Explorer 1 Finally gets a paint job!

[Explorer 1]

After 23 years and close to 50 modfications old Explorer 1 is finally getting a proper paint job. All new rubber is also in store for the worn out parts along with yet another modification, hood louvers. I'm even replacing the tail lights, and all the front plastic trim.

First will be the upper portions (hood & roof) painted a pastel gray to match the carbon fiber Autohouse roof tent. Below this will be the original white and then the lower body will have a black bed liner material.

All chrome has been removed and is either being painted matt-black or anodized black.

New windshield along with all other weatherstriping.

I've already had the integrated roof rack and spare tire holder powder coated a textured matt-black.

Hopefully, it will all come together when it's finished.

Here it is as I dropped it off at the body and paint shop.

It will take a few weeks, I'll post as progress is made.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[marshal]

moar

 

[thedjjack]

I removed my back windows and paneled over the back on my XJ. I always liked the look...

When I added a spare tire rack I moved the rear plate,,,so I glassed in the plate spot on the back hatch

Probably too late but rust paint and a roller gives a offroadable paint job for very few $$$ which returns lots of $$$ for gas....

 

[Explorer 1]

I removed my back windows and paneled over the back on my XJ. I always liked the look...

When I added a spare tire rack I moved the rear plate,,,so I glassed in the plate spot on the back hatch

Probably too late but rust paint and a roller gives a offroadable paint job for very few $$$ which returns lots of $$$ for gas....

I gave some thought about removing the rear panel windows and covering them over with sheet metal. The spare tire holder I designed covers so much of the rear window I decided to leave the side windows in, hopefully to give me some, if limited, visability toward the rear of the vehicle.

I've owned this vehicle since new in 1990, it was my DD for years then I gave it to my mom to drive. When I started off roading I would borrow it for the weekend and then give it back to her with a few more scratches on Monday. It became my full time off road vehicle at 94,000 miles, it now just past 150,000. It has been such a good and capable vehicle over the years I've become somewhat sentimental about it and decided to go ahead and bite the bullet (meaning spending more $$ than it is worth) to bring back some of the shine and curb attractiveness it had years ago.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

Slow progress this week.....

Progress was slow this week, shop says next week they should be able to spend more time on it:

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

Work continues slowly..............

Finally all the body work has been completed and tomorrow the first coat of paint starts......that is after the rest of the windows are taken out.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

more prep pics

Even my wife got into the act, here she is fixing the dash board cracks:

openings for the hood vents complete:

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[locrwln]

Wow that is doing it right. I think you almost to the point of just making a screen door for the hood...:sombrero:

Jack

 

[Explorer 1]

I think you almost to the point of just making a screen door for the hood...:sombrero:

Jack

Now there's an idea, if this doesn't work!

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

Some Progress..........................

On goes the white, two days and the the gray is applied.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

More progress.........................

On went the gray top and hood prep. Then we'll apply two coats of clear.

Maybe by next week we'll be reday to start replacing the glass and weatherstriping.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[Explorer 1]

Windshield installed and hood painted..........

Another visit to the shop and found the windshield and powder coated trim installed.

The hood vents along with the hood have been painted,

Hopefully, if the weather cooperates, we'll get all the painted window trim alonhg with the new weatherstriping in with the glass.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[HoneyBadger]

Looking good!! Can't wait to see it finished. I hope to get mine in next month.

 

[Explorer 1]

Front grill gray or go with the black???????

My original plan was to have the front grill and headlight assembly be a flatter black, but the painter thought it would look better carrying the gray over the top of the hood and down the front grill. Here is a preliminary view of it......what are any of your thoughts....?

Spent some time today finding some weather stripping that's not available anywhere except at junk yards in XJ's given up as dead.

Thanks,
Fred
Explorer 1

 

[HoneyBadger]

I think it was a good choice. Do you have any plans for the bumpers and carrier or are they staying black?