Target Audience:
Classic car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, restoration shops working on 1972-1973 Polaris Charger models.
Value Proposition:
Offers significant cost savings on repairs and maintenance compared to professional shop rates, empowers owners with the knowledge to maintain and restore their classic vehicle.
Ease Of Use:
Clear, step-by-step instructions with illustrations designed to simplify complex repair procedures.
Parts Information:
Includes a complete parts list to facilitate sourcing necessary components for repairs and maintenance.
Engine Performance:
Engine rebuild, tune-up procedures, fuel and exhaust systems, ignition system, electrical diagnostics, cooling system maintenance and repair.
Chassis Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel alignment, brake system (hydraulic, mechanical), clutch system, transmission (manual and/or automatic, if applicable).
Body Features:
Body repair, sheet metal replacement, interior trim and components, exterior trim, lighting system, electrical wiring diagrams, comfort features (HVAC, if applicable).
Maintenance:
Routine service schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, pre-delivery inspections.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, assembly and disassembly procedures, component specifications and tolerances.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, mechanical failures, and performance problems.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to detailed engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and bodywork.
Engine Options:
Likely offered with inline-6 and V8 engine options common in American cars of this era. Specific displacements (e.g., 230 cu in inline-6, 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8) would be detailed in the manual.
Horsepower Torque:
Horsepower and torque figures for each available engine variant will be detailed within the manual.
Carburetion:
Manual will cover specifications and repair procedures for single-barrel, two-barrel, and potentially four-barrel carburetors, along with fuel pump and fuel line maintenance.
Ignition Components:
Covers distributor, points, condenser, ignition coil, spark plugs, and wiring. May include timing specifications and troubleshooting.
Transmission Types:
Likely equipped with a manual transmission (e.g., 3-speed manual) as standard, with an automatic transmission (e.g., Ford C4 or similar) as an optional upgrade.
Automatic Transmission:
If an automatic transmission was offered, the manual will detail its operation, maintenance, fluid specifications, and repair procedures.
Clutch System:
Details on clutch assembly, pressure plate, release bearing, clutch fork, and hydraulic or mechanical clutch linkage.
Crash Safety:
Formal crash safety ratings (like NHTSA) were not standardized or widely published for vehicles of this era. The manual will focus on mechanical safety systems.
Braking System:
Detailed information on hydraulic brake systems, including master cylinder, brake lines, wheel cylinders, brake shoes/pads, and drums/rotors. May cover power assist systems.
Seat Belts:
Information on the proper function and maintenance of seat belt systems, if equipped and detailed in the original documentation.
Radio System:
Details on the original AM/FM radio system, its components, and basic troubleshooting, if covered.
Power Steering:
Information on the power steering system, including pump, hoses, and steering gear maintenance and repair.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams are a crucial feature, illustrating the electrical pathways for all vehicle systems, aiding in diagnosis and repair.
Oil Change Interval:
Typical intervals for oil changes would be every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, but the manual will provide specific recommendations based on engine type and operating conditions.
Tune Up Schedule:
Routine tune-up intervals for spark plugs, ignition timing, carburetor adjustments, and filter replacements will be outlined.
Engine Oil:
Manual will specify recommended oil viscosity grades (e.g., SAE 10W-30, 10W-40) and API service classifications suitable for the era's engines.
Coolant:
Specifications for engine coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol based) and recommended mixture ratios with water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid specifications will be provided for the hydraulic brake system.
Transmission Fluid:
If equipped with automatic transmission, specified ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) type will be listed. For manual transmissions, gear oil specifications for the gearbox will be provided.
Common Wear Items:
The manual will likely address common wear items for vehicles of this age, such as points and condenser, carburetor diaphragms, exhaust system components, and suspension bushings.
Electrical System Gremlins:
Troubleshooting guides will help diagnose and repair common electrical issues like corroded connections, failing voltage regulators, and worn wiring harnesses.
Polaris Automotive Division:
Polaris was historically known for snowmobiles and ATVs. Their foray into passenger cars with the 'Charger' nameplate (not to be confused with Dodge Charger) represents a distinct, though less widespread, chapter in automotive history.
Chargers 1972 1973:
The 1972 and 1973 models represent specific iterations of the Polaris Charger, likely with minor styling or feature updates between these years. The manual would document these specific changes.
Manufacturing Details:
Production details, including manufacturing location and specific production runs, would be relevant historical context provided within the manual.
