98 Explorer Progress Thread

[Dave90]

Hey All,

After introducing myself in that section I'm making a thread to keep up with the truck.

Background:
One owner, dealer maintained
261k miles
XLT with tow package, power seats and rear air/audio. No cd changer, cloth seats.
2x4 D4 axle
New tires/battery/AC in December

Issues so far:
Radio display is dead, CD and cassette constantly self-eject
Back left door lock sticky
Headlights nasty
Groan in the rear I'm 99% is carrier bearings
CEL on for P 0174 0455 0153 0430 0171. I know the thermostat is stuck open so I need to get on that and see what I'm left with.

Here's pics from the listing:

 

[Dave90]

Here she is after a quick wash down and new lights. Now I realize how much I need marker lights.

 

[Dave90]

And anyone have advice on cutting the paint? I think I'm reading that red Fords this age are single stage paint? I've done a few cars with something like Meguiar's medium cut and and an angle buffer, but they were all 2 stage. This pic is clay on the left and just a wash on the right. Looks a lot better from 10ft with a clay bar but I still have a lot of etching and water spots

 

[koda2000]

Your paint should be clear coated Toreador red. By now the clear coat is very thin. Don't try cutting it, clay bar is okay.