2022 Ford Explorer Platinum ST

PlatinumST · May 21, 2022

Had a night of incomplete projects. Removed the Platinum and 4WD badges off the rear only to find that we ran out of Goo Gone. Started installing the Redline hood struts only to find it requires a rivet gun. I'll be able to finish both projects tomorrow after I get the missing items. I did have everything I needed to install some blue aluminum pedal covers, so there's that! Pretty basic stuff, but I'll post pictures tomorrow when there is better lighting for the sake of tracking the process.

I also rediscovered how much I enjoy working on cars. It's been years since I did all my own wrenching. I think one of my neighbors has a lift, so I think I'll take the time to install everything myself rather than paying a shop to do it. It'll definitely take longer, but I think it'll be much more fulfilling.

CareerFiremanGuy · May 21, 2022

PlatinumST said:

You remind me of what I used to do!
I did the usual brake jobs & tune up's, then graduated to replacing carbs, intake manifolds, shocks/struts, rear axles, shifters, transmissions, etc.
Now, I don't even do my own oil changes. Lol

Keep up the good work.

PlatinumST · May 21, 2022

Turns out pulling the letters off is the easy part. Getting the adhesive off took a while but worth it to achieve a cleaner look.

I'm sure most people are smarter than me, but when installing the Redline hood struts, be sure to remove the prop rod BEFORE putting the struts on.

Was envious of all the pretty aluminum ST pedal covers. Since I don't have an ST I found these blue covers instead. I think the blue will work out better anyway. I plan on using blue for an interior accent color as well. Found a blue start button and ring but will wait to install those until I turn the green light blue on the start button and get the wood colored and black trim wrapped either in a blue or a blue carbon fiber look vinyl.

Lastly, you can't take certain hardware with you everywhere you go, so this makes me feel a little better about life when I have to leave it behind.

CareerFiremanGuy · May 22, 2022

PlatinumST said:

Personally, I'm against debadging of any type!

I've owned several dozen cars over the years, never debadged one of them. That's just me.

Great! Now they'll just take your entire vehicle to get at what's inside the lock box.

p.s. I got tired looking at all the work you did. I need to chill and grab a cup of Joe

PlatinumST · May 23, 2022

Body shop reached out today. Explorer goes in tomorrow for body matched paint and blacking out all the "chrome". They estimate it will take TWO WEEKS! Does that seem like a really long time to anyone else?!

GearHead_1 · May 23, 2022

Do you know the process they're planning to use to black the chrome pieces? I'll be interested to follow this.

PlatinumST · May 23, 2022

GearHead_1 said:

A lot of sanding by hand. I can't remember if there remove the chrome or just rough it up. That have a special prep spray, primer and paint. Because there is so much detail on the grill I believe we'll be swapping it for a black ST line grill. From what I understand it has the same design as the Platinum and ST with out the ST badging. This will reduce the number of hours required to sand. They will also pull all the plastic trim and sand the texture off and then also spray it with a special prep before primer and body matched paint. All the chrome pieces will be painted a flat black to somewhat match the Velgen wheels. The chrome lines on the door handles will eventually get blue pin stripping to cover it.

GearHead_1 · May 23, 2022

I was wondering if they might try a translucent black over the chrome, I was watching a show on TV the other day where they did this and it very nearly looked like black chrome, well heck, I couldn't tell the difference. This process as I saw it eliminated the need to sand the chrome. Can't wait to see the progress, very cool.

PlatinumST · May 23, 2022

GearHead_1 said:

I'm pretty stocked! I'll try to get over and take occasional pictures of the progress. May try to talk him into letting me install the Whipple IC while he has the front end of. aFe CAI and charge pipe may be easier to install at this time as well. The only thing that worries me is that I'll be taking it on a road trip to CA the day after I get it back. I've never done an IC before and don't want to goof it up before a road trip...

GearHead_1 · May 23, 2022

If he will let you do it and he has it apart, it will be a breeze. You're already halfway home. Have you picked out your black Ford oval?

GearHead_1 · May 23, 2022

Since we're pretty close on the map, do you mind if I ask who is doing the work?

PlatinumST · May 23, 2022

GearHead_1 said:

Not at all. Penta Auto Collision in Orem will be doing the work. They're a small, hole in the wall shop, but do excellent work.

DetroitST · May 24, 2022

I've raced 2 TRX's while I was fully loaded with tools both times and won by more than a car each time.

ghostfranklin · May 24, 2022

@DetroitST LFG

PlatinumST · May 26, 2022

@ghostfranklin, @2PAC
While I enjoy your conversation about the various Hellcat platforms and such, this is my build thread. How would you feel if we started a thread about all things Hellcat (or even Bimmer) vs the Explorer ST (or Platinum)? I'm sure there would be other forum members who would have a fair bit too contribute as well

PlatinumST · May 26, 2022

Got a text letting me know my tire guy found some Pirelli PZ4s in 315/35/22! Will be mounting them to 22x10.5 Velgen VF5s. Should be ready about the time the Explorer comes out of paint.

Also confirmed with the paint shop that they'll let me come in and install the IC, charge pipes and CAI while they have the front bumper/grill off.

Stage one is slowly coming together! [clap]

2PAC · May 26, 2022

PlatinumST said:

Sorry about that!

Sounds like a great idea, If you start the thread I'll post videos of me running St's against various stuff I have coming in, as would others. Would be a better place to discuss it as well.

STFan · May 26, 2022

Just cleaned this up a bit for the OP.

Please continue the Hellcat discussions here https://www.explorerst.org/threads/all-things-hellcat-and-other-platforms-vs-the-explorer.3891/

ghostfranklin · May 31, 2022

2PAC said:

Didn't mean to hijack either, all for a new thread

PlatinumST · Jun 3, 2022

Stopped by the body shop this morning to check on the progress and found that things start going back together again starting tomorrow, so if I was going install the IC and charge pipe it has to be done today. Just shy of 5 hours and I got both installed.

Whipple IC. I've seen the comparison pictures of the stock vs Whipple IC, but holy smokes! There's a huge size difference to be sure! I also opted to remove the louvres like a few others have.

FenFab charge pipe in Aztec Blue with black TurboSmart RacePort BOV. The black and white picture included for reference in how to plumb the BOV was a bit confusing at first, but I got things figured out. So far I'm liking the blow off sound. This is my first turboed vehicle. Kind of fun.

Paint should be done on Monday, just in time for a road trip to CA on Tuesday.

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