Performance Parts & Accessories
Mopar 1971 A-Body Rallye Wheel Caps: Dark Argent Silver
Authentic OEM Restoration for Your 1971 Plymouth Duster, Demon, and Valiant
Introduction
At Hammer Engines, we know that for a true concours-level restoration, the devil is in the details. For Mopar A-Body enthusiasts, few details are as distinctive—or as frequently incorrect—as the specific, one-year-only Dark Argent Silver finish on the 1971 Rallye wheel caps. After sourcing and verifying countless parts for our clients’ restoration projects, we confidently offer these official Mopar caps to ensure your 1971 Duster, Demon, or Valiant is period-perfect.
These are not aftermarket reproductions with questionable color matching; these are the genuine Mopar article (Part #4047983), featuring the precise, semi-gloss Dark Argent Silver paint that sets the 1971 models apart from the brighter Argent Silver used in other years. The target user for this product is the discerning restorer or collector for whom authenticity is non-negotiable. We’ve seen too many otherwise beautiful cars lose points at shows due to incorrect wheel cap finishes, which is why we insist on supplying only OEM-correct components for critical visual items like these.
Each cap is designed as a direct, snap-in replacement, ensuring a perfect fit with your original 15″ Rallye wheels. The durability of the OEM finish means it will resist fading and chipping far better than a repainted aftermarket cap, preserving the correct look for years to come. To ensure the rest of your wheel is equally pristine, we recommend pairing these with our Wheel Restoration and Refinishing Services.
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mopar (Official OEM) |
| Part Number | 4047983 |
| Application | 1971 Mopar A-Body (Plymouth Duster, Demon, Valiant) |
| Finish | Dark Argent Silver (OEM Correct) |
| Diameter | Fits 15″ Rallye Wheels |
| Condition | New Old Stock (NOS) / Official Mopar Reproduction |
| Mounting Style | Snap-In OEM Fitment |
| Quantity | Sold Individually |
| Included | Cap Only (Center Medallion not included) |
Application & Use-Case Section
These wheel caps are a cornerstone of an authentic 1971 Mopar A-Body restoration. Their correct application is critical for several scenarios.
-
Concours-Level Restoration: The definitive application. For a show-ready 1971 Plymouth Duster 340, Demon 340, or Valiant Scamp, these correct Dark Argent caps are an essential detail that judges and fellow enthusiasts will immediately recognize.
-
Period-Correct Driver Restoration: Ideal for the owner who drives their classic but demands authenticity. Using these OEM caps ensures the car presents as it did in the 1971 showroom, maintaining its value and correct appearance on the street.
-
Missing Cap Replacement: A perfect solution for replacing a single lost or damaged original cap. The OEM fit and finish ensure it matches the remaining originals perfectly, unlike many aftermarket options that can vary in shade or clip tension. For a deeper dive into Mopar’s one-year-only changes, read our blog post: Decoding Mopar A-Body Rallye Wheel Finishes: 1970 vs. 1971.
Competitor Comparison Table
| Feature | Mopar OEM 4047983 Cap | Aftermarket Reproduction Cap | Used Original Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Authenticity | OEM Correct Finish & Stamping | Close, but color & sheen can vary | Correct, but likely faded/damaged |
| Finish Durability | Factory-Applied, High-Quality | Variable; often inferior paint quality | 50+ years old, compromised |
| Fitment | Guaranteed OEM Snap-In Fit | May be too tight/loose; clips can differ | May be damaged or weakened |
| Condition | New / Unused | New | Used, with pitting, dings, and scratches |
| Investment Value | Increases vehicle value | Neutral or can decrease value if incorrect | Maintains value only if in excellent condition |
Hammer Engines Verdict: For the serious restorer, the Mopar OEM cap is the only choice. While an aftermarket cap is cheaper, the risk of an incorrect, shiny finish that stands out against other correct details is too high. A used original, even if refinished, rarely achieves the perfect, consistent Dark Argent hue of a new OEM part. This is a definitive case where the OEM component is worth the investment for a guaranteed correct result.
Pros and Cons Table
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| OEM Authenticity: Guaranteed correct Dark Argent Silver finish and factory markings for a concours-quality restoration. | Higher Cost: Significantly more expensive than aftermarket reproductions, reflecting its OEM quality and correctness. |
| Perfect Fitment: Designed by Mopar to snap securely onto original 15″ Rallye wheels without modification or risk of falling off. | May Require Medallions: Sold as the cap only; the center plastic medallions (P/N 2946634) must be purchased separately. |
| Durable Finish: The factory-applied paint is far more resistant to UV fading, chipping, and brake dust than aftermarket alternatives. | Limited Application: Specifically for 1971 A-Body models only; will not fit B/E-Body models or other years without being incorrect. |
| Preserves Value: Using correct, numbered OEM parts is a documented investment that increases the value and desirability of the vehicle. | Availability: As a New Old Stock or limited-run reproduction part, supply can be intermittent and quantities are often limited. |
Authority-Building Content Hubs & Next Steps
Deepen Your Knowledge
Ensuring every detail is correct is what separates a good restoration from a great one. Our Mopar expertise is at your service.
-
How to Identify and Date-Code Mopar Rallye Wheels
-
A Guide to Sourcing and Authenticating NOS Mopar Parts
-
The Complete 1971 Plymouth Duster & Demon Production Guide
Take the Next Step
Complete the iconic look of your 1971 A-Body with the wheel caps it left the factory with. Our parts specialists can confirm availability and compatibility.
Contact our Mopar parts specialists to confirm availability and secure your set.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.