Explorer Special

[Mytmos]

This may be on here somewhere and I just have not seen it yet, but how many Explorers where made. I have a friend at work who has a 1972 Explorer, but I rarely see any others.

[FORDification]

I don't think I've ever seen a breakdown into trim-level production levels, and I doubt Ford ever kept track of that anyway. I could give you body-style production numbers, but I think that's as close as you're going to find....but it's not going to answer your question.

The '71 and '72 Explorers are actually not that uncommon....at least more so than the '68-'69 versions, for example. On the earlier models you could order an Explorer but there was no badges or insignias anywhere on the truck specifying it as such. An exterior insignia wasn't incorporated until '72, so even if you saw an earlier Explorer, you'd never know it. However, some Explorers did have a glovebox emblem, but I've seen just as many which didn't, so that's not an accurate way of counting either.

In case you haven't seen this, take a look at the following link:

http://www.fordification.com/explorer.htm

[Mytmos]

Thanks I kind of thought Ford didn't track those numbers. Your site is great you have helped me alot. I used your info on delay wipers and gauges.

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

The 69 parts truck I just got, is a explorer, it has the badge on the glove box, and on the seat, but then it has metal door panels which I thought was kind of weird.

[OLEYELLERTRUCK]

What does it have on the seat?

[71-F-250SC-72-F-250C]

Sorry, I haven't looked at this thread in a couple of days.. It has a little plastic emblem. I haven't paid much attention to it, but I assume it is part of the explorer package because none of the other trucks have that emblem on the seat. I will take a pic of it tomorrow.

Stephen

[oldhalftons]

my 69 is an explorer.

custom cab emblems on the cab, black vinyl top, explorer label on the glove box, the dash cluster says "ford" in the middle and the gauges are in little rectangle windows, cab lights, padded door panels, godawful orange plaid seat
power steering, horn ring steering wheel, t18, 3.50 gears, no AC, manual brakes. color is chrome yellow (chrome yellow sure looks like orange to me)

[Jondon]

I have a '71 Explorer with interior and exterior badges. Both look factory?

- John

[OLEYELLERTRUCK]

Mine came with Explorer emblems on the bed sides, but not the glove box door. I parted a 70 that had the glovebox emblem and added it to mine. Color was Durango tan (yellow) with ginger interior.

[Ozark Tim]

I have your trucks cousin from Missouri. My daughter named it Clark, since it is an explorer and in Mo. with the Lewis & Clark thing and all.
Anyway mine is a 72, code X ( durango tan or lt. goldenrod yellow ) and ginger interior. Explorer badges on rear fenders, but not inside. Still has original bed rails offered with Explorer package, and it includes all three levels of the package. I will take a picture of it and post it for you to see.
OT

[OLEYELLERTRUCK]

I recently found a set of bed rails,but sadly they turned out to be for a short bed! I must keep looking!

[FORDification]

I recently found a set of bed rails,but sadly they turned out to be for a short bed! I must keep looking!

Hey, were they the original type? I'd be interested in those. Shoot me a PM if you have access to them.

[willowbilly3]

What about the "Thunderbird" wheelcovers, anyone still have those?

[OLEYELLERTRUCK]

Keith, I still have them. They are the original style. They have a manufacturer name stamped on the bottom, but I forgot what it is, I will have to check. I will check for a part number too.