🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Year:

1960

Models Covered:

Dart, Polara, Matador

Manual Product Code:

Not specified in product information

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

This manual serves the vital need for detailed technical information for owners and mechanics of the 1960 Dodge lineup, which represented the brand's entry into the compact and intermediate car segments with new styling and engineering.

Era Context:

The 1960 models competed against a diverse range of American manufacturers including Ford (Fairlane, Falcon), Chevrolet (Biscayne, Corvair), Plymouth (Valiant), and others, demanding robust service documentation to maintain performance and customer satisfaction.

Manual Value:

Essential for preserving the originality and functionality of these classic Mopar vehicles. Provides critical maintenance and repair data not readily available elsewhere.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Mechanics:

Complete engine overhaul, tuning, diagnostics

Fuel System:

Carburetor systems, fuel pumps, lines

Ignition System:

Distributor, coil, spark plugs, timing

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses

Exhaust System:

Mufflers, pipes, manifolds

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul, adjustment, fluid changes

Transmission Automatic:

Operation, adjustments, fluid specifications

Clutch:

Service, adjustment, replacement

Driveshaft And Axles:

U-joints, universal joints, differential service

Front Suspension:

Ball joints, control arms, springs, shock absorbers

Rear Suspension:

Leaf springs, shock absorbers, bushings

Steering System:

Steering box, linkage, power steering (if applicable)

Brake System:

Hydraulic system, drums, shoes, cylinders, lines

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, generator, battery, lighting

Body And Chassis:

Frame, body panels, doors, windows, trim

Heating And Ventilation:

Heater core, ducting, controls

Accessories:

Radio, wipers, horn installation and service

Total Pages:

686

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Print

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, transmission, driveshaft, differential

Chassis:

Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels

Electrical:

12-volt DC system, lighting, ignition, starting, charging

Body:

Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, weatherstripping

Preventative Maintenance:

Lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common issues and symptoms

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly

Adjustment:

Carburetor, ignition timing, clutch, brakes, parking brake

Specifications And Tolerances:

Torque values, clearances, measurements for critical components

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering major mechanical and electrical systems with detailed diagrams and procedures suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Printed manual, intended for physical use. High-quality paper and clear print. Likely includes diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Quality:

High - Assumed to be an original or high-quality reproduction, vital for clarity of diagrams and text in vintage manuals.

Binding:

Likely stitched or perfect bound, designed for durability in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, possibly matte finish paper to reduce glare in workshop conditions.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

1960 Dodge models featured a range of inline-6 and V8 engines. Common options included the Slant-6 (various displacements), and V8s such as the 318 V8 (Poly or Wedge head variants) and potentially larger V8s for higher trim levels. Specific engine displacements for Dart, Polara, and Matador variants would need cross-referencing with the manual itself.

Horsepower Range:

Varies significantly by engine, typically ranging from approximately 145 hp (Slant-6) to over 200 hp for V8 options.

Torque Range:

Correspondingly varies, with V8s offering substantially more torque for towing and acceleration.

Carburetion:

Single-barrel or two-barrel carburetors (e.g., Carter, Rochester) depending on engine and model. Manual will detail adjustment and rebuilding procedures.

Fuel Type:

Regular leaded gasoline.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Often a 3-speed manual transmission (e.g., Chrysler A-833 variant or similar).

Optional Transmission:

Push-button TorqueFlite (A727) 3-speed automatic transmission was a highly sought-after option.

Torque Converter:

For automatic transmissions, detailing torque converter stall speeds and fluid requirements.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (2-door, 4-door), Hardtop (2-door, 4-door), Station Wagon, Convertible (less common for base models).

Wheelbase:

Varies by model, typically around 116-118 inches for intermediate and larger models.

Curb Weight:

Generally ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 lbs depending on body style and powertrain.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

No formal crash test ratings as understood today. Safety features focused on structural integrity of the era and mechanical systems.

Active Safety:

Hydraulic drum brakes (front and rear), though power brakes were often optional. Directional stability from chassis design.

Passive Safety:

Robust steel body construction, safety-glass windshield (laminated). Seat belts were typically optional or not universally fitted.

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM radio, often with optional push-button tuning. Manual may cover basic installation and troubleshooting.

Driver Assistance:

No electronic driver assistance systems as understood today. Primary safety features are mechanical.

Connectivity Features:

Limited to basic electrical systems. No telematics or modern connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 miles or 3 months, but the manual will specify exact intervals based on driving conditions.

Tune Up Interval:

Recommended tune-ups (spark plugs, points, condenser, timing adjustment) often at 10,000-15,000 mile intervals.

Transmission Service:

Fluid and filter changes typically every 20,000-30,000 miles for automatics, manual transmission service at longer intervals.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-30 or SAE 20W-50, depending on ambient temperature. Manual will detail specific API service classification and viscosity grades.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol based antifreeze with water, typically a 50/50 mix. Manual will specify capacity.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron-II or equivalent for TorqueFlite transmissions. Capacity typically around 3-4 quarts for a drain and fill.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 90), capacity specified in the manual.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid.

Differential Fluid Type:

Hypoid gear oil (SAE 90) for rear differentials. Capacity specified.

Carburetor Issues:

Perishable fuel components (diaphragms, gaskets), clogging of jets, maladjustment of choke and idle speed.

Ignition System Issues:

Wear on points and condensers, distributor cap and rotor degradation, ignition coil failure, improper timing.

Cooling System Issues:

Hose deterioration, radiator leaks, thermostat sticking, water pump seal failure.

Suspension And Steering Wear:

Ball joint wear, kingpin wear (if applicable), worn tie rod ends, power steering pump leaks or noise (if equipped), worn shock absorbers.

Brake System Wear:

Drum wear, shoe lining wear, wheel cylinder leaks, master cylinder failure, rubber hose degradation.

Electrical System Issues:

Fraying or corroded wiring, generator output issues, starter motor problems, battery terminal corrosion.

Body And Chassis Issues:

Rust, especially on lower body panels, floors, and frame components. Door, window, and lock mechanism wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Heritage:

Dodge, established in 1914, was known for building rugged, reliable vehicles. By 1960, it was a key division of Chrysler Corporation, offering a range of vehicles from compacts to full-size models.

1960 Design:

The 1960 models saw significant styling changes, adopting a cleaner, more modern look with fins reduced or smoothed out compared to previous years. This year marked a transition towards more unit-body construction principles in some Chrysler divisions, though traditional body-on-frame likely still prevalent for larger models.

Production Locations:

Primarily manufactured in the United States by Chrysler Corporation.

Sales Context:

The 1960 models aimed to capture a broader market segment, including families and those seeking value and performance.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

Specific awards for 1960 models are not readily cataloged in general automotive history, but Dodge vehicles of this era were recognized for their engineering advancements and styling within the Chrysler Corporation umbrella.

Consumer Ratings:

Consumer satisfaction data from 1960 is historical and not comparable to modern rating systems. Reliability reports would be found in period automotive publications.

Manufacturing Certifications:

N/A - Certification processes were different in 1960.