standard one year, maybe 72? The pattern on the leather seats is vertical on some years and horizontal on others.
Jesus Christ... how many Corvettes have you owned!? I like a man that appreciates detail.
What i want to know is what changed that they gained weight from 70 to 72. It wasn't a lot, but it was there.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
NCRS just released its, I believe 7th edition of its 1970-72 technical information manual that exceeds 300 pages. If you wish to get familiar with the differences, its your best absolute source.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Illinois
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Don't forget the taillights. The backup light lenses were different from 70 to 71. One thing that I am glad that I ordered when I bought mine was the small block. Just a lot more room under the hood to work on things. I do like the BB hood better though.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 978
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From: Bethlehem, PA
You get more for your money with a 1972; especially on the higher end models like the LT1 and BB a/c cars. Lacking Real paperwork, an advantage is the vin on the 1972 as well, with L in the vin being a LT1 and W is a 454.
Most people, including most on this forum, would not know a '70 from a '72 if were in front of them.
Most people, including most on this forum, would not know a '70 from a '72 if were in front of them.
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,178
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From: Long Island
Actually the front grilles are year specific. 70 - studs, 71 screw holes, 72 no hole for fiber optic.
Pollution control is different on each year.
72 only year with A/C on an LT1.
Yes, Alarm Standard on 72.
Seat cover patterns different on 72.
Data plate on 72 no HP rating.
If you can find a Tilt / Tel column it makes it easier to exit / enter the car.
Pollution control is different on each year.
72 only year with A/C on an LT1.
Yes, Alarm Standard on 72.
Seat cover patterns different on 72.
Data plate on 72 no HP rating.
If you can find a Tilt / Tel column it makes it easier to exit / enter the car.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 415
Likes: 76
From: Atlantic Beach, FL
Thanks for all the replies - pretty much confirms what I thought. If i was sitting in a 72 vs a 70/71 the only thing i’d notice would be the lack of fiber optics.
Everything else seems to be minor cosmetic changes. I’m going to include the 72 in my search, but i might miss those cool fiber optics
Everything else seems to be minor cosmetic changes. I’m going to include the 72 in my search, but i might miss those cool fiber optics
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,178
Likes: 1,668
From: Long Island
Thanks for all the replies - pretty much confirms what I thought. If i was sitting in a 72 vs a 70/71 the only thing i’d notice would be the lack of fiber optics.
Everything else seems to be minor cosmetic changes. I’m going to include the 72 in my search, but i might miss those cool fiber optics
Everything else seems to be minor cosmetic changes. I’m going to include the 72 in my search, but i might miss those cool fiber optics
No, The gauges and Speedo / tech went from a green letter face to a white letter face... in 1972
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Lake Norman, NC
I’m amazed when I look at the inner door with the door trim panel removed. I joke how on my ‘72, I think I double my side impact protection when the window is down and inside the door 🙄.
Last edited by redrdstr72; Jan 19, 2021 at 09:37 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Connecticut, USA
I've had my 72 coupe for 42 years now, great car and back in the day weren't so much in demand since the earlier cars were all over the place. I wish I bought several since they were selling for about $3000 with under 50k miles. I have a 69 and like it as well, the fiber optics are nice at night. My buddy had a 71 454/365 it was a great car too, drove it daily. As with any of them today you have to check them good or you will have a money pit for sure.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Long Island
Check the car over real good. I've had my 71 for 20 years and the 71 for 3.The 71 was a basket case when I got it. I knew that so it was my first retirement project..
Also remember that in 72 , the HP rating went from Gross to Net. Thus the lower HP rating.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 610
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From: Vancouver B.C.
I'll mention a few more I think have not been mentioned that I believe are differences:
- Late 71s and 72s have Amber coloured front eggcrate parking lenses.
- Radio and headlight ***** in 72 changed to showing a diagram on the *****. Chevy wide thing.
- Gas pedal changed for 72. No chrome trim on clutch, brake and gas pedal as a result of change.
- Hood support in 72 goes to scissor type design.
- single horn used on 72s. I believe 70 and 71s have two.
All minor stuff. But while we are at it, might as well add to the thread for future searchers. I would focus on finding
the best car in any of these 3 years. Other than compression ratio for 1970 all are pretty well the same, but then most motors have been rebuilt and perhaps modified by now if not original. Good luck.
- Late 71s and 72s have Amber coloured front eggcrate parking lenses.
- Radio and headlight ***** in 72 changed to showing a diagram on the *****. Chevy wide thing.
- Gas pedal changed for 72. No chrome trim on clutch, brake and gas pedal as a result of change.
- Hood support in 72 goes to scissor type design.
- single horn used on 72s. I believe 70 and 71s have two.
All minor stuff. But while we are at it, might as well add to the thread for future searchers. I would focus on finding
the best car in any of these 3 years. Other than compression ratio for 1970 all are pretty well the same, but then most motors have been rebuilt and perhaps modified by now if not original. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,178
Likes: 1,668
From: Long Island
The shape of the Alarm Lock ( inside the chrome Bessel) was changed during 71, in all 72's in looked more like the door key lock.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Jan 21, 2021 at 01:44 PM.