Hi everyone. I am the original owner of a '81 f-100 custom Explorer. She has around 68,000 miles on her now. Has a 300 six, 4-speed OD. and 2:49 gear 9- inch rear. Options are power steering, AM-FM radio, security lock group, HD. springs, lo-mount western mirrors, painted rear bumper,and Explorer package B. I have added chrome rear bumper, sliding rear window and day -nite mirror. Hope to learn some things here and maybe help others.

 

As Fonzie alluded to in 80-86, that Explorer trim line is fairly rare (finding a hood ornament almost never happens) and to find one in really nice shape like that one is (much less with an original owner!!!) happens about as frequently as a lunar eclipse! Hope you keep it in the garage and welcome to FTE!

 

Thank you ctubutis, the explorer name in the hood ornament on mine was flaking so 10- 15 years ago I was able to buy one from my ford dealer. Seems to me it was around 50-70 bucks. This truck is always in the garage and I've only put 500-800 miles a year lately on it. From 81-83 it sat outside and the dark brown faded. I had that repainted in 91. The tan and stripes are still original.

 

Great job on keeping that one pristine! Man what a great looking truck! It's great to have you here
Tony

 

Thanks Tony, I thought I would post a few more pics. Sorry they are dark but the truck is put away for the winter. Here's the interior. My dashpad is mint with no cracks, the headliner fell down so a few years ago I found this tan headliner material at a Joann's Fabrics and glued it to the original cardboard. It doesn't quite match the original but it looks better in person.

 

Here are some shots of the engine. I have all the parts to return it to stock except the original plug wires. Its still got the original fan belts that have never been tightened since leaving the factory.

 

Here's some pic's of the under side. I had to replace the original exhaust from the cat. back 2 years ago. can't believe what a tailpipe now cost for these. Still has the original Firestone spare size 215-75-15. I have had BFG Radial TA's on it with these wheels since '85. They are American Racing 10 hole size 15x7 front with 235-60's and 15x8 with 275-60's back. they give it a nice rake. Bed cover is from ******** in California. I ordered it from them in '92. gave them my paint code and they ups'ed it to me a few weeks later.