Random question about the '83 Explorer package
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 1
From: Owensboro, KY
Random question about the '83 Explorer package
How rare is this package? I see several bullnose trucks with the Explorer package from every model year except the '83. Did they not make many for that year? I recall seeing that the striping for the Explorer changed every year, and the '83 stripes really appealed to me and I'd like to find another one. Our last truck was an '83 F100 Explorer which was sadly scrapped back in '04 due to the old 300's crank snapping, but for whatever reason I kept the driver's side door all these years. I put that door on my '80 Ranger F100 and even though it's mismatched, I left the stripes on it because it just looks cool to me lol.
Anyways, back on topic, how many members here have '83 Explorers? Anybody know of any being for sale? And also, if anyone has any pics of them they'd like to share, I'd like to see them. Haven't found too many pictures on the web. Heck, I've only seen ONE other in person!
Anyways, back on topic, how many members here have '83 Explorers? Anybody know of any being for sale? And also, if anyone has any pics of them they'd like to share, I'd like to see them. Haven't found too many pictures on the web. Heck, I've only seen ONE other in person!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Good luck. I have no idea how many were made, but I had an '82 Explorer and loved the look. I do know of another Explorer but don't know the year, so will try to remember to check it out next time I'm in my home town.
By the way, the Explorer package was a limited offering each year and, as you've found out, was different each year. There was a special Explorer brochure for them each year as they weren't covered in the standard brochure.
By the way, the Explorer package was a limited offering each year and, as you've found out, was different each year. There was a special Explorer brochure for them each year as they weren't covered in the standard brochure.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,973
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Does anyone know if there was a "special code" for this package on the door sticker? If not, it looks to me like it would be easy to "make" an Explorer optioned truck, with just some regular options and some stripes(maybe some emblems also).
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
My Explorer didn't have a code that said "Explorer" to NumberDummy. I don't remember exactly what he said, but it had an option code that he couldn't decode.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 6
From: Florida
Regardless, if I can swap to Ranger Lariat trim, swapping to Explorer trim should be as easy as eating cake.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 2
From: Casa Grande
I wouldn't think the Explorer package included very much. My 85 Explorer is real close to a base model. Other than the strips, which were gone by the time I got it, only the chrome rear badge looks different than a normal base model XL as far as I can tell.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 22
From: Florence, SC
Here is a cool link memeber 81-F-150-Explorer, our resident F150 "Explorer" expert, made a while back. This interesting thread showcases all the different years of the "Explorer" package:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...orer-poll.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...orer-poll.html
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 456
Likes: 1
From: Owensboro, KY
There are a few new pics in that thread that I haven't seen before. Judging by the poll, apparently the 1983 Explorer was the least popular of them all. If I could find a reproduction decal for the '83 model, I would definitely convert mine to a Ranger Explorer (which apparently did exist in 1980). Sure the stripes would be incorrect for the year, but hey, a little customization can't hurt. Anyone know if they're still selling reproduction decals?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
81-F-150-Explorer
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
14
Sep 21, 2023 02:55 PM
81-F-150-Explorer
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
22
Nov 10, 2008 10:37 AM
JohnT
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
5
Mar 4, 2005 08:33 PM