The Ford Explorer ST is pretty mean for a crossover, and it tends to hold its value even after it’s been damaged. That’s prompted several YouTubers to bring the Explorer ST back to life after being crashed, and Peter K recently documented what it took to repair some significant rear-end damage dealt to one example of the high-performance crossover.
The details regarding this particular Ford Explorer ST are slim. It’s not clear how it sustained the extensive damage to its back end, but it was clearly involved in a rear-end collision. The first thing to do is pull the crumpled frame back into some semblance of order. There’s quite a bit of work to be done after that, though. The liftgate is pretty damaged, necessitating attention – along with some of the rear panels on the vehicle.
After straightening what he can from outside the vehicle, Peter dives into the interior, removing seats to bare the floorboards and other crushed panels. He measures it to make sure both corners are the correct length, slicing and dicing as necessary. Then, it’s time to bring in the donor parts. Peter acquired the rear section from a different Ford Explorer ST and sets about grafting it onto the vehicle on his operating table – or lift, as it were. The donor section requires some modification to make sure it lines up, and then it’s time to put it all together.
Peter bolts the two halves of the Ford Explorer ST up. The colors don’t match, but he says he’s sending it off to a different shop for the final touches to be put on. All said and done, the Explorer ST is well on its way to recovery, and when it’s all painted and put back together, it’ll surely be good as new.
At least this Ford Explorer ST fared better than a Ford Bronco Sport that ended up in the hands of another YouTuber, which someone marked with a sloppy pentagram in the headliner.
Another matching carbon part among several.
Which could have a massive impact on the economy.
This time, likely due to human error.
A very nice example of the early model.
The family-friendly pony car has remained a hot rumor for years.
Joining the Puma Gen-E in that regard.
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So….I watched the entire video of the Ford Explorer ST restoration. To call Peter K. an artist is a gross understatement! Peter is a freak’n magician. His training and technical expertise is unimaginable let alone unbelievable.
Watching this video gives me a new found respect for body shop mechanics. In fact the words “body shop mechanic” doesn’t even come close to describe what they do in resurrecting a damaged vehicle. They are body shop artisans!
I was watching Pete do tasks that I had no idea had to be done to insuring a repaired vehicle is “square” and completely drivable.
My hats off to you Peter K; a true artisan!