Stealthbox Grille Help - 2000 XLT

[Johnny K]

Looking for anyone that has installed a stealthbox in their 2000 Explorer. In mine, Ford has switched from the net for the storage box to a plastic piece molded into the frame for the assembly..

With the net, you simply took the net out and put the grill in it's place.. with this setup, I'll have to cut plastic to remove the molded piece or try to buy a 99 or earlier "frame" piece to have a clean install.

Anyone else run into this.. If so what was your solution?

I called JL and they haven't seen it yet.. mid-year change?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Alec]

I saw a couple of older-style net pieces on Ebay a few days ago. You might look there. They were about $20.

 

[Johnny K]

Thanks for the reply.. Weird cause I have that auction bookmarked. I spoke with the guy via email in regards to other Explorer parts he had for sale and he quoted me $25 for the frame piece plus shipping.. I said I thought it was a little steep for the frame and he never replied, rather he posted it to Ebay as the entire box for $20.. Still may bid...

My interior is tan, so I don't know if I can paint the gray to match?

Thoughts?

Thanks,

 

[David99XLT]

My 99 had the plastic piece you are refering to. I had no problem with it at all. Just installed the box and snapped the cover back on. You shouldn't have to switch it. Hope that helps.

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Go to a slavage yard and Pull one. You wont need the anything but the frame. Or you could alway Find a Factory Style JBL grill..

 

[Johnny K]

Good point. Might have to get on the horn to see if any places have explorers on the lot.. I think for sure 95+ it should fit..

Thanks,

Johnny K

 

[charger1]

I have a 2000 Explorer that came with the plastic storage box in the rear compartment. When I installed my sub box the plastic storage compartment had to go. It will pop out of the plastic surround panel with some effort. There are a bunch of plastic clips that hold that plastic storage box to the larger panel. Once the storage box is out The grill for the sub box fit right into the opening - No problem.
Hope this helps.

 

[Johnny K]

Unfortunately, I believe mine is different than yours... Ford must have lots of parts laying around?

Did yours have the netting to hold items in the "cubby hole"? Rather than a net, mine has a plastic "retainer" that comes 1/2 way up the cubby hole to keep items in there.. The "retainer" is molded into the outside trim piece. On the ones with the net, the outside trim is just a frame that you can sandwich the grille between it and the side panel.

I can sandwich the grille in there, and then snap it into place (mine doesn't have individual clips, rather it just snaps in place.. but then the sub opening will be open 1/2 of what it's supposed to be (because of the molded "retainer").. I'll ether have to try to cut it off with an exacto knife or get a tan one (or other color and paint it) from a salvage yard..

I should take a pic!

Thanks for the reply.

Johnny K
Cleveland, OH