Looking at 1971 Explorer - Help with numbers

[ktlspop]

I ran across a 1971 Explorer pickup here in Texas that is totally rust free and runs like a top. It has 43k orignal miles and was parked in the barn for many years after the original owner died. There are a couple of "old man driver" rubs on the body. Anyway, I wasn't really looking to buy another truck, but these damn things are like peanuts, I can't stop.

Here's the question, the orignial paint is gold. The door tag shows a color code of x. Also, the seqential number is L88270. Do you think this might be late 1971 that got painted with a 1972 color code? or was this maybe a special order? I'll post a picture of the truck when I get home. I'm at work now. Thanks.

By the way, the fellow with the truck wants $2000. Good buy?

[granitestate68]

Did you by any chance see the deciphering VIN codes on the home page? You might get some info there. Look at both the 71 and 72. From that it looks like it's the light goldenrod for a 72 Explorer Special. $2000 , that sounds really good if like you say there isn't any rust. Good luck with it.

[sdranch71]

The 71 color code of X is Light Ginger Metallic, which is different than the 72 X color code of Light Goldenrod Yellow. I believe this is one of the three 71 Explorer special colors, in some references called Saddletan Metallic.

Jim

[ktlspop]

Thanks. Here are the pictures. Ginger metalic and goldenrod are some of the strange old Ford color names. It looks gold to me. By the way. It runs and drives great. I am concerned about running unleaded gas in this truck. If I get it do you think I'll need to put in a lead additive? Do they still make that stuff? Thanks for the help guys.

P.S. I've been trying to add a couple of pictures to illustrate, but have been unable to. What's the trick?

Well, try this http://www.fordification.com/galleries/ ... 2&pos=-969

[69F110]

ktlspop... I'd say buy it. Very nice from what I see. Straight and nice color too.

2000 sounds good to me, you can always try to tlak down, but it sounds good.

[granitestate68]

I've been running unleaded in my 68 and have had no problems at all. NICE truck. Man, up here he would get at least 4-5K for it. If I had $1999 more dollars, hell, I'd come pick it up Grab it!!!!!! , But always negotiate, it can't hurt.

[Joe Kriston]

Definitely a good buy,especially with only 43,000 miles...Interior looks good,everything else seems in presentable shape...One question....Shouldn't the Explorer have the side molding?...I don't see any,..or holes where it was removed...

[Ozark Tim]

Yeah, my 72 Explorer 100 is code X and it is yellow with a black roof. Also it has the rocker trim, and the spear trim on the side. It also has all the windshield trim and the factory Explorer bed rail's, tailgate band, and original mag style hub cap's. Not to mention the big EXPLORER at the rear of the bed side. I have only owned this 72 Explorer for a few months and do not know that much detail about them, but thats how my original is outfitted. It was built 12-71. Even if it is, or is not an Explorer ( looks like a custom to me ) it could be worth the money. What kind of options does it have?
OT

[ktlspop]

The only place it is badged as explorer is on the glovebox door. It has custom as the badges on the bed. Do you think it is a real explorer? Anyway, not many options, automatic, 302 and 3.25 open rear end.

[sdranch71]

I examined both 71 & 72 Explorers that were for sale here locally a while back. 71 Explorers did not have the Explorer nameplate on the side of the bed (only 72's did); they either had regular Custom or SportCustom nameplates. The only place you will find an Explorer nameplate on a 71 is on the glovebox.

Likewise, a 71 Explorer Custom would not have as standard any side or windshield mouldings. Upper bodyside moudlings were available an as option as part of the Explorer "B" package. Lower side & windshield mouldings would have required the Explorer package be ordered on a SportCustom. Also, I noticed in your pictures the truck has bright driprail mouldings, were were also unique to a 71 Explorer Custom. It should also have front bumper guards, but the bumper has obviously had work done to it or been changed, as it should be chrome.

With the unique color code of X (which was one of the Explorer special colors), and the Explorer nameplate on the glovebox, I am 99.9% sure it is a Custom with the Explorer "A" package.

BTW, the 71 I looked at locally 2 yrs ago was a Grabber Blue Custom with the "A" package, rust free/faded paint, rebuilt 302, automatic, no PS, with about 135K miles as I recall. It sold for about $800 (I wasn't fast enough on the trigger )

Jim