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R2D2's 2022 ST - KISS Build

Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#1
OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #2
Last edited:
OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #3
Installed the dash cam with minimal cable visibility and out of sight from drivers point of view.
IMG_20230106_103756.jpg
IMG_20230106_112854.jpg
But not happy with the way 12V outlet on the Ford still continue to get power after engine shut-off.

Pending works
  1. hardwiring (from fuse or mirror)
  2. rear cable routing to prevent cable dangling.
  3. adding few accessories to dash cam
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #4
Had to leave brand new car parked for a month because of a family vacation.
Filled fuel to full tank and over inflated the tiers, in preparation for the 5 weeks storage.
Asked a friend to start the car in-between. (App based Remote start works anywhere in the world :eek:)
IMG_20230313_184603.jpg
Came back to find an even coat of dust over ST. Everything else was working fine.
Took it to a touchless wash the very next day.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #5
Added Screen Protector to the (in) famous tablet.
Before (L) and After (R) pictures.
SP.jpg
Mixed feelings :
(+) lowest pricing of all the options out there
(+) looks ok and works good.
(-) not fully matching the screen outline
(-) Fixing requires some bit of improvisation, than what the instruction says.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #6
Glove box DIY clip.
Found one plastic clip (inside picture) lying around my house. Trial fitted and it worked.
IMG_20230313_113611_2.jpg Saved me some money and a 3D printing machine :p
May need to screw it down later, if it becomes loose.
 

Last edited:
OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #7
Trailer Hitch Cover. Just want to keep the hitch insides clean.
Presentation1.jpg
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #9
Magnetic Car Phone Holder - Took almost 30 mins to find an ideal position that works for me. Working great so far.
Presentation3.jpg
Since I have not glued the magnet on my phone (it just stays between the phone and case), have have lot of freedom with mounting options.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #10
Android Auto cables, Music USBs and a tiny Fast charger.
Presentation4.jpg
Everything bought specifically to mix & match, and use with ST ports in the front.
The fast charger is so small, the 12V socket can be closed with the device inside it.

Future plans : Wireless android auto is under consideration, but I prefer the wired setup over the wireless one.
I might consider if some new product comes up with end to end integration and added features.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #11
Husky Cargo Liner
Material and design feels good. Should serve the purpose of protecting the cargo carpets from the elements.
But fit and finish could be better. Didn't really like the Velcro strips placement underneath the mat.
The openings for the tether are at wrong positions (I wont be needing it though)
Need to make a cut in the middle, if I need to fold the seats individually.
IMG_20230316_152714.jpg
IMG_20230316_152341.jpg
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #12
Plasti-dipping Rear emblem.
IMG_20230325_205501.jpg
Top left - after masking
Top right - after third coat
Bottom left - after it was dry
Bottom right - final look (night photo)

Cost - zero (had the things left from last project)
Time - 20 mins
Super happy with the result, hence next, the front one.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #13
next, the front one.
IMG_20230328_084342.jpg

Not fitting that good, with all the piano black grill surround. But still better than the OEM blue emblem.
I might have to redo this in the future. Or add a gloss finish coat over it.
 

OP
R2D2

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #14
ST pedal covers.
Photos with and without flash
IMG_20230401_145619.jpg IMG_20230401_145719.jpg
+ Looks really good
+ Feeling no different in operation
- bit of struggle to put the brake pedal one
- the aesthetic front end can come out of the rear rubber attachment over time (suspect the brake pedal again).
 

Messages
176
Reactions
106
Points
37
Location
Hudson, NY, USA
#15
Thought will make a thread for all the additions to my ST. Keep It Simple & Small (budget) build.
View attachment 16900
The picture taken on the day ST has landed on the dealer lot. I happened to be there for just a test drive. Didn't think I will be taking delivery after a month.
Love a budget build
 

OP
R2D2

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #16
Ford Protect Premium Care added for 48k miles, $0 deductible, 6 years, including rental, key replacement and lights, @ $1840

I called the ford protect directly, when I realized I no longer can get on online, if you are from California.
There was some $200 discount from the person at the phone applied and you get 0% APR for 30 months, with 10% down.

I was quoted $3500 along with the vehicle. (don't remember the exact details of the plan offered)
Other options for people outside of California. Should be cheaper as well.
  1. Flood Ford
  2. Granger Ford
  3. Anderson Ford
 

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OP
R2D2

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #17
Caught between a spring bloom and a huge fog cloud.
IMG_20230409_192446.jpg IMG_20230409_192103.jpg
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #18
I was waiting for TuxMat floor mats to become available, for the last few months. Just ordered it on their website, for all three rows.

Now the wait game starts. Last time it took close to a month to reach me. Let's see how it goes this time.

They are on the expensive side. But I loved it on my previous vehicle and no one else came close when it came to quality and coverage.
 

OP
R2D2
Messages
293
Reactions
220
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
Thread Starter #19
Black out ST badging trials.
IMG_20230410_183713.jpg
Sharpie solution, to see if it actually look good or not.
I'm on the fence, or I think I like the red more.
I have time till my ST experience day in July, to decide.
 

Messages
176
Reactions
106
Points
37
Location
Hudson, NY, USA
#20
Black out ST badging trials.
View attachment 17388
Sharpie solution, to see if it actually look good or not.
I'm on the fence, or I think I like the red more.
I have time till my ST experience day in July, to decide.
I did mine with a universal black touch up pen/brush going on a year no issues looks good still. The first vinyl insert only lasted a couple months in winter .
 



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