Wanted: Pre-1976 Xplorer (later year might be fine, too)

[calikelsey@hotmail.com]

Hi! I'm looking for an Xplorer 224, year 1975 or before. I live in California and don't want to mess with the smog tests. However, I'd consider a newer Xplorer (late 70s, 80s) if you've got one - as long as it's the short-stature kind without the bubble top. I know there are some later Xplorers out there that mimic the look of a larger RV and sort of look like a Class C, and that's not the style I'm after.

There was a 1973 Xplorer recently for sale (a few months ago) somewhere in Oregon, but it was sold before I could get my hands on it. I found another one in Tennessee (I think it was a 1976), but I lost out on that one, too! There has to be an Xplorer somewhere in the U.S. that I can snag!

My only requirement is that it must run, since I'll be driving it back to the West Coast. I'm fine with some need for restoration. Just a good, solid motor and trans, please.

 

[Bruceper]

I took a quick look but couldn't find any.

In Cali, are you allowed to swap out the engine for a newer one and still be legal? I'm thinking first gen fuel injection engine and four speed transmission which would improve power and economy.

 

[calikelsey@hotmail.com]

I took a quick look but couldn't find any.

In Cali, are you allowed to swap out the engine for a newer one and still be legal? I'm thinking first gen fuel injection engine and four speed transmission which would improve power and economy.

For Cali rules - if the vehicle is 75 or before, you can put any engine you want in it. If it's post 1975, the engine must be newer than the vehicle. An engine swap is definitely something I'd entertain at some point or another - especially before I took it out on any cross-country trips.

I've got a dozen searches set up on various sites, looking for a 70s xplorer, but the only ones on my radar at the moment are a few from the early 90s.