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Just bought a 3rd gen explorer...ideas?

5K views 29 replies 13 participants last post by  GordieHowe09  
#1 ·
Hows it going guys? I am in the process of buying a Ford Explorer (should have it by tomorrow) and was wondering what you guys think I should do first with it. It's a 2003 White Ford Explorer XLS edition (with cloth interior, sunroof, etc). Nothing too luxurious, haha, but I was wondering what you guys thought I should start off with modifying. I'm broke right now after buying the car and because im in college... but Ill be making money this summer and adding to it. Let me know what you guys think. Thanks a lot.
 
#7 ·
Depending on what route you want to go (street or offroad look)



Offroad look:

Safari bar and hella/piaa lights

meaty All-terrain tires

Lift kit



Street Look:

paint the bumpers

Billet Grille

remove the roof rack

Lower it



Universal things:

Intake kit

Clear Corners

HID kit

Tint the Tails and 3rd Brake light
 
#8 ·
I'd get the plastic trim painted to match because a XLS IMO screams budget (no offense, and I realize you buy whatever you can afford) although if you plan on offroading it then there's no point in painting it.
 
#10 ·
also, what color would i make it? black im assuming (white ford ex.)? I know I probably sound like an idiot asking all these questions, but I've just never had the opportunity to modify my car before this due to money reason. In response to someone else's question, the look im going for is more of a street look but not extremely ghetto. I just want it to stand out from the millions of other explorers on the road, but not to the point where im going to be afraid drive it in the snow when the time comes. Thanks again fellas, i really appreciate the help.
 
#11 ·
Save your money to replace your liftgate applique panel, rear wheel bearings, and your transmission. Trust me.
Image
 
#12 ·
Paint the bumper's/Trim to match the rest of it.



Even tho you said you prefer a Street look, i think a Safari bar with some offroad lights would be a nice touch.
 
#13 ·
I love the look on monotone trucks, but a friend just got an xls that is silver with the black trim and chrome 22's. I have to say I think it looks sweet with the black. Monotoned would look great but I like the look of it like it is also.



I would get the roof rack removed, IDK how much an intake helps so IDK about an intake, maybe an exaust? Tint windows clear corners. There is alot you can do you can do alot of little cheap stuff at a time that does end up adding up to look good. Pretty much what everyone has already said. Get pics up and let the modding begin,.
 
#14 ·
tint windows, remove emblems, tint the taillights (just did this and looks AWESOME!!) clear corners, take your emblems off, remove roof rack All these things can be done for less then 200 bucks total and make a very noticeable difference, then you should know what else you want to do. My suggestions after would be leather interior (if its anything like the cloth on the XLS i was gonna buy, it looks fugly, no offense) and system, but thats me.
 
#15 ·
ok a few things.. what does "clear corners" mean, do you tint the tail lights/windows simply by buying adhesive tint and applying, and how do you remove all the emblems (just with some basic tools or what?). Also, what kind of paint to I buy to paint a bumper?? spray paint or is there something special... i have no idea how to go about this stuff. thank you and I love all of you for your help... no ****.
 
#16 ·
ok a few things.. what does "clear corners" mean, do you tint the tail lights/windows simply by buying adhesive tint and applying, and how do you remove all the emblems (just with some basic tools or what?). Also, what kind of paint to I buy to paint a bumper?? spray paint or is there something special... i have no idea how to go about this stuff. thank you and I love all of you for your help... no ****.




Clear corners are aftermarket, you just buy them and install them. To tint the lights, there is a how to guide, basically you spray paint them and they turn out like this..



Image




To tint windows i would take it to a shop, i was quoted 150 for limo all around, but it might be cheaper if you go legal.



To remove the emblems, just get some fishing line and "floss" between the emblem and the car, and it will come off, then get a paint friendly adhesive remover and take it off, and wamo, your done. As for the paint, im not sure, thats another thing you will probably have to take to a shop.
 
#17 ·
#19 ·
Definitely dont paint the bumpers, trim, etc with spray paint. It's difficult to get the paint to apply properly to the plastic, and if you dont have a paint gun, itll be hard to achieve what youre looking for. If youre serious about getting the pieces painted, take it to a shop; its going to cost you some significant cash. Id start with window tint, clear corners, and removing the emblems. Then see where to go from there.
 
#21 ·
just want to let everyone know i just got the explorer today and i love it. i was surprised to find out that is is an XLT, not an XLS but it does have cloth interior. I love the car and cant wait to do some small modifications to it like you all said. Thanks for all your help fellas.
 
#22 ·
Thats awesome! That should eliminate your problem with the plastic bumpers then...now just get some tint, clear corners, and take those emblems off!
 
#23 ·
I think you will like the XLT better.
 
#25 ·
the windows are apparently factory tint, but they seem to be really, really dark compared to the rest of the explorers on the lot. the dealer even said they were darker than any of the factory explorers that he has ever seen... plus philly cops give you all kinds of **** when you tint your car out real bad. I think im gonna leave the tint the way it is for now and worry about the clear corners. I just ordered some xenon bulbs as well to put in, so it should look nice when i eventually get those clear corners. thanks for the help guys. ill keep you updated.