EXP97LORER
New Member
- Joined
- September 13, 2017
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 2
- City, State
- Oregon
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1997 Ford Explorer XLT
Hi there,
I just though I'd take a minute to share what I've done to my 97 Explorer, while keeping a relatively stock appearance.
First, I decided to replace the stock dash lights with LEDs. Many of them were burnt out, and I was getting tired of the green hue. By putting in white LEDs, I ended up with a nice light blue color.
Next, I decided to add keyless entry. This car was actually sold with Keyless entry as part of the XLT Package, but the dealer instead installed an engine immobilizer. The immobilizer was removed, and I installed keyless entry. The kit was just 18 dollars, and it was really easy to wire into the rear door lock switch.
I've also done a few other small upgrades to the car. For example, the pocket under the aftermarket stereo is a wireless charger. All I have to do is toss my phone into the pocket, and boom, it charges.
All of the dome light have been upgraded to leds, providing a nice white light when the car is opened. I spent hours tracking down and eliminating every rattle, either by replacing trim clips or finding loose bolts. The car runs solid, with just over 120,000 original miles on the SOHC V6. All belts, hoses, and other wearable parts have been replaced. The seats are heated (aftermarket part, about $80), and I have wired heated mirrors to the rear window defrost switch. Also, many exterior upgrades have been done, such as new headlights and chrome grille. All of this has been done while maintaining the stock appearance of the car.
This picture doesn't do the paint justice- I did a full pain correction, and it has been left with no swirl marks and shines like a mirror (when its actually bright out).
Any other suggestions of modern conveniences I could add to the car while still keeping it stock? I really like the style of the older SUVs, but I wanted to go for some of the modern features.
I just though I'd take a minute to share what I've done to my 97 Explorer, while keeping a relatively stock appearance.
First, I decided to replace the stock dash lights with LEDs. Many of them were burnt out, and I was getting tired of the green hue. By putting in white LEDs, I ended up with a nice light blue color.
Next, I decided to add keyless entry. This car was actually sold with Keyless entry as part of the XLT Package, but the dealer instead installed an engine immobilizer. The immobilizer was removed, and I installed keyless entry. The kit was just 18 dollars, and it was really easy to wire into the rear door lock switch.
I've also done a few other small upgrades to the car. For example, the pocket under the aftermarket stereo is a wireless charger. All I have to do is toss my phone into the pocket, and boom, it charges.
All of the dome light have been upgraded to leds, providing a nice white light when the car is opened. I spent hours tracking down and eliminating every rattle, either by replacing trim clips or finding loose bolts. The car runs solid, with just over 120,000 original miles on the SOHC V6. All belts, hoses, and other wearable parts have been replaced. The seats are heated (aftermarket part, about $80), and I have wired heated mirrors to the rear window defrost switch. Also, many exterior upgrades have been done, such as new headlights and chrome grille. All of this has been done while maintaining the stock appearance of the car.
This picture doesn't do the paint justice- I did a full pain correction, and it has been left with no swirl marks and shines like a mirror (when its actually bright out).
Any other suggestions of modern conveniences I could add to the car while still keeping it stock? I really like the style of the older SUVs, but I wanted to go for some of the modern features.
