I have a 76 Explorer.

What exactly makes an Explorer, an Explorer?

 

The stripes and the hood ornament.

Outside that, it's the three packages that dictate an Explorer.

 

I too have the Explorer trim package and often wondered what exactly it entailed, as Jermafenser mentioned there's an Explorer hood ornament and an Explorer paint scheme that was two-toned with pinstripes (mines flat black now) i also have bumper guards, "explorer" badges on the bed, chrome trim under the rear window, chrome trim on the windshield, chrome trim on the drip rail (which i removed) is all this part of the Explorer package? or other trim levels? just so there's no confusion the chrome side moulding you see on my truck was not part of the original truck, i added that.

 

No the chrome is not part of the Explorer package. Only thing different on an Explorer is what Jermanfeser said, stripes and hood ornament.

 

Don't forget the "Explorer" emblems on the bed lol, i've heard the bumper guards were part of the Explorer package too, not sure how accurate that is though.

 

Yes, bumper guards and rub strips were included in the Explorer package.

The Explorer package does include chrome - just the windshield & drip rail chrome. Customs only.

Two-tone tapes were only for 1978/79.

Before 1977, you had three Explorer packages. "A" is the standard Explorer. Some years vary, but "B" added power steering and auto. trans. in addition of package A. "C" added A/C and tinted glass in addition of the packages "A" and "B".

New in 1977, Package "D". "D" includes the factory box cover, deluxe all white topper. Requires purchase of "A", "B", or "C".

They only was available for a short time every year, usually in the spring time.

 

My truck begain life as an Explorer and I beleive the original cloth/vinyl plaid seat was part of the package. Mine has been recovered now.

Also--the deluxe color-coded seat belts and sun visors (example: my seat belts and sun visors are green) I beleive were part of the package.

 

Yes the Explorer came with Chrome, however how much depended on the year.

Here is the list of features from the 1973 Explorer Add.

Remember they varied year by year.

Special Package A:

Choice of Special exterior paints: Bright Lime, Grabber Blue, Burnt Orange.
Special interior Trim in Blue, Avacado or Orange,
Color Keyed Floor Mats,
Bright front bumper guards with rubber strips,
Bright windshield and drip mouldings,
Explorer nameplates,
Mag style wheel covers, (F-100 4x2)
Bright Wheel Covers (F250 4x2),
unique lower bodyside tape stripe,
Bright low mount swing-lok mirrors, (long arm western mirrors on camper specials),
Bright Rope tie down hooks on 6-3/4 models,
bright boxside rails on 8' models

Special Package B:
Package A plus:
Power steering and Cruise-O-Matic

Special Package C:
Package B Plus:
Tinted Glass
Air Conditioning.

 

I thought that was the case, thanks for the confirmation, do you know why Ford didn't put an "Explorer" emblem on the glove box? or did they? mine has a "custom" emblem and it's the original glove box door.

 

They did have Explorer glove box emblems for the Bumpsides.

This changed for the 1973-1979 models.

The reason why your glovebox says custom is because you have a "Explorer Custom". Depending on the year model, you could have a "Explorer Custom" or "Explorer Ranger" etc.. etc...

 

OK, thanks for the clarification, my truck's a '75 and just has the "custom" emblem on the glove box even though it's equipped with the Explorer package and i've always been curious as to why it didn't have an "Explorer" emblem on the glove box, thanks again for the info.

 

IMHO 1975 was the best looking. I had one black with the white stripe, it just don't get better looking than that. Still looking for another one, sold mine in '89

 

I have the 75 orange top /black body .It took me awhile to get used to it .Now I really like it after 34 years .Does anyone know about a source for the stripes that go along the top of the bed and over the hood ,just in front of the cowl.

 

have them made/have them painted on.

cheers!

 

Thanks for the responses!

Like GoodOld75Highboy asked: Anyone know a place to get the stripe decals? After I restore my truck, I wanna finish with the stripes....if I can find them.


edit- shane, you posted that while I was reading the thread....Yeah- might have to get them painted on!