Project Explorer makeover

[aldive]

I was on the boat yesterday and got to talking about trucks with a customer, he has a 2000 Explorer and wants to do a makeover on his truck to make it look "better". We got to kicking around ideas and then I thought who better to kick the ideas around with than the readers of these boards since who knows more about Explorers.

Here is a basic outline of what we talked about. There are no motor modifications in this phase of the projext.I would love to hear your opinions and please add your ideas and suggestions to make it even "better":

WHEELS
TIRES
ADDITIONAL LIGHTS
DASH KIT
STEREO SYSTEM ( components must appear built in and be hidden )
RADAR DETECTOR
BRIGHTER INTERIOR LIGHTS
BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS
AIR DAM
HOOD SCOOP
SIGNAL MIRRORS
AIR HORN(s)
LOWERING KIT
SHOCKS
SWAY BAR
PAINT ALL BODY CHROME ( bumpers, grill surround, etc )
REAR SPOILER

Jump in on this project and lets combine ideas to make this makeover a success.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

STEREO SYSTEM ( components must appear built in and be hidden )

The JL Stealth box is the Best money I Ever spent on my Sound system.

LOWERING KIT

dont lower, lift.

 

[Flounder]

Al,

Most of the mods you've listed are on the Explorer X by Explorer Express (or the Saleen Explorer, but that's a little pricey for a guy who just acquired a 2000 XLT). Get an Explorer Express catalog, show the guy, and get him to a custom auto shop. That Explorer will be spiffy in no time.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Kris Guilbeaux
STEREO SYSTEM ( components must appear built in and be hidden )

The JL Stealth box is the Best money I Ever spent on my Sound system.

LOWERING KIT

dont lower, lift.

Kris, Please explain this Stealthbox, what is it? where does it go? Cost? any pics?

Pray tell, why would we want to lift it?

Thanks....

 

[aldive]

We are aware of the Explorer X by Explorer Express, yet we want input from you guys, surely there are some great ones.

Thanks....

 

[JulieEx]

I see that you list a dash kit? if this is the wood goodies, I want it too. What;s involved? Can I do it myself?

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

JL stealth Boxes are not cheap. but they are the best ones made. It is a 10" sub that mounts in the Trim on the Passenger side where the storage space is. If you want a pictureI can take one but you cant see much it is only a black grill in place of the cargo spot.


On the Lift. If you have a 2wd lowering might be OK but dont lower too much.
if you have a 4x4 that just defetes the perpose of 4x4

 

[aldive]

Kris, that sounds exactly what we are looking for. How much does it cost? Whats involved in the install? How much power does it require in an amp?

The Explorer in question is 2wd and will never be off the road unless, God forbid, it gets run off.

Lowering will make it more stable and definately has a nice look.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I think the JL Box costs about $500.00 Keep in Mind that there are other boxes like it. Most made of cheap materials. The JL box is made of Fiberglass and it comes with a very good Sub disigned for the Box. Other boxes you have to buy the sub seperatly. I have a 260 watt amp running my sub but that is over kill on the Wattage for this sub. The amp fit in the space I had available perfectly. Install requires installing an amp and hookign the speaker wire to the Box connection, you have to take down the trim on the passenger side out and to install the Box and grill.

 

[aldive]

Kris, what would you recommend for door speakers? An amp to power them? And a headunit?

Thanks, your knowledge is appreciated....

 

[PLRBEAR]

For the door speakers, i somehow like the way Polk Audio speakers sound. Is it just me, or do those speakers sound really nice and mellow?

Headunit: Clarion Pro-Audio Series
4 channel amp: Kicker Impulse
Sub amp: SOUNDSTREAM RULES!

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

I have four pioneer 6x8 Three way in my Navajo powered off the Head unit. The Head unit I have has 45x4 power rating and that is good if you ask me. if you get a head unit with less power than that I would use an Amp to power the speakers. If you afford 6 1/2" componets that would be good too but they have to be custom mounted.

I have a Kenwood mp3 player that installed about a month ago I have been Pleased with it so far. I have always had Sony Head units till now. I had some problems with my last one.

 

[aldive]

Originally posted by Kris Guilbeaux
I have four pioneer 6x8 Three way in my Navajo powered off the Head unit. The Head unit I have has 45x4 power rating and that is good if you ask me. if you get a head unit with less power than that I would use an Amp to power the speakers.

I was looking at Kenwood HUs today and didn't see any with 45 x 4 power. What model is it?

Thanks....

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

JL Stealthbox

Aldive

I have a perfect proposition for you. Would you (or your customer) like to buy my Stealthbox? I bought a new sub and it doesn't fit in the Stealthbox, so I am getting a new box to fit in the same location that will hold my new sub. I have used it less than a year, and I listen to rock music, not rap or techno, so it hasn't been abused at all. The best part is, I have the top-of-the-line JL sub in there, the 10W6. Stealthboxes normally come with the 10W0, which is JL's budget sub, but I upgraded to the W6 when I got the box. The box cost me $600 and the sub another $220, and I would be willing to sell it for $500. Let me know if you are interested (or anyone else).

peace

Mike