1972: This model year saw no visual design changes from the 1971 units, however, the built-in fader control debuted. All 1964-1971 mono (AM and non-stereo FM) radios required a special "slip-on" fader control knob (placed behind the tuning knob) and external harness connections if a rear speaker was ordered. 1972 and later Chevelle mono radios have the fader control built into the tuning knob bushing itself, and these "fader radios" were then installed if the optional rear speaker was ordered. See the Options section for more information on faders.
This radio has the built-in fader (control for the optional rear speaker). This radio would have been originally installed in a vehicle ordered with an AM radio and rear speaker. The built-in fader radios can be distinguished from their standard mono counterparts by the longer tuning bushing which has the outer shaft control.
The AM/FM radios (FM mono, not stereo) are visually the same as the 1970-1971 units with the exception of the change to white numbering on the internal dial and blue "tint bands" on the lens which began in the 1971 model year.
The 1972 AM/FM-stereo radios continued using the same design of the previous two model years (an amber colored stereo indicator light on the upper right corner and the word Stereo printed between the "104" and "108" on the FM dial band), but continued using the 1971 style of numbers/lettering printed in white and blue "tint bands" on the dial lens.
The combination AM radio and 8-track tape player used the same visual design as the previous two model years (the dial that doubles as a tape cartridge door, round amber stereo indicator light and upper pushbuttons). The numbering and lettering was also in white and the upper corners of the dial lens have the blue "tint bands" like the 1971 units.
The combination AM/FM-stereo radio and 8-track tape player used the same design of the previous two model years (a dial that doubles as the tape door and CHEVROLET printed below the buttons. Three of the pusbutton presets serve double-duty as AM, FM and EJECT buttons. Just like the AM/8's, there is an amber colored stereo indicator on the upper left side of the lens, but in addition there is also an amber colored FM indicator on the upper right side of the lens). The "tint-bands" in the upper corners were blue and the the numbering and lettering were printed in white just like the 1971 model year units.
