Curtis
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- November 15, 2001
- Messages
- 1,685
- Reaction score
- 11
- City, State
- Orlando, FL
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 04 XLT 4x4
So my Dad decided he was going to paint his 96 XL. The rocker panels and around the gas cap were in bad shape and he has a plow on it so he would like to get another year or two out of her. He is in Canada where they use alot of salt on the roads and it works out that Im in Florida - land of the rust free sheetmetal.
So on his last visit in May, we visited the junk yard looking for parts for my Buick. He had the idea to cut the quarter of an explorer to replace around his gas cap area. We had a hacksaw and a hammer and chisel, but we got it off nicely and he took it home in his luggage.
He started work on that area, both sides were really rusted.
Next on the list was the rocker panels. A couple months ago he saw a bubble by the plastic cover on the rocker panel and poked at it with his key.
Well the key sailed on through the rocker panel.
And when He pryed down on it he nearly died.
Popped them off and this is what he saw.
So, he made me the offer, that he would buy me a cordless reciprocating saw, if I would go cut the rockers off an explorer here in FL and mail them home.
I did just that.
Heres a couple of shots of the donar after one side was cut
I mailed them home, and Dad drilled out the spot welds and took them apart for what he needed.
A few hours later, they are on, welded, and epoxy primered.
Here are some shots of his prep work.
Getting ready to tape up
Here is his "paint booth" all ready to go
I recomended he change the color. It was electric blue, I recomended Wedgwood blue. He was very pleased with the color. So am I.
And the finished product. Not bad for a "do it yourself'er". Im very proud of him, I think she looks amazing.
So on his last visit in May, we visited the junk yard looking for parts for my Buick. He had the idea to cut the quarter of an explorer to replace around his gas cap area. We had a hacksaw and a hammer and chisel, but we got it off nicely and he took it home in his luggage.
He started work on that area, both sides were really rusted.
Next on the list was the rocker panels. A couple months ago he saw a bubble by the plastic cover on the rocker panel and poked at it with his key.
Well the key sailed on through the rocker panel.
And when He pryed down on it he nearly died.
Popped them off and this is what he saw.
So, he made me the offer, that he would buy me a cordless reciprocating saw, if I would go cut the rockers off an explorer here in FL and mail them home.
I did just that.
Heres a couple of shots of the donar after one side was cut
I mailed them home, and Dad drilled out the spot welds and took them apart for what he needed.
A few hours later, they are on, welded, and epoxy primered.
Here are some shots of his prep work.
Getting ready to tape up
Here is his "paint booth" all ready to go
I recomended he change the color. It was electric blue, I recomended Wedgwood blue. He was very pleased with the color. So am I.
And the finished product. Not bad for a "do it yourself'er". Im very proud of him, I think she looks amazing.
I wish I had that kinda skill so I could get my '93 lookin' that good. He sure did one hell of a job.
