Random question about the '83 Explorer package
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 456
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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: 56,999
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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
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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
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 456
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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?
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