🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Dodge Year: 1971 Models Covered: Polara, Charger, Challenger, Dart, Monaco Codes Body Style Codes: e.g., DP (Dart Polara), LP (Light Polara), WP (Wedge Polara), DB (Dart Base), PB (Polara Base), LPD (Light Polara Deluxe), WPD (Wedge Polara Deluxe), CH (Charger), CL (Challenger) 👋 Introduction Market Position Historical Context: The 1971 model year was a significant period for Chrysler Corporation's intermediates and pony cars, catering to a market demanding style, performance, and a degree of luxury. This manual focuses on the tangible aspects of these popular vehicles. Competitive Analysis Competitors Body: Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, Mercury Cougar, AMC Javelin, Plymouth Barracuda (for Charger/Challenger); Chevrolet Impala, Ford Galaxie, Pontiac Catalina/Bonneville, Buick LeSabre/Wildcat, Oldsmobile Delta 88/Starfire, Mercury Monterey (for Polara/Monaco/Dart) Key Features Manual Value Proposition: Essential for restorers, customizers, and owners performing body-related repairs and maintenance on these classic Mopar vehicles. Provides factory-level accuracy for bodywork. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Body, Chassis, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Sheet Metal, Structural Components Page Count Total Pages: 243 Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual (Body Section) Language Language: English Format Format: Printed (assumed based on typical manual sales) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Body Systems: Unibody construction, frame components (where applicable), body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, roof, interior panels, upholstery, glass, seals, bumpers, grille, lighting bezels, trim pieces, weatherstripping Procedures Included Repair Procedures: Body panel alignment, door adjustment, hood and trunk operation, panel replacement (fenders, doors, quarter panels), rust repair techniques, welding procedures (spot, MIG), body filler application, glass installation/removal, seal replacement, interior trim panel removal/installation, upholstery repair Maintenance Procedures: Body care, paint and finish maintenance, lubrication of hinges and latches, weatherstrip care Technical Depth Depth: Detailed, covering structural repairs, panel replacement, alignment specifications, and trim restoration. Focuses on the physical assembly and repair of the vehicle's exterior and interior. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: N/A (Assumed printed) Print Quality Print Quality: High-quality reproduction of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for service manuals of this era). Paper Type Paper Quality: Durable paper stock suitable for workshop use, designed to withstand frequent handling. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Options General: Wide range of engines from Slant-6 inline-six to various V8s including the 318 V8, 340 V8, 383 V8, 440 V8, and the legendary 426 HEMI (primarily Charger/Challenger). Specific engines vary by model and trim. Performance Hp Torque Range: Varies significantly by engine, from approx. 155 hp (Slant-6) to over 425 hp (426 HEMI). Torque figures also range widely. Fuel System Carburetion: Primarily single-barrel or two-barrel Carter carburetors for standard engines, with four-barrel carburetors (Holley or Carter) for performance variants. HEMI engines typically featured two four-barrel carburetors. 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission Type: Manual (3-speed and 4-speed options) and TorqueFlite automatic (3-speed). Optional Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed manual transmissions (e.g., A833) were popular performance options. Heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatics for high-performance engines. Features Transmission Features: TorqueFlite automatics offered 'Park', 'Reverse', 'Neutral', 'Drive', '2', and '1' selector positions. Manual transmissions featured standard H-pattern shifting. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Range: Approximately 115 inches (Polara, Monaco) to 110 inches (Charger, Challenger, Dart). Overall Length Range: Varies by model, e.g., Charger approx. 200 inches, Challenger approx. 189 inches, Polara approx. 214 inches. Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 3,200 lbs (Dart) to over 4,000 lbs (Charger R/T, Polara Custom). 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Safety Ratings Era: Safety standards were significantly less stringent than modern times. Focus was on basic structural integrity and rudimentary safety features. Active Features Active Safety: Power front disc brakes (optional/standard on some models), rear drum brakes. Dual-circuit hydraulic braking system. Variable-ratio power steering (optional). Passive Features Passive Safety: Seat belts (lap belts standard, shoulder belts optional/standard on higher trims), padded dashboard, safety glass (laminated windshield, tempered side/rear glass), collapsible steering column (introduced for 1969, continued). 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: AM radio standard, AM/FM and AM/FM with stereo 8-track tape player were optional upgrades on many models. Speaker placement varied by trim. Driver Assistance Assistance Features: Very limited by modern standards. Key 'assistance' features were power steering and power brakes where equipped. Connectivity Connectivity Options: N/A - No electronic connectivity features as understood today. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Body Lubrication: Lubricate door hinges, hood hinges, trunk hinges, and latches every 6 months or 10,000 miles. Weatherstrip should be treated with silicone spray annually. Body Inspection: Regular inspection for rust, paint damage, and body panel alignment recommended quarterly. Check door, hood, and trunk seals for integrity. Fluid Specifications Windshield Washer Fluid: Non-sudsing windshield washer fluid or a mixture of water and automotive windshield washer solvent. Capacity approx. 1 gallon. Steering Fluid: For power steering systems: Chrysler Power Steering Fluid (equivalent to Type A or Dexron). Check level with engine running. Known Issues Body Rust...