Target Audience:
Professional mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and Polaris owners seeking to maintain, repair, or restore their 1972 Custom II 2.
Value Proposition:
Provides essential, manufacturer-level technical data that is often difficult to find for classic vehicles, empowering owners to perform complex tasks themselves or understand service requirements.
Comprehensiveness:
The manual covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems, offering a holistic approach to vehicle care.
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes detailed wiring diagrams and troubleshooting flowcharts crucial for diagnosing electrical faults in a vehicle of this era.
Engine And Performance:
Bearings, cylinder heads, gaskets, timing belts, valve covers, serpentine belts, oil system components, air filters, air pressure gauges, oil pressure sensors, power programmers.
Transmission And Drivetrain:
Shifters, axles, CV boots, hubs, and other essential components.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides.
Essential Accessories And Parts:
Floor mats, cargo liners, consoles, organizers, leather seating, window accessories, bumpers, fenders, grilles, hoods, mud guards.
Lighting And Exterior:
Bulbs, driving lights, fog lights, tail lights, backup lights, turn signals, side markers.
Brakes And Suspension:
Brake discs, brake pads, brake system components, shocks, struts, steering system parts.
Maintenance And Repair:
Timing belt replacement, tire replacement, flat repair.
Additional Components:
Relays, electrical wiring, torque specs.
Estimated Pages:
Likely 500-800 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era).
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Likely a printed manual, possibly available digitally (PDF).
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and tuning of engine components including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, and emission control systems.
Transmission:
Repair and maintenance of manual and potentially automatic transmissions, driveline components, and clutch systems.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system diagnosis and repair, brake shoe/pad replacement, drum/disc machining, parking brake adjustments.
Suspension And Steering:
Wheel alignment, suspension component replacement (ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks), power steering system service.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery system diagnostics, lighting and accessory circuits.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, frame alignment.
Maintenance:
Regular scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication schedules, tune-up procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation.
Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical component resistance/voltage values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced electrical diagnostics and body repair.
Digital Quality:
If digital, expect clear scans or searchable text with high-resolution diagrams and schematics.
Print Paper:
Likely printed on durable paper suitable for a workshop environment, possibly with a laminated cover.
Binding:
Likely a spiral-bound or stitched binding allowing the manual to lay flat for easy referencing during repairs.
Engine Type:
Likely an inline-four or V6 gasoline engine. Specific displacement and configuration would depend on the exact Polaris Custom II 2 variant. Common options for the era included 2.0L to 3.5L.
Horsepower Range:
Estimated 70-120 HP, depending on engine displacement and configuration.
Torque Range:
Estimated 90-150 lb-ft, depending on engine displacement and configuration.
Fuel Delivery:
Likely carburetor-based fuel system (e.g., single or twin barrel carburetor).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (though leaded gasoline was still common, specifications would likely cover leaded requirements for the era).
Body Style:
Likely a 2-door coupe or sedan, potentially a hardtop or convertible depending on the 'Custom II 2' designation.
Curb Weight:
Estimated 2200-2800 lbs (1000-1270 kg), typical for a compact/mid-size car of the early 1970s.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly stated, but would be higher than curb weight to account for passengers and cargo.
Crash Test Data:
Vehicle safety standards and crash-testing methodologies were significantly different in 1972; formal ratings like those today are unlikely to exist. The manual would focus on structural integrity and mechanical safety components.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes (likely) and rear drum brakes were common for this era. Power assist for brakes may have been an option.
Seat Belts:
Lap belts likely standard; shoulder belts may have been optional or standard on higher trims.
Audio System:
Likely a basic AM radio, possibly an AM/FM radio as an option. Speaker configuration would be minimal.
Features:
Minimal to non-existent by modern standards. Features would be purely mechanical: power steering (optional), power brakes (optional).
Features:
No digital connectivity. Focus is on mechanical and electrical systems.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 3,000 miles or 3 months, but the manual would provide exact OEM recommendations. Could be as low as 2,500 miles for older engines.
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000-15,000 miles, including spark plug replacement, timing adjustment, and carburetor tuning.
Engine Oil:
Likely a high-zinc (ZDDP) content oil, such as SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40, conforming to API SF or SG service classification (or equivalent for the era).
Transmission Fluid:
For manual: GL-4 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90). For automatic: Dexron II or equivalent ATF.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Specific type would be specified in the manual.
Carburetor:
Carburetors are prone to clogging with age and sediment. Rebuilding or replacement may be necessary. Manual will cover adjustment and rebuild procedures.
Electrical Corrosion:
Connections and wiring can corrode over time, leading to intermittent electrical issues. Manual's wiring diagrams are essential for troubleshooting.
Rust:
Common in vehicles of this era, especially in areas exposed to moisture. Manual may offer guidance on minor body repairs.
Polaris Automotive Division:
While Polaris is primarily known for powersports, they did have a brief foray into automotive manufacturing. The Custom II 2 represents a lesser-known chapter of their history.
Custom Ii 2 Context:
The 'Custom II 2' designation suggests a focus on comfort and features, possibly an evolution from an earlier Polaris passenger car model. Specific production numbers and variants are scarce.
Production Period:
Likely a short production run, characteristic of Polaris's automotive ventures in that era.
