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However to make some friendly discussion, why not pick your favorite examples out of the gallery that you like the best, or go ahead and post your own pics of your 1980-1986 Explorer and vote! It's a multi choice poll, so you can vote for more than one if you prefere.
Wow, lots of options to pick from. There's so many items that I like on some of these various models, that it's really hard to choose any single most/least favorite.
I'm going to hold off making any choices for now, just to spend more time studying these pics.
My true "favorite" would be something that mixed options from several years, to make a "one off" explorer.....
I picked the 1981 Explorer both in the solid color and the tu-tone. I think that was a handsome year for the Explorer package. The stripes look good and the unique tu-tone paint treatment is creative and accents the upper body line well.
I also picked the 1985 Explorer, but with the "Explorer" tape stripes. I think the stripe style looks pretty good. It doesn't make much sense to me to order a 1985 - 1986 Explorer model and leave off the stripes though, because then it doesn't look any different than the regular models.
I don't like the second, thinner tape stripe on the 1980 Explorer model because it doesn't carry over to the tailgate, when the upper stripe does. And I don't like the "Explorer" emblem on the tailgate. I think the emblem looks better on the side of the truck.
My only gripe with the 1981 year is the "Explorer" emblem itself. That style of script started life on the 1973 F-Series trucks, and it looks out-of-place on the Bullnose trucks in my opinion because it doesn't match the 1980 - 1981 style "F150" script at all. The 1985 "Explorer" nameplate looks better and actually matches the 1982 - 1986 style "F150" script, so I like that badge better on those years.
The "Explorer" written in the tape stripe for the 1983 model year looks too big and hideous, in my opinion. I would *not* have gotten an Explorer package for that year at all.
The 1982 and 1984 years look okay, but nothing really grabs my attention. Maybe with the right color and tape stripe combination they would look good too.
Good poll, 81-F150-Explorer. I learned something new about the "Explorer" packages!
I picked the 1981 Explorer both in the solid color and the tu-tone. I think that was a handsome year for the Explorer package. The stripes look good and the unique tu-tone paint treatment is creative and accents the upper body line well.
I agree as well, even though I do own one...
I also picked the 1985 Explorer, but with the "Explorer" tape stripes. I think the stripe style looks pretty good. It doesn't make much sense to me to order a 1985 - 1986 Explorer model and leave off the stripes though, because then it doesn't look any different than the regular models.
I also picked the 1985 Explorer with stripes, as it's really eye catching.
Some of the 1986 Explorers didn't even get badges as it was the end of the line for that limited edition group. The Eddie Bauer edition effectively replaced the Explorer.
I don't like the second, thinner tape stripe on the 1980 "Explorer" model because it doesn't carry over to the tailgate, when the upper stripe does. And I don't like the "Explorer" emblem on the tailgate. I think the emblem looks better on the side of the truck.
I have to agree. The thinner tape stripe stops at the taillamp so it makes sense why they stopped it there. I also like the emblems on the side of the trucks better. Although having a 1981 with the two emblems on each side, I might be biased a little bit.
My only gripe with the 1981 year is the "Explorer" emblem itself. That style of script started life on the 1973 F-Series trucks, and it looks out-of-place on the Bullnose trucks in my opinion because it doesn't match the 1980 - 1981 style "F150" script at all.
It's the exact same part number as well. The hood ornament is a hold over from the "Dentside era" as well, with just a new mount at it's base.
The 1985 "Explorer" nameplate looks better and actually matches the 1982 - 1986 style "F150" script, so I like that badge better on those years.
Yep, although it took untill 1985 for them to come out with the badge.
The "Explorer" written in the tape stripe for the 1983 model year looks too big and hideous, in my opinion. I would *not* have gotten an "Explorer" package for that year at all.
It does look rather "IN YOUR FACE" doesn't it. (sorry for shouting but that's the impression I get from it). It's not too bad looking with the tu-tone option though, but by itself hmmm...
The 1982 and 1984 years look okay, but nothing really grabs my attention. Maybe with the right color and tape stripe combination they would look good too.
I like the looks of Gary Lewis' 1982 Explorer, it's got a lot of blues and bluish purples in it's stripes. The stripes on the 1982 are multi colored in a sort of sunset motiff but the pictures don't do it justice I'm afraid. Best I could source though as finding year correct examples with their stripes intact are increasingly hard to find. Remove the stripes and repaint a 1982-1984 Explorer and you won't even know you got one.
Good poll, 81-F150-Explorer. I learned something new about the "Explorer" packages!
I'll agree with most of what has been said. Each model has it's strong points, and it's weaker points.
I like the hood ornament and tailgate badge for the 80, but not the stripes.
The 81 and newer models pretty much fail to do much on the tailgate that really "says" explorer, and after the hood oranament went away in 82, there's nothing on the front either.
The 82 stripes look great, but are a tad small.
The 83 stripes look good, but can look rather tall. It really depends on the overall color combo, and single color vs tu tone.
The 80/81 bed/tailgate badge looks better with the 80/81 F100/150/250 badges and custom or ranger nameplates, as the script matches pretty good.
At the same time, the later explorer badges look better with 82+ F-XXX badging.
I'm still on the fence about what I'm going to do on my 80. Hood oranament and tailgate badge will certainly remain. Truck is currently red, with non-factory white stripes in the location of the 82 stripes, and about the same overall size, no lettering. I'm leaning towards repeating this, except using stripes more like the 82, but single color (white).
An other option, is copying the 81/83 tu-tone that splits at the upper body line, and using red over white, with red 83 style stripes, perhaps a bit shorter in height. Or, doing the "delux"or "combo" tu-tone in red/white, and adding the same red 83 style stripe.
The 82 stripe would be better on a solid color, and the 83 on a tu-tone. Since I will most likely be doing the stripes in paint, rather than tape, I have the option to adjust the script and size as desired, so I could make them match the tailgate badge. It would give me a truck that proudly proclaimed Explorer from all sides, as well as being a unique package in it's own right.
I think this one looks pretty sweet, but I am also biased.. My truck has the same blue stripe minus the word Explorer and the black at the bottom. Now I want to paint my truck that way...
Is there anyone that reproduces these Explorer pinstripes?
I have not voted yet, but here is a shot of my '85 Explorer. I think there were 2-3 (?) levels of the Explorer package in '85 but I have no idea which one mine is.
She is a $600 craigslist special with the typical Iowa rust (unfortunately).
Update: just voted for the '85.
Last edited by ebodell; Jul 12, 2011 at 07:09 PM.
Reason: add vote choice
I voted for the '82 tu-tone - wonder why?! And, since we are all sharing our opinions: I don't like the Explorer badge - anywhere. It looks ...... added on. And, as I've said, I think this series of truck has good lines but they get lost with all the doodads. So, the somewhat less "in your face" stripes of the '82 get it done for me.
Having said all that, I wanted to give my second vote to the '72 Explorer but, alas, that's not an option. Maybe because this is the 80-'86 forum? But, Explorer dude understands as he had one as well. As we've said to each other of late, those were trucks.
Since we're throwing up some pics of our explorers, here's mine. 1980 Ranger F150 Explorer. Sorry, not shot of the tailgate.....
And just for good measure, one with it showing it's not afraid to do some heavy work...
I like all the Explorers, except for 1983. As stated before, that huge Explorer design in the bedside really takes away from the truck and makes it look like an Autozone decal special.
I like all the Explorers, except for 1983. As stated before, that huge Explorer design in the bedside really takes away from the truck and makes it look like an Autozone decal special.
Well it was the 80's after all.
I tend to agree for the 83, but autozone is going too far isn't it?
but on second thought...
The 1985 Explorer has taken the lead...
Followed by the 1981...
and I noticed the 1983 is dead last...
Well the winners seem to be so far... as of date posted...
Some are tied for 3rd and 4th...
1: The 1985 Explorer
2: The 1982 Explorer Tu-tone
3: The 1981 Explorer Tu-tone
3: The 1981 Explorer
4: The 1980 Explorer
4: The 1982 Explorer
4: The 1983 Explorer Tu-tone
4: The 1984 Explorer
Here is mine
1982 F250 Explorer , white and blue , 400M , RV cam, Edelbrock Streetmaster, Holley , auto, DANA full floating rear end, 98K miles
a little rough but she has been in the family for 30 years
Currently restoring it back to this condition
Last edited by rjhenrikson; Sep 21, 2023 at 04:09 PM.
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