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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

Explorer Edition?

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Old Nov 29, 2008 | 10:38 PM
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Explorer Edition?

I say a truck exactly like my (Supercab Longbed Red/White 2-tone) with "explorer" emblems on the bed. Was that Ford's FX4 back then? What set apart a regular truck from the explorer?
 
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Old Nov 30, 2008 | 03:57 AM
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Check Out My Explorer Gallery by clicking on my user name.

The Explorer Special limited editions were basicly a trim and option package that were only made a few months out of the year, and did not feature in the main brochure, it had it's own when they were avaliable.

More info in the gallery.

Hope this helps.
 
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Old Dec 1, 2008 | 09:26 PM
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So it looks to me like they deleted (On Your Truck) the step bumper; installed the non-step (bronco?) bumper, big pin stripes, and the emblems? The one I saw could just had the emblems on it, because it looked exacly like mine. That truck also had the Lariat XLT emblems on it. I guess they just stuck them on for looks. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 05:33 AM
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The bumper was an option (in 83)
 
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 07:04 PM
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The Chrome Contor bumper was standard on the Explorer in 1981.

Rear Bumpers, was optional on all other models.

When I can I'll scan the 81 Explorer Brochure again, and post it, the current scan isn't very good. It has all the features that comes standard, with the Explorer in 1981.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 10:40 AM
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Option Packages

Explorer Packages... A Package:
-Bright Front Bumper Guards
-Front Bumper Rub Strips
-Bright Box Rails
-Body Side Tape Stripe
-Bright Windshield Mouldings
-Bright Drip Mouldings
-Explorer Nameplate
-Bright Low-Mount Swinglock Mirrors
-Mag Type Wheel Covers
(Bright is Fordspeak for Chrome)

B Package:
-All Of Pkg A
-Pwr Steering
-Auto Tranny

C Package:
-All Of Pkg B
-AC
-Tinted Glass

Source...
Ford F-100/F-150, 1953-1996: America's Best Selling Truck: Bob Ackerson: 1904788769
 
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 10:50 AM
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I owned an 84 reg cab long bed with the pin striping and Explorer sticker on each side of the bed. Never really knew what it meant, I was only 16. To bad I wrecked it. =(
 
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Old Dec 25, 2008 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by 81-F-150-Explorer
The Chrome Contor bumper was standard on the Explorer in 1981.

Rear Bumpers, was optional on all other models.

When I can I'll scan the 81 Explorer Brochure again, and post it, the current scan isn't very good. It has all the features that comes standard, with the Explorer in 1981.
I retro-fitted the Contour bumper on my 84 and I think it looks much better than the step bumper.

It is on the other hand, not as functional for a truck that you actually use. Especially when you have to jump up in the back of the bed. There is little to nothing to step up on without fear of slipping off an breaking your neck.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 02:21 AM
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Technically speaking, BRIGHT meant aluminum (as in the window moldings, wheel covers, and side trim), chrome plate (as in the front bumper and swing mirror mounts), and stainless steel (as in the swing mirror head). Also, fake chrome on plastic (as in the headlight bezels and some grilles).
 
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 12:58 PM
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Here are the 1981 Explorer Brochure Pics I promised.

1981 Explorer Brochure:





And a picture of my 1981 for comparison.

 
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Old Dec 26, 2008 | 10:27 PM
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Okay, thanks for the help and explaining that. The truck I saw I guess someone slapped them emblems on the back. I didn't see the hood ordiment either so thats more reason to think it was a fake explorer.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 02:26 AM
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The hood ornament was dropped from all in 82 I believe, definitely not on the 83s.
 
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Old Dec 27, 2008 | 05:34 PM
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That's right, last year of the hood ornament was in 1981.
 
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