1972 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

1972 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

Last Updated June 20, 2023 | Kevin Brent

Finding the correct parts for restoring your vintage '72 Bronco can be a daunting task. The challenge lies in identifying your '72 Bronco's original components. You can acquire this valuable information by deciphering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and data plate of your 1972 Bronco. By utilizing a Bronco VIN decoder, you can streamline the process and effortlessly locate the essential parts required for your restoration project.

Uncover key details such as the series, body style, transmission, axle ratio, and color of your '72 Bronco. The vehicle's VIN will furnish you with the engine code, enabling you to restore your Bronco to its authentic state. You can use this information to identify any aftermarket components installed by previous owners.

1972 Bronco VIN Number Location

Finding the VIN on your first generation Bronco is easy if you know where to look. The best place to find the VIN is on the frame rail located beneath the engine, just before the firewall. Reading the VIN from the engine bay can be difficult with the engine setup. If you can't read the VIN stamp from the engine bay, we suggest turning the wheel as far right as possible and using a camera to take a picture of the VIN from behind the wheel well.

1972 Bronco VIN Plate Location

The full VIN plate is inside the face of the glove compartment door. It includes codes containing your '70 Bronco's production information. The top line of the data plate displays the following code categories: color, type, body, transmission, axle, and DSO.

1972 Bronco Paint Codes
ColorCodeSampleNotes
Wind Blue B
Pure White C
Chrome Yellow G
Prairie Yellow K
Wimbledon White M
Seapine Green Metallic O
Winter Green Q
Sequoia Brown R
Candyapple Red T
Mallard Green V
Saddletan W
Hot Ginger Metallic Z
Calypso Coral 1
Royal Maroon 2
Swiss Aqua 3
Bahama Blue 6
Tampico Yellow 8

1969-1972 Bronco Trim Packages
FeatureSport
Exterior
Dual Windshield Wipers S
Windshield Washers S
LH Outside Mirror S
Argent-Painted Grille with Bright Aluminum Trim Surround and FORD Letters S
Chrome Headlight Rings S
Chrome Windshield and Window Trim S
Chrome Taillight Bezels S
Chrome Tailgate Release Handle S
Front & Rear Chrome Bumpers S
Front Chrome Bumper Guards (w/ Chrome Bumpers Only) S
“Sport Bronco” Emblem S
Bright Metal Wheel Covers (15-Inch Wheels Only) S
Interior
Parchment Vinyl Simulated-Carpet Front Floor Mat with Bright Metal Retainers S
Vinyl-Covered Door Trim Panels with Bright Metal Moldings S
Satin-Finish Instrument Panel Molding S
Cigar-Cigarette Lighter S
Satin-Finish Horn Ring S
Fresh Air Heater & Defroster S
“Bright” refers to chrome finish. “LH” refers to lefthand and “RH” refers to righthand.

Related: Learn more about what came standard with your 1972 Bronco’s trim package.

1972 Bronco Build Month
CodeMonth
M40000 - M59999 August 1971
M60000 - M79999 September 1971
M80000 - M99999 October 1971
N00000 - N19999 November 1971
N20000 - N39999 December 1971
N40000 - N59999 January 1972
N60000 - N79999 February 1972
N80000 - N99999 March 1972
P00000 - P19999 April 1972
P20000 - P39999 May 1972
P40000 - P59999 June 1972
P60000 - P69999 July 1972

1972 Bronco District (DSO) Codes
District CodeDescription
11 Boston
12 Buffalo
13 New York
14 Pittsburgh
15 Newark
16 Philadelphia
17 Washington
21 Atlanta
22 Charlotte
23 Memphis
24 Jacksonville
25 Richmond
28 Louisville
41 Chicago
42 Cleveland
43 Milwaukee
46 Indianapolis
47 Cincinnati
48 Detroit
52 Dallas
53 Kansas City
54 Omaha
55 St. Louis
56 Davenport
57 Houston
58 Twin Cities
71 Los Angeles
72 San Jose
73 Salt Lake City
74 Seattle
75 Phoenix
76 Denver
83 Government
84 Home Office Reserve
85 American Red Cross
87 Body Company
89 Transportation Services
90 Export
B1 Ford of Canada - Central
B2 Ford of Canada - Eastern
B3 Ford of Canada - Atlantic
B4 Ford of Canada - Midwestern
B6 Ford of Canada - Western
B7 Ford of Canada - Pacific
I2 Export

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1972 Bronco Rear Gear Ratios
Axle CodeGear RatioCapacity
3 4.11 2780 lb.
18 3.50 2780 lb.
4 4.57 2780 lb.
B8 3.50 2780 lb.
A3 4.11 LS 2780 lb.
8 3.50 3300 lb.
5 4.11 LS 3300 lb.

1972 Bronco Transmission Codes
CodeDescription
C 3 Speed Direct

1972 Bronco Assembly Plants
CodeDescription
L Michigan Truck

1972 Bronco Series Codes
CodeDescription
U14 Pickup (Includes Sports Pickup)
U15 Wagon (Includes Sports Wagon)

1972 Bronco Engine Codes
Engine CodeEngine TypeDisplacementBoreStrokeCompression RatioHorsepower (In Net HP)
F Inline-6 170 CID 3.5" 2.94" 8.3:1 82 hp @ 4,400 RPM
G V-8 302 CID 4.00" 3.00" 8.0:1 140 hp @ 4,000 RPM

Jumpstart Your Restoration With Our 1972 Bronco VIN Decoder

Deciphering your 1972 Bronco's data plate gives you deeper insight into its authenticity. Explore our 1972 Bronco parts page where you can easily find all the essential components necessary for the restoration of your vintage vehicle. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter, as it will grant you access to valuable guides, useful tools, and relevant content for classic Bronco owners.


If you want to see what came stock on other first-gen Broncos, check out the VIN and data plate information for these Bronco years: 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977.

Sources: 1972 Ford Buyer's Digest, Ford Heritage

Image Credit: Ford Heritage

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about CJ's editorial standards and guidelines.