🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Year:

1971

Models Covered:

Polara, Charger, Challenger, Dart, Monaco

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

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.

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)

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

Primary Coverage:

Body, Chassis, Exterior Trim, Interior Trim, Sheet Metal, Structural Components

Total Pages:

243

Type:

Factory Service Manual (Body Section)

Language:

English

Format:

Printed (assumed based on typical manual sales)

📖 Manual Coverage

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

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

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

Digital Format:

N/A (Assumed printed)

Print Quality:

High-quality reproduction of original factory documentation, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text.

Binding:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (typical for service manuals of this era).

Paper Quality:

Durable paper stock suitable for workshop use, designed to withstand frequent handling.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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.

Hp Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine, from approx. 155 hp (Slant-6) to over 425 hp (426 HEMI). Torque figures also range widely.

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 Transmission Type:

Manual (3-speed and 4-speed options) and TorqueFlite automatic (3-speed).

Optional Transmission Type:

4-speed manual transmissions (e.g., A833) were popular performance options. Heavy-duty TorqueFlite automatics for high-performance engines.

Transmission Features:

TorqueFlite automatics offered 'Park', 'Reverse', 'Neutral', 'Drive', '2', and '1' selector positions. Manual transmissions featured standard H-pattern shifting.

📐 Dimensions

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.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 3,200 lbs (Dart) to over 4,000 lbs (Charger R/T, Polara Custom).

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings Era:

Safety standards were significantly less stringent than modern times. Focus was on basic structural integrity and rudimentary safety 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 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

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.

Assistance Features:

Very limited by modern standards. Key 'assistance' features were power steering and power brakes where equipped.

Connectivity Options:

N/A - No electronic connectivity features as understood today.

🔧 Maintenance

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.

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.

Body Rust Prone Areas:

Common rust areas include lower fenders, rocker panels, rear quarter panels (especially wheel arches), door bottoms, trunk drop-offs, and floor pans. Wiper cowls and around windshields can also collect moisture.

Body Alignment Issues:

Door sag, hood misalignment, trunk lid not closing properly are common due to worn hinges, body flex, or previous accident damage. Panel gaps can widen with age.

Interior Wear:

Dashboards can crack due to sun exposure. Vinyl and plastic trim can become brittle. Seat upholstery may tear or fade. Headliners can sag.

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge History Context:

Dodge in 1971 was positioned as Chrysler's 'performance' brand, offering sporty styling and powerful engine options, building on a heritage of robust American vehicles.

Charger Evolution:

The 1971 Charger was a significant redesign from the '68-'70 'coke bottle' styling, adopting a more aerodynamic, 'fuselage' design with hidden headlights. It marked a shift in styling direction.

Challenger Evolution:

The Challenger, introduced in 1970, was Dodge's entry into the highly competitive pony car segment. The 1971 model continued with its E-body platform, offering a range of trims from the base to the high-performance R/T.

Polara Monaco Evolution:

The Polara and Monaco were Dodge's full-size offerings, competing in the popular large car market. They shared Chrysler's C-body platform, emphasizing comfort and size.

Dart Evolution:

The Dart was Dodge's compact offering, a mainstay in the lineup known for its affordability and reliability. It shared the A-body platform.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily United States (e.g., Hamtramck, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri; Lynch Road, Detroit, Michigan).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for bodywork are rare for this era, Dodge vehicles of this period were recognized for their bold styling and performance capabilities, especially models like the Charger and Challenger, which were popular in automotive magazines and among enthusiasts.