an Idea

[davesexplorer]

whatz goin on everyone,

i got a couple ideas to kick around, maybe someone else wants to do it or has already done it, feel free to respond. my first idea is to get some diamond plate, preferabally stainless, and replacing those car-like plastic flare things that are under the doors (rocker panels) instead of running boards. im getting tired of hitting those (and scratching them) every time i go in or out of my vehicle.
I have as yet to take them off to see whats underneath, if there's anything to drill into. I would replace that section with diamond plate. I would probobly have to weld in a few angles but i think it could be done. The finished product would be near-invincible rocker panels, and more ground clearance. (maybe)

The second idea probobly needs to be in the audio forum but any way, Id take some plexiglass, saw it to the shape of the stock speaker grilles and vent it heavily, Bam, great looking speaker grilles, that might good (no more rattle)

Just some ideas...........

 

[914x4sport]

Ok if there is one thing in this world I love its DIAMOND TREAD!!! DO IT! COVER THE WHOLE TRUCK!!! I LOVE IT!!! AAAAHHHH IM CRAZY!!!! AHHHH!!!!!DIAMOND TREAD FOR ALL!!!!! AAAAHH!!!!HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

 

[Alec]

Just don't go this far:

 

[HuiDaddy]

That is one way to waste 40G's... i got puke all over my monitor when i saw that retarded Nav. Diamond plating??? are you sure man???

 

[ACBlessing]

Holy crap! People on Prozac should NOT drive Explorers!

 

[jimbo74]

yeah, but it wasnt an explorer it was a navigator

 

[BKennedy]

Car Like things

Those things attached to your rocker panels are skirts. They hide the nasty body rails and give your Explorer a more car-like look. I think they were ugly so I took them off. They are easy to take off, just one screw on each end, then grab and pull!! If you beat on them upward it helps for the top attachments. Mine were easy because they were only attached in a few places since the body rails look like "S"'s from all the hits they have taken. There are 19 holes, approximately 3/8", that go all the way down the sides of the rocker panels, you are going to have to do something with. I found some plugs that fit and look okay. Explorer Express makes a strip that covers them for $59.00, but Diff Wack Daddy already broke the only one I have ever seen installed. You could also just cover it with a strip of molding, but that would look kind of Pep Boyish too.

I fabricated some body skid rails that attach to the body rails with 18 1/4 inch bolts. Its really solid and I think it should reduce the body flex. They are made from 1/8" thick 1x2" box steel and flare out at the ends to go with the contour of the body. They look great! I went with the 1x2" stuff because it doesn't stick out at all, blends in with the body, and I will not loose any clearance. They won't protect the body too well from a side impact, but nothing is going to bend them upward, and thats what I was going for. I put a jack under them and lifted the entire side of the truck as a test with no bending! I got the idea from Road Kill as he has some 1-1/2 by 3-1/2 stuff on his body rails. I also got the idea to tap the holes instead of using sheet metal screws for added strength from him. It cost me $18.50 for the metal, $20.00 in materials and a case of good beer to my welding, grinding, etc.. friend Scott. Pictures to follow soon as I get them cleaned up and painted!

 

[davesexplorer]

DIAMOND PLATE HEE HEE

Thanks for the info on the "ground effects" BKennedy, you're right they make the xploder look like a failed attempt at a honda suv. cant wait till i take them off.
As for everyone else, NO I WILL NOT GO THAT FAR, and if i use diamond plate i would cover it with rust-oleum or something black, whoever had that nav has more money than brains. In search of more ground clearence

PS: glad to see someone visited http://www.beaterz.com
GO THERE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!